Shining Hero (Paperback, New Ed)

'"Rich, exciting and moving, with no striving to be exotic – it's not like any other book set in India I've ever read."
BARBARA TRAPIDO'

In a village just outside modern-day Calcutta, a young girl sends a baby floating down a sacred river towards an unknown destiny. Over the years, the river, the golden chain found around his neck, and the hand of fate will link the life of Baby Karna to that of a host of other characters: his teenage mother, Koonty; his half-brother and rival, Arjuna; his destitute foster mother, Dolly; as well as ruthless street thugs, politicians, pariahs and film stars.

In this enchanting novel, which dips luxuriously into the richness of Indian myth and Hindu legend, Sara Banerji thrills us with the twists and turns of Karna's life. Full of tragedy, surprises and strange coincidences, it takes us on an exhilarating ride from the Calcutta underworld, to Bollywood, up into the Himalayas and culminates – as the brothers fight for fame and fortune reaches the point of no return – in a race to the death which only one can win.

"'Shining Hero' is a novel set in modern India, but it tells a story that seems timeless, like a myth or a dream. Sara Banerji is a very gifted storyteller, a natural and a writer of great warmth and directness."
ROBERT NYE, 'The Times'

"An ingenious and surprising novel."
'TLS'