NOVEL OUT NOW
THE RETURN PRESENT
Sonia Lakshman
It was about or exactly a time in Poona, India, where in a household of all women – bar Raju – a battle of wills ensues. Ferangiz the unofficial head of the household and her sister Farida go head-to-head in a fight over the fate of Mehnaz, their home’s collective and beloved daughter. One calling, the other warning, both with ferocity of feeling.
Superstition encounters conviction, independence counters devotion, rivalry rules the roost, grief finds its rage.
Who will be right, what will be lost, what will the stars foretell … a gate clangs, a tempest begins, and time unwavering spools its tale.
★★★★★
“Deeply poignant, joyously spirited, superbly written. The characters really come to life. Pure gold.”
– Amazon Review
★★★★★
“A rare gem, irreverent, heartwarming, and lasting. It made me laugh out loud, tear up without warning, and cheer for characters that felt so real, I half-expected them to step off the page. Raw, bold, and unexpectedly tender. It dances between humor and heartbreak with such ease. Worth every page.”
– Amazon Review
★★★★★
“Masterful storytelling. It takes something really quite special for an author to make you love their characters deeply; in this, Lakshman weaves a beautiful and raw tale of a family that will make you laugh, break your heart and make you root hard for these women, bringing you along through all the pain and joy of their lives. Brilliantly told, outstandingly narrated. Cannot wait to see what’s next.”
— Audible Review
★★★★★
“Amazing story. Beautifully recorded. Something special has come our way. An emotional roller coaster.”
— Audible Review
★★★★★
“Absolutely loved this book … could barely put it down. Plenty of laugh out load moments amongst all the intrigue and drama. The writing and voice is unique and so expressive and it made me feel I was right there with the characters in hubbub of India. Couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded but sad when I finished it. Might just have to read it again! A beautifully written page turner!
— Amazon Review
★★★★★
“Amazing. Not generally given to writing reviews but this one needs to be written about. Truly captivating writing…a rich and beautiful piece of work.”
— Amazon Review
★★★★★
“Magical! I loved it! It’s got everything - love, sex, laughter, heartbreak. I devoured it in one sitting and immediately want to read it again!”
— Amazon Review
★★★★★
“I haven’t read such a good book in a very long time. I loved it for its story, the setting and telling, for its depth and variety, for its characters. I was engaged from page one and it kept getting better!”
— Amazon Review
★★★★★
“Love meets dicipline, uprightness meets fun and come together in a heartwarming tale that makes you feel joyous and optimistic even. Lakshman's writing is like honey on warm toast. You want more of it!”
— Amazon Review
★★★★★
“Enthralling and wonderful family drama. How the instant choices you make can have lasting consequences. Stunning writing. Beautifully produced.”
— Audible Review
★★★★★
“A little jewel of a book about everything that matters. The most human of stories, shot through with laugh-out-loud, culturally-rich anecdotes.”
— Goodreads Review
About The Author
Sonia Lakshman grew up in India to an English mother and Indian father and an irreverent DNA, coming to live in the UK aged 19 where she has lived ever since.
She started out working in the media, then sailed the stories of the soul as a career and leadership coach, now devoted to the mission for climate and nature – animals in particular.
She prefers dogs to cats, dancing over debating, likes salad and chips. One of her favourite words is ‘cosmos’ – you have to agree it’s a wondrous word.
This is her first novel.
