A Thread of Light

A heart-wrenching WW2 historical novel of betrayal, sacrifice, and the fight for Indian independence during the Blitz

By: Neema Shah

Narrated by: Maya Saroya

A story of sacrifice and betrayal during the Blitz, A Thread of Light is the stunning second novel by Neema Shah, author of Kololo Hill.

'Not just a story of two very different women trying to survive the Second World War, A Thread of Light brings to life a part of British history that is less well known.' - Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City

'With its rich blend of history, culture and intoxicating sensory detail, readers of historical fiction are sure to love it' – Carolyn O'Brien, author of The Song of Peterloo

London, 1941.

As the city thrums with Blitz bombers, lonely air raid warden Ruby is drawn into the unfamiliar world of the India Forum, where a group of Londoners are working tirelessly to free India from British rule.

Ruby has her own secret motives for joining the fight, but when she meets Satyajit, charming, aloof, and potentially dangerous, she finds herself torn between head and heart.

Lawyer Kitty is helping Indian men in Britain challenge conscription. Having left her family behind in Bombay to marry the man she loves, now she risks losing him as well.

As Kitty and Ruby’s lives collide, the threat of violence closes in. Just how far are they willing to go for the people they love?

Readers are loving A Thread of Light:

'An extraordinary novel that captured my heart and mind from the very first page' *****
'This is a fascinating and compelling read' *****
'An unforgettable, heart-wrenching tale of love and sacrifice . . . I cannot recommend this book highly enough' *****
'This book really touched me' *****

Critic reviews

Not just a story of two very different women trying to survive the Second World War, A Thread of Light brings to life a part of British history that is less well known. Immersive, thrilling and with characters that feel incredibly real. I loved every moment (Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City)

Fiercely passionate and highly original . . . Both women are beautifully drawn, wonderfully flawed and always compelling. With its rich blend of history, culture and intoxicating sensory detail, readers of historical fiction are sure to love it. (Carolyn O'Brien, author of The Song of Peterloo)

I found myself completely caught up in Ruby and Kitty's stories . . . A Thread of Light has everything you want in a story; compelling history and riveting suspense experienced by utterly believable characters (Helen Paris, author of The Invisible Women's Club)

A Thread of Light is a deeply moving novel set within the crucible of wartime Britain and the Indian struggle for independence. Here, Shah has created a multi-layered story not only of two women’s struggle for survival but also of nations battling for autonomy and their own humanity. An illuminating, visceral, and essential read (Stephanie Scott, author of What's Left of Me is Yours)