From award-winning author Ann Bennett, comes a new, heart-breaking novel set in Singapore, during World War Two.
Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
After her mother's death, Lara discovers a beautiful amulet amongst her belongings, engraved with the words "for Suria."
Suspecting Suria to be the grandmother she never met, Lara travels to Singapore to find out why her mother was committed to the care of a local orphanage during World War Two.
In 1941, Suria, a poor Malay girl working in a tailor's shop and living in a communal warehouse, is befriended by a British officer, Charles Simmonds. They start to grow close, but war threatens to engulf Singapore and tear them apart.
While delving into her grandmother's past, Lara is forced to confront betrayal and brutality as she learns some disturbing truths about families and friendships...
Praise for Ann Bennett
'A vivid account of a brutal period, and a searing exploration of trauma, memory and loss..'
The Lady Magazine.
'Have just discovered this writer ... So descriptive of the Far East. Harrowing in parts but unputdownable! Best author I have read in a very long time.'
Amazon Reviewer.
'This was a story of love, passion and cruelty I could not put down ....' Lizeanne Lloyd - Lost in a Good Book
I raced through this book in just over twenty-four hours ... I literally could not put it down.' Bibliobeth - Goodreads.
'I really loved this haunting, powerful and beautiful novel.' Amazon Reviewer