Hungry Ghosts

In the novel "Hungry Ghosts," a farmhand is lured to a farm by the promise of a handsome stipend, but as the mystery of a missing man unfolds, their lives become intertwined, and the small community is altered forever.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Hungry Ghosts is a captivating novel that delves into the depths of violence, religion, family, and class, set against the backdrop of 1940s colonial central Trinidad. This mesmerizing book has been selected as a BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club Pick for 2023 and has also been longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2024.

The story revolves around Dalton Changoor, who disappears into thin air while the music is still playing. The Changoor farm, located on a hill overlooking Bell Village, is home to Dalton and Marlee Changoor, who live in luxury, unlike the people living in the shadows of the farm. Below the farm is the barrack, a ramshackle building made of wood and tin, divided into rooms occupied by entire families. Among these families are the Saroops, consisting of Hans, Shweta, and their son, Krishna. The Saroops lead hard lives, filled with backbreaking work, grinding poverty, and unwavering devotion to their faith.

When Dalton Changoor goes missing, Marlee's safety is compromised, and farmhand Hans is lured by the promise of a handsome stipend to move to the farm as a watchman. However, as the mystery of Dalton's disappearance unfolds, the lives of Hans, Marlee, and the entire community are irrevocably intertwined, leading to a hellish ordeal that will alter the course of their lives forever.

Hungry Ghosts is a profound exploration of the complexities of human relationships, societal pressures, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in history, the novel offers a unique perspective on the struggles and sacrifices made by individuals in pursuit of a better life.

With its rich narrative, vivid characters, and atmospheric writing, Hungry Ghosts has garnered critical acclaim from esteemed publications such as the Financial Times, Guardian, Evening Standard, Daily Mail, and BBC News. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, exploring the depths of human nature, and discovering the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526644480