A History of Burning

Reviews / Votes

A remarkable debut . . . skillfully interrogates sweeping themes of survival, inheritance, immigration, colonialism and racism . . . Oza's narrative traverses almost a century of time, four generations of family, five continents and multiple languages . . . The result is a haunting, symphonic tale that speaks to the nuanced complexities of class and trauma -- S Kirk Walsh * New York Times * [A] highly accomplished debut novel... a multi-stranded, intergenerational, poly-vocal epic that charts the struggles of an Indian family over the course of almost a century * Economist * An ambitious, powerful read, it will transport you through time and across the globe, with a story that you won't forget * Glamour, *Best Books for May* * An ambitious family drama skilfully explores the bonds of kinship and the yearning for peace and security * Kirkus (starred review) * [An] impressive debut * Publisher's Weekly * This striking epic combines powerful characters of different generations, compelling storytelling, dramatic settings and conflicts, and thoughtful explorations of displacement and belonging, family ties, citizenship, loyalty, loss, and resilience * Booklist (starred review) * A riveting testament to home, exile, survival, and inheritance -- Lisa Ko, author of THE LEAVERS As transfixing as a flame -- Rachel Khong, author of GOODBYE, VITAMIN A History of Burning is that rare epic that manages to retain both its sweep and its intimacy... This is a beautiful book, unflinching yet deeply engaged -- Omar El Akkad, author of AMERICAN WAR [Oza's] writing reminds people that vulnerability and openness are the only ways we can save each other. A History of Burning is the art we need now -- Megan Giddings, author of LAKEWOOD An astonishing debut -- Shyam Selvadurai, author of MANSIONS OF THE MOON Intimate and epic... this book is a triumph -- Shruti Swamy, author of THE ARCHER Ambitious in scope and dazzlingly executed, A History of Burning is a marvelous debut. A tour de force -- Sharon Bala, author of THE BOAT PEOPLE