Preeta Samarasan Libri

By the author of the international bestseller Evening Is The Whole Day, this novel set in Malaysia will appeal to readers of Arundhati Roy and Kiran DesaiIn what was once a Scottish tea planter’s mansion in the highlands of Peninsular Malaysia, all religions are one and race is unheard of. That is, until the occupants of what is now known as the Muhibbah Centre for World Peace are joined by Salmah, a Malay Muslim woman. “All are welcome here,” they are reminded by their spiritual leader, Cyril Dragon, who is ignoring news of the changing political climate with its increasing religious intolerance. He is still trying to forget May 13, 1969, when ethnic tensions boiled over into bloodshed. Tale of the Dreamer’s Son guides us from that fateful incident in Malaysian history to the present day. Throughout, Samarasan’s polyphonic, rambunctious prose brilliantly navigates the tug-of-war between ideals and reality.

Set against the backdrop of Malaysia, the story unravels the intricate and hidden secrets of the affluent Rajasekharan family. As the narrative unfolds, the family's dynamics and the impact of their concealed truths come to light, revealing a rich tapestry of relationships and cultural nuances. This debut novel promises to captivate readers with its exploration of family ties and the complexities of personal histories.