Gypsy Masala [Paperback]

The subtitle of Gypsy Masala, "a book of dreams", encapsulates Preethi Nair's first novel. In a slimly elegant volume, the author manages to capture the soaring hopes and paralysing fears of human emotion. Resonant with the visceral anticipation of dread and excitement, this book appeals to the spirit of adventure.

Gypsy Masala follows the lives of 3 people--Sheila, Bali and their foster daughter, Evita. Each has their own crippling aspect. British-born Evita is stuck in a job and love life that don't inspire. Sheila, frozen by her experience of being torn from warm, passionate India to grey England. Bali, having lost not only his first child but also the woman he adored and risked everything for.

The catalyst of hope and confidence to change the character's circumstances comes in the form of the African dancer--an apparition that appears accompanied by the thumping, vital music of beating hearts. He is every aspect of being--to follow him is to follow your heart.

This is a book which at times makes you want to run out and follow your dreams, yet in the next chapter makes you realise why you haven't. Preethi Nair combines elements of the surreal and the prosaic as she details the intricate family dynamics and stomach-wrenching losses experienced by those who leap into a new world. Her idea of a gypsy masala--toss your dreams into the pan and savour the result--is a fatalistic yet exhilarating view of the world which leaves a spicy, yet sweet, aftertaste. --Sue Owen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

‘A witty, evocative read that’ll keep you gripped’ Company

‘She is dynamite.’ Bookseller

‘A little gem..a mystic and beautifully lyrical book’ New Woman

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‘An absorbing novel about mothers, daughters, food and truth.’ Closer

‘A rich, evocative tale.’ Company

"A heart-warming read about families, forgiveness, carving futures and filtering truth." Guardian

‘A great read. Fast, funny and full of life’ Shyama Perera, author of I Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet

‘A genuinely moving novel…like the bottled spices that play such a role in the story, this has all its ingredients in just the right quantities to spirit away all negative emotions.’ Daily Express

‘She writes evocatively about childhood and there are passages of tight and lyrical immediacy…Moving description packs a powerful punch in this book about family, forgiveness and the power of truth.’ Guardian

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‘A carefully woven tale that’s exceedingly good’ Company

‘A luscious book, made lush with spices. Kindnesses and friendships abound, but so do hardships and hard knocks’ Oxford Times

‘A dynamic author.’ Good Housekeeping

‘A sensuous and poignant novel…enchanting.’ Sainsbury’s magazine

A genuinely moving novel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This book will have you praying for a delayed train --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A warm hearted tale of survival --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Stunning novel in which a young Indian woman, raised in London to fulfil her parents’ dreams of respectability, sets off in search of her own dreams – and disrupts the whole family.

‘Tell me about your dreams, and if you have dared to follow them.’ This is the challenge for three members of the Vishavan family.

Evita (real name Molu, but she’s always had a tendency towards the theatrical) is stuck in a 9-to-5 job until she hears the irresistible beat of a drum, summoning her to follow her dream. It takes her to faraway places and people, but the rhythm of change is also to be found closer to home.

Sheila and Bali have raised Evita as their own child. Yet their sadness has kept them apart; holding on to their separate secrets, they have rejected the possibility of following any dreams. Neither expects the disruption that follows Evita’s return…

From remote villages in Kerala to the heart of contemporary London, this is a story of discovery, love and what might happen if you dare to live your dream.

I gave up my job to write my first book Gypsy Masala. It was one of those bizarre moments when you don’t know why you’re doing something but know you have to do it. Literally, everything I had was invested in that book. The hard part was taking the leap of faith and doing what I had always wanted to do, I thought the rest would come easy. But nobody wanted to know and so after several rejections, I self published, created an alter ego and shamelessly began to hype Gypsy Masala myself. It sold over 2,000 copies in just one store and as everything began coming together (publicity and demand) something happened to stop me in my tracks. I watched as three years work evaporated into nothing.

In debt and exhausted, I went away and took stock. What I really wanted to do and what I have always wanted to do was to write. So I let go of everything and began this novel 100 Shades of White, not knowing what was going to happen. I look back now and I could not even have plotted what was to follow.

100 Shades of White was sold as part of a 3 book deal to Harper Collins and has been bought by the BBC for a television adaptation. Gypsy Masala will be reprinted and I have just completed book 3 – Beyond Indigo.

So I still maintain that dreams do come true…if you really want them to. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"Tell me about your dreams and if you have dared to follow them." The narrator asks the three members of the Vishavan family.

Evita, Sheila and her husband Bali each recount a soulful narrative which reveals the complexity of their relationships, the emotions, fears and dreams they have decided to follow, or indeed leave well alone.

If you ever had a dream, their story will move you and take you to a place that is not so far away. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Preethi Nair was born in Kerala, Southern India, but raised in London, where she now lives. Following a career as a management consultant, she gave it all up to publish her first novel, GYPSY MASALA. She now writes full time.