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A History of Burning

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A History of Burning

By: Janika Oza
Narrated by: Lipica Shah, KP Upadhyayula
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

An immersive, kaleidoscopic debut for fans of Homegoing and Pachinko: one family's search for a better life through four continents, four generations and a century of change

At the turn of the twentieth century Pirbhai, a teenage boy, is taken from his village in India and travels perilously across the sea to labour on the East African railroad for the British. There, he is given a ruthless order. Following it will ensure his survival. But it will also torment him and reverberate across his family's future for decades to come.

During the waning days of British colonial rule, and as Uganda moves towards independence and military dictatorship, Pirbhai's children and grandchildren come of age in a divided nation. In 1972, when Idi Amin's brutal regime expels the Ugandan Asians, the family has no choice but to flee. In the chaos, they leave something devastating and unexpected behind.

As Pirbhai's grandchildren find their way back to each other in exile in Toronto, a letter arrives that will stoke the flames of the fire that haunts the family. It makes each generation question how far they are willing to go, and who they are willing to defy, in order to secure their own place in the world.

A History of Burning is an unforgettable tour de force, an intimate family saga of complicity and resistance, about the stories we share, what remains unspoken and the eternal search for home.

©2023 Janika Oza (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Political South Asian Creators Africa Emotionally Gripping

Critic reviews

A riveting testament to home, exile, survival, and inheritance (Lisa Ko, author of THE LEAVERS)
As transfixing as a flame (Rachel Khong, author of GOODBYE, VITAMIN)
All stars
Most relevant
I really liked part 1 & 2, 3 was on ok end but a little unsatisfactory

really interesting review of an untold history

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It was a fabulous read , I wanted to go back reading the story every day and read it very quickly!

Fast paced and great characters

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Loved listening to the history of Burning. Quite captivating and full of courage in the face of every adversity.

Fascinating Read

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i was transported to so many different places, people's views and cultures. it was an incredible journey

A beautifully tragic saga

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Although this was based in Uganda for the large parts, as someone born in Kenya, I could relate to much of what was written and giving up the land of your birth. How the Africans were treated and yet lifelong bonds were forged with many. I vividly recall when extended family were made to leave Uganda and arriving as refugees in the UK. Living in refugee camps. Each one fighting that indignity and building amazing lives and many going back to Uganda. P
The political struggle, the Racism all
So real.
We start the story with marriages arranged with unseen spouses and finish with separation and single mums.
All very real and evolving with time.
Powerful ending.

Vivid descriptions, each character so real, they tug at your heartstrings

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