All the Lives We Never Lived
All the Lives We Never Lived
EGP225.00
Book Summary
| “A writer of great subtlety and intelligence . . . a beautifully written and compelling story of how families fall apart and what remains of the aftermath” Kamila Shamsie, winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2018 “The book everyone is talking about for the summer” Lorraine Candy, Sunday Times In my childhood, I was known as the boy whose mother had run off with an Englishman” – so begins the story of Myshkin and his mother, Gayatri, who is driven to rebel against tradition and follow her artist’s instinct for freedom. Freedom of a different kind is in the air across India. The fight against British rule is reaching a critical turn. The Nazis have come to power in Germany. At this point of crisis, two strangers arrive in Gayatri’s town, opening up for her the vision of other possible lives. What took Myshkin’s mother from India to Dutch-held Bali in the 1930s, ripping a knife through his comfortingly familiar environment? Excavating the roots of the world in which he was abandoned, Myshkin comes to understand the connections between anguish at home and a war-torn universe overtaken by patriotism. Anuradha Roy’s enthralling novel is a powerful parable for our times, telling the story of men and women trapped in a dangerous era uncannily similar to the present. Impassioned, elegiac, and gripping, it brims with the same genius that has brought Roy’s earlier fiction international renown. |
Language: English
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0857058185
ISBN-13: 9780857058188
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New
Out of stock
All the Lives We Never Lived
All the Lives We Never Lived Book Description
Readers will step into the world of Myshkin, a boy whose mother vanished with an Englishman. The story begins with his childhood nickname, “the boy whose mother ran off,” and quickly expands into a sweeping tale of love, rebellion, and political unrest. Meanwhile, Gayatri follows her artistic instinct, leaving behind a traditional life in India for the unknown. The novel moves from a restless India to Dutch‑held Bali in the 1930s, linking personal loss with the rise of British resistance and the Nazi menace. Consequently, Myshkin uncovers how his family’s grief mirrors a war‑torn world, making the narrative both intimate and epic.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy Roy’s vivid descriptions of colonial India and pre‑war Bali. Additionally, the author weaves in the voices of strangers who arrive in Gayatri’s town, offering alternate paths and haunting possibilities. Moreover, the book explores the clash between artistic freedom and societal expectation, showing how each choice reshapes a life. The novel’s pacing balances quiet moments of reflection with sudden, urgent shifts in history, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Key Features of All the Lives We Never Lived
The novel blends personal drama with major historical events, delivering a unique reading experience. Inside, you will find richly drawn characters who grapple with identity, exile, and the cost of rebellion. Furthermore, Roy’s prose is both lyrical and clear, making complex themes accessible to a wide audience. The story also highlights the impact of colonial rule and the early stirrings of independence movements, providing valuable context for modern readers.
Throughout the book, the themes of freedom, loss, and resilience recur. Readers can see how Gayatri’s artistic pursuits challenge patriarchal norms, while Myshkin’s search for belonging reflects a universal yearning. Additionally, each chapter ends with a subtle hint of how past decisions echo into the future, encouraging thoughtful reflection. The narrative’s structure mirrors a tapestry, where each thread adds depth to the whole.
Why Read This Book?
This book offers more than entertainment; it offers insight. Readers will discover a fresh perspective on the 1930s, a period often told from a single viewpoint. Moreover, the novel’s emotional core makes it relatable across cultures and generations. Because the story balances intimate family drama with sweeping historical change, it appeals to both literary enthusiasts and history lovers. Fans of Anuradha Roy’s earlier work will also find her signature subtlety and intelligence on full display.
Additionally, the novel serves as a powerful parable for today’s divided world. Meanwhile, its exploration of patriotism, art, and personal sacrifice invites conversation. Therefore, it makes an excellent choice for book clubs, academic discussions, or simply a quiet evening of immersion. The ending leaves readers with a lingering sense of hope and the realization that every life holds untold possibilities.
About This Book
Published in English, this paperback edition contains 336 pages of engaging storytelling. The ISBN‑10 is 0857058185 and the ISBN‑13 is 9780857058188. Categorized under popular fiction, the book arrives in brand‑new condition, ready for immediate reading. For more details, visit the Goodreads page or explore other titles in our store via the English books collection. Enjoy the journey through lives that were never lived, and let the story stay with you long after the final page.
Be the first to review “All the Lives We Never Lived”
Product Related
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.