Little India, East London: Shyama, aged forty-four, has fallen for a younger man. They want a child together.

Meanwhile, in a rural village in India, young Mala, trapped in an oppressive marriage, dreams of escape.

When Shyama and Mala meet, they help each other realise their dreams. But will fate guarantee them both happiness?...

Brimming with warmth, wit and indignation, Meera Syal immerses us in a devastating story of friendship, family and the lengths women will go to have a child.

Meera Syal, CBE, is one of our most acclaimed actors and writers of stage and screen. She starred in the hit series The Kumars at No.42 and recently in the BBC film of David Walliams' The Boy in the Dress. She is currently in David Hare's play, Behind the Beautiful Forevers at the National Theatre, and in the latest series of Broadchurch. Meera Syal is also highly regarded for her funny, sharp and provocative fiction. Her earlier novels are ANITA AND ME and LIFE ISN'T ALL HA HA HEE HEE (now available as a re-issue). THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MOTHERS is her long-awaited new novel.