The House of Hidden Mothers

Bol

'Dazzling. Intense and gritty at times, sparkling and hilarious at others. I found it absorbing, witty, joyous and moving…and that’s all I really want from a book!' - JO BRAND 'Warm and witty' Sunday Times 'The gifted Syal does it again' Indpendent HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET THE LIFE YOU CAN'T HAVE? Shyama, aged forty-eight, has fallen for a younger man. They want a child together. Meanwhile, in a rural village in India, young Mala, trapped in an oppressive marriage, dreams of escape. When Shyama and Mala meet, they help each other realise their dreams. But will fate guarantee them both happiness?... Brimming with warmth, wit and indignation, Meera Syal immerses us in a devastating story of friendship, family and the lengths we will go to have a perfect life. THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MOTHERS is her long-awaited third novel and shows Meera Syal at the height of her literary powers 'Brilliant. It is destined to be a bestseller.' - ESTHER FREUD

Bol Partner

Shyama is in love like she has never been before. Pale and English, Toby, a farmer's son, treats her with the love and respect her former Asian husband never did. Shyama loves so keenly that she badly wants them to have a baby. But at 48 years old, she cannot conceive. She elects to use a surrogate. When Shyama meets the young girl from rural India who will be the surrogate mother, they form a deep friendship. Mala is wise and kind, and ambitious to escape her background. It is only as the child is born that devastating decisions will be made. Decisions that will leave one of them broken...