Goddess of Fire
by Bharti Kirchner

A remarkable novel of a young widow following her dreams

Moorti – widowed at just 17 and about to be burned on her husband’s funeral pyre – is saved from the fire by a mysterious Englishman. Taken to safety and given employment by her saviour Job Charnock, Moorti, renamed Maria, must embrace her new life amongst the English traders.

But the intelligent and talented Maria is not content to be a servant for the rest of her life, and seizes the opportunity to learn English. This, she hopes, will bring her closer to the kind and gentle Job. But with so many obstacles in her path, will she be able to overcome adversity and danger in the pursuit of her dreams?

Filled with the heat and beauty of India, Maria’s story of compassion, hope and love lingers long after the final page.

Reviews

“With a somewhat blank canvas, Kirchner had the room to navigate the story to bring to life so many details and key events in India as it moved from being an independent country with its various territories, countless rulers and sub-cultures, towards the era of colonization. There’s a lot to soak up in this adventurous historical drama!”

M Ratledge, reviewer

“Research and authenticity resonate in every chapter. This is a book that will transport you across centuries and across continents.”

The Seattle Times

“Politically, sexually, and racially, Kirchner is returning some small sense of agency to the people who have lost everything — even their names — to history.”

The Seattle Review of Books

Bharti Kirchner

View author page

Editions

Goddess of Fire by Bharti Kirchner is available in the following formats

Paperback978184751659630th June 2016140 X 215mm288£13.99
FormatISBNPublication DateDimensionsPagesPrice