Lovely warm storytelling.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

A wonderful lyrical novel that draws on Toshi's background as a poet to create an evocative and unforgettable tale.

Baring a striking resemblance to Mani Ratnam's movie Anjali, Small Days & Nights is simply extraordinary. At its heart, this melancholy masterpiece addresses the drama family secrets and apparent betrayal can cause when revealed and feels so heartbreakingly close to true life. On hearing of her mothers passing protagonist, Grace leaves her adopted American homeland and returns to put her affairs in order back in Madras. Starting her life effectively anew Grace delves into her past and that of her parents in the hope of experiencing an epiphany and moving forward from her all-encompassing feelings of anger, discontent and alienation.

This is far from an easy read and far from the calm and serenity depicted on the cover but it's a sad, thought-provoking novel written exquisitely by a celebrated poet and essayist. After returning to cremate her mother, flawed Grace discovers she has been left a house on the beach and a sister with Down syndrome who has spent her life institutionalised. She then decides to bring her sister home to take over her care. Doshi cites the institutionalisation of Arthur Miller's son who also suffered from Downs as inspiration for this story but that growing up with a brother with the condition also helped craft her narrative. It's a book that reminds us how we all must strive to do out best in our family environment no matter the circumstances. Many thanks to Bloomsbury Circus for an ARC.