A History of Burning

"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 * 'Captivates from the outset . . . blazes fiercely' * Economist * In intimate domestic scenes and scenes of societies in turmoil, [Oza] displays a sure-handed ability to write at both small and large scale and to portray with deep sympathy the universal human desire to find ""a little place to simply exist, freely, and with dignity."" 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"