Amma

Amma by Saraid de Silva is an evocative family saga that spans continents and generations. The novel begins in Singapore in 1951, where young Josephina is locked in a room with the father of her betrothed. This life-changing event sets the course for the lives of future generations. As the story unfolds, we follow Josephina and her family's poignant journey through vastly different cultural landscapes, beginning with their move to New Zealand in 1984. Their hopes for a fresh start are dashed by an unforeseen event that alters everything for her children, Sithara and Suri.

By 2018, the narrative shifts to London, where Annie, heartbroken and weary, arrives on her uncle Suri's doorstep. Unaware of the family history that led to Suri's estrangement, Annie's arrival becomes a catalyst for uncovering long-buried secrets and misunderstandings. Through the eyes of these three unforgettable women, de Silva masterfully explores themes of love, loyalty, and the intricate ties that bind families across time and space.

"I couldn't put it down - a moving, heartbreaking (and repairing) family drama. The writing is gorgeous, transporting, powerful: this will be one of the big adult novels of the year" — The Spinoff

"In Amma, the past is never far away - it binds three generations of remarkable women, each juggling their own desires and secrets with the expectations placed on them by tradition and the volatile environments they find themselves in ... A book as shocking and revelatory as any family secret, Amma will leave you shaken and reminded of the power of love and loyalty" — Chris Tse, New Zealand Poet Laureate

"I can't remember the last time a book held me captive the way Amma did... the power of memory, of perspective, pain and love in all its different forms through the eyes of three unforgettable women" — Ore Agbaje-Williams

Amma brilliantly captures the essence of three women's struggles and triumphs against a backdrop of shifting cultures. As circumstance and misunderstanding force them apart, it is their profound love that holds the possibility of knitting them back together before it's too late. This captivating novel traverses the complexities of family bonds and the enduring power of love, making it a must-read for those who appreciate deeply moving and richly woven narratives.