Maya Chhabra crafts evocative historical novels for young adults, often exploring underrepresented narratives such as the Punjabi immigrant experience during World War I. Her work delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural encounters with sensitivity and depth. Beyond her fiction, Chhabra's engagement with poetry and translation further showcases her versatile literary voice. She offers readers a unique window into historical moments through compelling personal stories and resonant characters.
It's 1916, and Margaret Singh thinks nothing of the war in Europe or the cause of Indian independence. Both struggles seem an ocean away from her home in California. That is, until the United States enters the war, her father is arrested, and her own allegiances are called into question.
Focusing on the struggles of a teenage girl navigating an unjust legal system, this powerful narrative delves into the difficult choices she faces to safeguard herself and her unborn child. The story highlights the challenges and moral dilemmas that arise in a society that often fails to protect its most vulnerable.