The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
The House of Hidden Mothers

The House of Hidden Mothers

Summary

'Dazzling. Intense and gritty at times, sparkling and hilarious at others. I found it absorbing, witty, joyous and moving…and that’s all I really want from a book!' - JO BRAND

'Warm and witty' Sunday Times

'The gifted Syal does it again' Indpendent

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET THE LIFE YOU CAN'T HAVE?

Shyama, aged forty-eight, 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 we will go to have a perfect life. THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MOTHERS is her long-awaited third novel and shows Meera Syal at the height of her literary powers


'Brilliant. It is destined to be a bestseller.' - ESTHER FREUD

Reviews

  • Moving and incredibly funny at the same time. A great achievement.
    RICHARD E. GRANT

About the author

Meera Syal

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 is also known for her funny, sharp and provocative fiction. Her two earlier novels are Anita and Me (a national curriculum set text) and Life Isn't all Ha Ha Hee Hee. The House of Hidden Mothers is her long-awaited third novel.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more