An Onslaught of Light

By: Natasha Rai

Narrated by: Zenia Starr

In 1990, Vijay and Indu leave India for Australia, seeking a better life for their family.

But the move isn’t easy on anyone. Not gentle Indu who becomes disconnected from her family and her life; nor the ambitious Vijay, who finds himself unmoored in a culture he doesn’t understand. At the centre is Archana, their quiet daughter, for whom a growing understanding of her own queerness grates against the realities of her life.

Years later, Arch lives her ideal solitary, isolated life. When her brother calls to say that Vijay is unwell and needs her help, Arch has no choice but to re-enter the world. Using her pain as a shield from connection, Arch goes about her family duty.

But a chance meeting leads to the potential of a new start—if only she is willing to take a risk and let in some light.

‘Haunting and heartbreaking, Rai’s debut novel deftly weaves a tale of guilt and atonement. The ghost of grief lingers through every page, and the trauma of the past is ever present. And yet, An Onslaught of Light is just that – a powerful journey from alienation to connection, from loneliness to love, from darkness to light.’ SHANKARI CHANDRAN, Miles Franklin winner

‘A mesmerising, insightful, heartfelt novel about grief, belonging and the sometimes unbearable weight of expectations. The writing is so assured, the characters so real and the emotional tension so expertly sustained that it’s hard to believe this is Natasha Rai’s debut novel. I read it fast, in huge, hungry gulps and finished it knowing that Arch, Indu, Vijay and Sunny will be with me for a very long time. Exquisite.’ EMILY MAGUIRE

©2025 Natasha Rai (P)2025 W. F. Howes ltd.

Critic reviews

‘Haunting and heartbreaking, Rai's debut novel deftly weaves a tale of guilt and atonement. The ghost of grief lingers through every page, and the trauma of the past is ever present. And yet, An Onslaught of Light is just that – a powerful journey from alienation to connection, from loneliness to love, from darkness to light.' SHANKARI CHANDRAN, Miles Franklin winner

‘A mesmerising, insightful, heartfelt novel about grief, belonging and the sometimes unbearable weight of expectations. The writing is so assured, the characters so real and the emotional tension so expertly sustained that it's hard to believe this is Natasha Rai's debut novel. I read it fast, in huge, hungry gulps and finished it knowing that Arch, Indu, Vijay and Sunny will be with me for a very long time. Exquisite.' EMILY MAGUIRE