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The Return Present

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The Return Present

By: Sonia Lakshman
Narrated by: Sonia Lakshman
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About this listen

It was about or exactly a time in Poona, India, where in a household of all women–bar Raju–a battle of wills ensues. Ferangiz the unofficial head of the household and her sister Farida go head-to-head in a fight over the fate of Mehnaz, their home’s collective and beloved daughter. One calling, the other warning, both with ferocity of feeling.

Superstition encounters conviction, independence counters devotion, rivalry rules the roost, grief finds its rage.

Who will be right, what will be lost, what will the stars foretell. A gate clangs, a tempest begins, and time unwavering spools its tale.

©2025 Sonia Lakshman (P)2025 Sonia Lakshman Genre Fiction Psychological
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The Return Present is full of love, poignancy, wit, and a keen sense of the absurd. It's a great listen which is beautifully narrated and produced.

Lovely story, beautifully performed

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Within five minutes of pressing play I was hooked.
Listening to this at home in Australia I was quickly transported to India, surrounded by the characters I felt I’d known a lifetime. The author (and narrator) has a voice that simply pulls you in and makes this absolutely addictive. She also has sprinkles of the best humour thrown in when you least expect it and beautifully navigates you through a fantastic storyline (which I’m now convinced is based on a true story it was so realistic).
I’m left hoping the next book is imminent and that we see a lot more from Sonia Lakshman. Amazing debut novel.

The best book I’ve listened to/read in a very long time

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A fabulous story that provides both laughter and tears with glimpses into aspects of Indian culture through the lives and loves of the strong female characters.

Beautiful love story

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It takes something really quite special for an author to make you love their characters deeply; in this, Lakshman weaves a beautiful and raw tale of a family that will make you laugh, break your heart and make you root hard for these women, bringing you along through all the pain and joy of their lives.
Brilliantly told, outstandingly narrated. Cannot wait to see what’s next.

Masterful storytelling

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Enthralling and wonderful family drama. How the instant choices you make can have lasting consequences. Stunning writing. Beautifully produced.

Moving and immersive family saga

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