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.