What I like most about A Thread of Light is the creative way author Neema Shah has used tiny details of everyday life. Her painstaking research brings to life a tumultuous period which was at risk of being forgotten. Food, clothes, travel, education, sport – every aspect of the experiences of Indians living abroad during the struggle for independence is explored.
The story is told from the points of view of two young women living in London at the height of WW2. Indian national Kitty has taken refuge in London with her Muslim husband Haseeb, after being rejected by her Hindu family because of their inter-faith marriage. She is an Oxford educated barrister, but due to misogyny and racism she is unable to land a job which is appropriate to her ability level. Ruby, a working-class air raid warden who is the daughter of an Indian father and White English mother, is keen to explore her Indian heritage. Both women must face enormous challenges. Ruby courageously faces the horrors of the Blitz while trying to cope with a family bereavement and hiding a dark secret. Kitty’s biggest problem is loneliness. She has one female English friend from university who invites her to parties, but this only makes her feel like the token foreigner.
Kitty and Ruby meet at the India Forum, an organisation set up by expatriate Indians to promote the cause of Indian independence. Unfortunately, no two members of the Forum agree on how to achieve this objective. The women are not drawn to each other and have only minimal contact, until Ruby’s attraction to the brooding Satyajit begins to affect the group and the cause they share.
I recommend A Thread of Light for its original and illuminating view of a small but meaningful chunk of colonial history.

A memorable story as much because of its ability to educate as well as its ability to entertain. Set in London, the travails of life during the Blitz are kept sharply in focus and yet the parallel troubles in a UK-based fight for an independent India still find an important place in the narrative. A dark story where it often seems like little progress is being made on either front, but one where it feels right that it is now given a current and broader audience.

Second World War and the Indian independence movement in London during the 1940s.
This fictional account of the Indian Union and its fight for independence emphasises the prejudices against foreign nationals and their skin colour. The author has introduced a number of characters, each of whom has different views on how to achieve peace, but none could foresee the eventual split of India and the movement across the borders of Muslim and Hindi alike.

I found this novel a more informative than an enjoyable read, painting a picture of London under attack from enemy bombs and homeland politics.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

An interesting story, full of conflict and drama, but for me it lacked something in the writing, which meant I didn't engage with the characters as much as I'd have liked. It should have kept me turning the pages, but somehow it didn't.

I'm a fan of WW2 historical fiction and think A Thread of Light is a good and enjoyable read. I liked the two main characters, Kitty and Ruby who are of Indian descent and live in London. The author weaves a good story following the two ladies during war time and the fight for independence for their country and heritage. I felt the first part of the story moved a little to slowly for my liking although it did pick up and soon became an engaging and interesting read. The authors writing is good and very descriptive and I could picture the characters in my mind when reading. I really liked the ending, it gives good closure for both characters as they carry on after end of the war. If you like historical fiction that is just a little bit different I think you'd enjoy this and would recommend it.

3.5 stars

A poignant and thought-provoking historical novel set against the backdrop of wartime London, where the fight for independence intersects with personal sacrifice and love.

London, 1941. Amidst the chaos of the Blitz, Ruby, a lonely air raid warden, finds herself drawn into the world of the India Forum, where a group of Londoners is tirelessly working to free India from British rule. While Ruby has her own secret reasons for joining the cause, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Satyajit—charming, aloof, and perhaps dangerous. Torn between her head and her heart, Ruby faces the struggle of whether to pursue her personal desires or stay true to her duty.

Kitty, a lawyer, is helping Indian men in Britain challenge conscription. Having left her family in Bombay to marry the man she loves, she now risks losing him as well. As the lives of Ruby and Kitty collide, they are drawn into a world of political tension and personal stakes. With violence closing in and the looming threat of war, both women must decide how far they are willing to go for the people they love.

A Thread of Light offers a captivating glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of history, providing a rich narrative about the struggles of the Indian independence movement during the Second World War. The novel is told from the perspectives of Ruby and Kitty, and their character development is vivid and relatable. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, and while the historical accuracy may not be widely known to some readers, the emotional depth and authenticity of the characters make it a compelling read.

This is a beautifully written and immersive book, perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with complex characters, love, and sacrifice at its heart.

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A different slant to a familiar theme. I was unaware of the Indian community and their fight for independence in World War 2. Interesting and enlightening.

I've read a number of books set in WW2 but this was the first which had the backdrop of fighting for freedom for India and what they meant for those living in the UK and back in India. History tends to concentrate on the big picture which as the war and the other issues which were going on at that time don't tend to be as widely known.

