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Savage Beasts

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( 285 ratings, 115 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Set in Calcutta, 1757, Savage Beasts is a propulsive retelling inspired by the Greek myth of Medea. As the East India Company advances under Sir Peter Chilcott's command, Meena, the abused daughter of the Nawab, becomes entangled with James Chilcott, who promises betrayal for a price. Fleeing Calcutta stained by blood and gold, they seek refuge in Ceylon and later the Dutch-controlled Cape of Good Hope. Yet old resentments and betrayals challenge their fragile alliance, forcing Meena to confront the sacrifices demanded when love turns to hate.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction infused with mythological retellings and strong, complex female protagonists. Fans of titles like The Song of Achilles, Ariadne, and Pandora will find this particularly compelling. Also suited for those interested in narratives exploring colonial history, gender, and power dynamics.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

‘A beautiful and unique retelling of Medea. I loved it!’ Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin

‘Absorbing and thoughtful…full of page-turning drama and vibrantly drawn characters. Bold and illuminating’ Claire Heywood, author of Daughters of Sparta

A powerful and page-turning historical retelling inspired by the myth of Medea in 2025

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘A beautiful and unique retelling of Medea. I loved it!’ Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin

‘Absorbing and thoughtful… full of page-turning drama and vibrantly drawn characters. Bold and illuminating’ Claire Heywood, author of Daughters of Sparta

A propulsive retelling inspired by the Greek myth of Medea

Calcutta, 1757.

Bengal is on the brink of war. The East India Company, led by the fearsome Sir Peter Chilcott, are advancing and nobody is safe. Meena, the Nawab’s neglected and abused daughter, finds herself falling under the spell of James Chilcott, nephew of Sir Peter, who claims he wants to betray the company... for a price.

Caught between friend and foe, Meena and James escape Calcutta, their hands stained in blood and pockets filled with gold. In Ceylon, they’re cleansed of their sins by Meena’s beloved aunt Kiran, before the young lovers set sail for the Dutch controlled Cape of Good Hope, with the promise of a new life.

Yet past resentments and present betrayals begin to pile up as they struggle to overcome their differences. And as Meena yet again finds herself in a foreign land without anyone to turn to, she is forced to find out what she is willing to sacrifice when love turns to hate.

The perfect read for fans of The Song of Achilles, Ariadne and Pandora

Extraordinary… Selvarajah skillfully interweaves the familiar story of Medea with something vivid, vibrant and brand new’ Sarah Underwood, author of New York Times bestseller Lies We Sing to the Sea

‘A clever and compassionate retelling of the Medea myth... an ending worthy of the great Greek playwrights’ Laura Shepperson, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Heroines

‘Mythic, rageful and timely… a devastating must read’ Tasha Suri, author of TikTok sensation, The Jasmine Throne

‘A beautiful and unique retelling of Medea’ Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin

Powerful and entrancingUSA Today bestseller, Andie Newton

‘A vivid picture of a dark and difficult world… an emotional journey of a woman’s strength and determination despite all the odds’ Siya Turabi, author of The Last Beekeeper

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Savage Beasts is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and sharp parallels to myth. Bea Fitzgerald praises it as "a powerful, exquisitely crafted story" that is both clever and gripping. Jennifer Hayashi Danns describes it as a "sublime" and searing critique of colonialism, highlighting the complexities foreign women face. Nikki Marmery commends Selvarajah's exploration of colonial evils and the fierce, tragic heroine rushing towards a twisted, inevitable ending. Readers are captivated, with one noting their eagerness to share the book widely and another marking it as a worthy homage to Medea.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008556280

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 May 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: One More Chapter

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Rani Selvarajah studied Classics at the University of Cambridge and has a MSc degree from SOAS University of London. She works in feminist policy and research, having worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade. Rani's debut novel, Savage Beasts, was longlisted for the Mo Siewcharran prize and she is from north-west London and lives with her partner in Berlin.

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