Kitty and Ruby 2 very different ladies 2 different outlooks but one thing in common, and this is that story.

They meet at the Indian Forum during the 2nd Workd War. Ruby is an Air raid Warden Kitty works at the forum, their paths crossed when Ruby had to help with the blackout window not being fully blacked out and having seen a pamphlet decides to go to one of the meetings. And meets Kitty and Jit be had several names that's one of them but it will make sense when you read the book. Kitty is a fully certified lawyer as is her Husband, this is the early 1940's so he has more work but being Indian it's not the plum jobs, rascim is horrendous and Indian is not her free.

So the story is at in the setting of the war and the battle for independence of India is still strong and even the war can't stop it, it may be stifled a bit but the heart of the Indians is obviously India 1st England somewhere else but it depends on the individual. The Nazis are the enemy but there is a debate which can they help the answer very obvious but a few (just a few) aren't sure. There is so much I've learnt from this book and it's incredible to see the inner treatment and heart of the time and their cause. And the inner decisions of the times. A common cause but different objectives caused by religion or ideology that Plague them as unresolved issues always do. One means idea of what freedom looks like and another's can depend simple on the family your born into the choices you make.

This is a fascinating and compelling read I recommend it for a greater understanding of history of a story hidden under the horrors of WW2 . Its the final push for Indias freedom that also lead to the birth of a new nation Pakistan. Highly Recommend.....

As a British-born Indian with Kenyan-born Indian parents, I am always drawn to stories that relate to my home country and the Commonwealth countries, and the premise of this novel really piqued my interest.
I enjoy reading WW2-related stories, but I have never read one that focuses on Indians in Britain. This book shone a light on a part of the war era that I wasn't even aware of.
The story centres around Ruby, an air raid warden, and Kitty, a lawyer. Both have connections to India.
Ruby is half Indian but has never made this public knowledge, and hasn't had to as she favours her English mother in looks, rather than her Indian father.
Hindu Kitty moved to England with her Muslim husband from Bombay after defying her family and marrying out of her religion.
Their stories collide when Ruby finds herself drawn to the India Forum and begins attending meetings where Indians in England are supporting their home country by continuing to campaign for India's independence from the British Empire. Kitty is already a member of the group, however she doesn't trust the stranger in their midst, who doesn't look like them.
I know it is fictional, but it has highlighted a situation that I was unaware of, and I feel compelled to learn more. The occupation of India, and the subsequent independence and partition are such sore topics, right to this day, and the mode of story is just one way to educate those who don't know.
A passionately told story featuring prejudices, love, suspicion, trust, and the questioning of loyalties.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC.

An Unforgettable, Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love and Sacrifice – 5 Stars!

'A Thread of Light' by Neema Shah is an extraordinary novel that captured my heart and mind from the very first page. Set in 1941 London, during the harrowing days of the Blitz, it is a poignant and gripping story that intertwines themes of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom. Shah’s remarkable storytelling skill brings the historical backdrop to life in such a vivid and immersive way that I felt as if I was right there in the midst of the bombings, the tension, and the deep emotional turmoil of the characters.

Ruby, a lonely air raid warden, is one of the main characters whose journey truly resonated with me. She finds herself pulled into the world of the India Forum, a group fighting for India’s independence from British rule. Her motivations are complex and filled with internal conflict, and her encounter with Satyajit, a charming yet enigmatic figure, only deepens her confusion. Their relationship is fraught with tension, both politically and emotionally, and Ruby's struggle between her duty and her desires is beautifully explored throughout the novel.

Kitty, a lawyer helping Indian men challenge conscription, provides a compelling counterpoint to Ruby. Her own personal sacrifices, having left her family in Bombay and now risking her relationship with the man she loves, added further layers of emotional depth to the story. I found myself completely invested in her story, as she faces both external threats and her own inner turmoil.

Neema Shah masterfully weaves these two women's stories together, creating a narrative that is as much about the personal battles of the characters as it is about the larger political landscape of the time. The historical context is woven seamlessly into the narrative, and the urgency of the characters’ choices is made all the more powerful by the tense backdrop of war.

The themes of belonging and loss are explored with such tenderness and raw emotion that I found myself reflecting on the impact of war and the choices we make for the people we love. 'A Thread of Light' is a stunning exploration of sacrifice and resilience, and it left me profoundly moved.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Neema Shah has crafted a tale that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, full of rich, complex characters and a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s a definite five-star read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with depth, emotional resonance, and a powerful message.

This was a very interesting read about identity, particularly if you were part of the British Empire, even if you had the British nationality. Not everyone was considered British... In the case of this novel, being Indian shows different variations of the concept of identity. Not only for the Indians among themselves (and that was particularly interesting!), but also for the British people at large as well as the law.....
With the Second World War as the background in London, I was surprised to learn that many efforts were being done towards the independence of India at that time. This novel shows all kinds of means striving to find a way to Independence whether they were pacifist or violent according to the individual. I found this fascinating ! What I felt was missing though is the lack of dates at the beginning of each chapter, for instance. I would have got a better idea of understanding the temporal development.
A great read that brings the reader to reflect. I highly recommend it.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Well not often say that this book really touched me.

It is a part of history that is not often talked about. The Indian community in England before during and after World War 11, also the fight of the Indians for Independence . The split off then in India to form Pakistan.

Well put together novel that follows 2 women really and their individual fight throughout this time and the risks that were took. Really made you think about the situation today, have things changed that much?

Thank you Net galley for letting me read this book.

This book focuses on a part of the World War II story I haven't read about in a novel before - those who, whilst in the midst of WWII, continued the campaign for Indian independence from the UK.

Kitty is an Oxford educated barrister who has moved to London with her husband Haseeb to assist in the independence cause, leaving an India where her Hindu family has disowned her for marrying a Muslim man.

Ruby is an air raid warden in the blitz who spends her nights responding to air raids and taking risks she shouldn't. She comes across the India Forum in the course of her duties and is gradually drawn into the cause, especially after meeting the charming Satyajit.

Prejudice in all its forms shapes the lives of the characters. Despite being qualified and experienced (and in possession of a cut glass accent), Kitty cannot practice as a barrister in the UK,. Haseeb is being called up to fight for a country that wants him to risk death in its name but won't grant his own country democracy. Ruby aspires to better things but has her own difficult past to contend with.

There are also tensions within the movement itself between those who continue to advocate for peaceful campaigning, and those who believe violence is the only way forward. During the course of the novel both Kitty and Ruby are tested and come more fully into themselves. While there are no easy answers - the book itself being grounded in the real life struggle for Indian independence and results of that - I found the ending satisfying and the book will stay with me for a while.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.