It has made me read more about the history of it all as not something I covered at school although did do both World Wars!!

Neema Shah’s A Thread of Light is a poignant and evocative historical novel that weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom against the backdrop of World War II London. This stunning second novel captures the tension and turmoil of a city under siege, while exploring the personal and political struggles of its richly drawn characters.

Set in 1941, the story follows Ruby, a lonely air raid warden who is drawn into the India Forum, a group of Londoners working to free India from British rule. Ruby has her own secret reasons for joining the cause, but her resolve is tested when she meets Satyajit, a charming yet enigmatic figure who complicates her loyalties. Meanwhile, Kitty, a lawyer who left her family in Bombay to marry the man she loves, is helping Indian men in Britain challenge conscription. As their lives intersect, both women must confront the sacrifices they are willing to make for the people they love and the causes they believe in.

Shah’s writing is both lyrical and immersive, capturing the atmosphere of wartime London with vivid detail. The novel’s exploration of themes like belonging, loss, and the cost of freedom is deeply moving, offering a nuanced look at the personal and political conflicts of the time. Ruby and Kitty are compelling protagonists, their struggles and choices adding emotional depth to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Satyajit and the men Kitty fights to protect, adds richness and complexity to the story. The tension between personal desires and political ideals is palpable, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging. Shah’s prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the emotional intensity and historical significance of the story with precision.

A Thread of Light is a story of love and sacrifice, of the bonds that unite us and the choices that define us.

This is a story about the campaign for in independent India during the Second World War.
I understand why this could be a topic around which to build a book but for me it didn’t hit the mark. I found it difficult to identify with any of the characters and found the very similar chapters rather dull.
In the face of immense pressure in the blitz, the campaigners seem oblivious and continue their work without reference to the raids. One of the main characters is a volunteer air raid warden - and a thief. But none of her experiences during the raid are made relevant to the campaign meetings. I found it rather disjointed.

A Thread of Light tells the tale of World War 2 hit London. But it isn't just Britain's war, it is the British Empire's. The book tells of the story of Indians in London, some of whom are not only fighting the war, but also for independence from British rule. This was an interesting new take on what might be considered a familiar tale. Well worth a read.

A Thread of Light by Nerma Shah is a fascinating book.
Here in the UK we are aware of the Raj and of Partition but not with the depth and detail of someone who lived through the events leading up to it.

Keerthanaben is a modern, educated woman who waves her family and settles in London at the time of the blitz because she loves a man her family find unacceptable.

She is an Oxford-educated barrister who becomes Kitty who is consigned to making tea for Free India meetings.

On the surface she has little in common with Ruby a grasping ARP warden but the war pulls them both in to tragedies and tumult and much heart searching.

Should a nan who came to the UK to fight for Indian Independence be expected to be compelled fight for the alien country?

Meanwhile as the war progresses it becomes apparent that before long many Indians will die of starvation as rice is seized from those who most need it.

Kitty develops a dual identity as a cultivated lady in her fox fur or a saro wearing protester. Ruby also has a dual role to play. Both are likeable characters and draw the reader into their lives.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the historical content as much, if not more than, I enjoyed the story! The story centres around Kitty and Ruby, who meet at The India Forum in London, set up to win Independence for India, during the Blitz. Both have something to prove and both go about it in different ways as they decide whether to be ruled by their head or their heart.
This book explores the theme of colonialism and how the enrichment of Britain impacted on the lives of so many as well as the events leading to the Partition of India in 1947. A very interesting read on many levels.

I certainly learnt a lot reading this book about the fight for Independence for India. A very readable tale set during WW2 in London where a group of Indian citizens are trying to fight their cause whilst also surviving and in many cases also contributing to the war effort with plenty of conflict of interests. Although plenty is written about the War it was so interesting to have a different perspective and to be enlightened about this group of people at that time. Good characters who were very easy to get involved with and also making the book easy to read.

I wasn't aware of this history and found it quite enlightening. The writer is clearly very passionate about it and it comes across in the book.

A Thread of Light by Neema Shah is set in London during the Second World War and is told from the points of view of Ruby and Kitty. Ruby works as an air raid warden and Kitty works for the India Forum who are campaigning for independence from the British in India.

It is not an area of history I am overly familiar with and so not sure how historically accurate it may be, however as a novel it is very enjoyable. The characters are well written and feel like they could have been real people. The story its2lf is well paced and I would recommend reading it.

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.