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Sunjeev Sahota, the acclaimed British author who previous novels included "Ours are the Streets" and "The Year of the Runaways," returns with "The Spoiled Heart" (Viking), a timely, tragic novel in which an Anglo-Indian is caught up in a quagmire of identity politics.
Read an excerpt below.
"The Spoiled Heart" by Sunjeev Sahota
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As the sun rose over the estate, Nayan started noticing Helen Fletcher more frequently. She seemed to be everywhere: on her porch, at traffic lights, even at the local gas station. Despite knowing her name for two months, it wasn't until late June that Nayan finally spoke to her. On an early-morning run, he had to change his route due to a delivery truck blocking the pavement outside her house. Hearing her voice, he turned back to see her standing under the porch, the sky a brilliant blue backdrop behind her.
Engaging in conversation with the delivery driver, Helen's wit and charm shone through. When the driver left the boxed fridge on her driveway, Nayan couldn't resist stepping in to offer his help. Despite her initial refusal, he persisted with a smile, determined to show his willingness to assist.
With confident strides, Helen approached Nayan, exuding a sense of purpose. The sun illuminated her face as she crouched to lift the box, instructing Nayan on how to stabilize it. Their brief interaction hinted at a burgeoning connection, a moment suspended in the warmth of the morning sun.
From "The Spoiled Heart" by Sunjeev Sahota, published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2024 by Sunjeev Sahota.
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