Through a narrative odyssey that traces the complexities of her own ancestry, Mishal Husain sheds light on a landmark historical period. The story follows Mary, a devout Catholic of Anglo-Indian parentage who trains as a nurse, and Tahirah, who grows up in a middle-class Muslim family with a focus on education. As Mumtaz seeks a new path as a doctor and Shahid finds purpose in the Army, the narrative captures a nation divided by social inequality and the upheaval of the Second World War. This account explores the end of British rule in South Asia and the birth of independent India and Pakistan.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover a deeply personal family history set against the backdrop of the partition of India and Pakistan.
• Gain insight into the social and political complexities of the final years of British rule in South Asia.
• Follow the interconnected lives of individuals navigating identity, education, and duty during a time of immense change.

About the Author

Mishal Husain is a prominent British journalist and broadcaster known for her work with the BBC. With a career spanning decades, she has reported from across the globe, covering major international events and interviewing world leaders. Her deep interest in history and her own family background informs this narrative, which bridges the gap between personal memory and the broader historical forces that shaped the modern Indian subcontinent.