A girl is a burden. A girl is a curse.'

Madurai, 1992. A young mother in a poor family, Janani is told she is useless if she can't produce a son - or worse, bears daughters they can't afford. They let her keep her first baby girl but the rest are taken away as soon as they are born. The fate of her children has never been in her hands. But Janani can't forget the daughters who weren't allowed to live.

Sydney, 2019. Nila has a secret, one she's been keeping from her parents for far too long. Before she can say anything, her grandfather in India falls ill and she agrees to join her parents on a trip to Madurai - the first in over ten years. Growing up in Australia, Nila knows very little about where she or her family came from, or who they left behind. What she's about to learn will change her forever...

Perfect for fans of Christy Lefteri and Delia Owens.

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FEATURED IN COSMOPOLITAN AND GLAMOUR'S BEST BOOKS OF 2023

'Heartrending but ultimately hopeful, this richly evocative and spellbinding book will touch your soul' VERONICA HENRY

'Haunting, moving, completely compelling - an incredible debut' JENNIFER SAINT

'Once read it is not easily forgotten' DAILY MAIL

'A beautiful story, hauntingly written' JULIE COHEN

'A captivating and riveting debut from an unforgettable new voice' LOUISE O'NEILL