by Samira Ahmed
First published 2020
Layla Syed's world is turned upside down when her beloved grandmother passes away, leaving behind a mysterious box of old photographs and letters. Determined to unravel the secrets of her family's history, Layla embarks on a journey that takes her from her quiet Chicago suburb to the bustling streets of Lahore, Pakistan. As she delves deeper, Layla confronts a tangled web of betrayal, forbidden love, and the devastating consequences of the Partition. Navigating the cultural divide, she must reconcile her American identity with her Pakistani roots, all while racing against time to piece together the truth before it's too late.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 21st-century, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
336 pages · Paperback · Soho Teen
Content warnings: racism