Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Book order

A haunting tale of the complex and perilous relations between two young cousins, Angel and Lara. A masterful novel which explores the dangers of love and commitment.

The classic novel from the Booker and Oscar-winning author of Heat and Dust, published by Abacus for the first time in a beautiful new edition.

A classic novel from the Booker-winning author of Heat and Dust - an Indian Vanity Fair.

Multi-layered, subtle, insightful short stories from the inimitable Booker- prize winning author, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

This brilliant collection spans two worlds - the restless, aspiring society of New York's Upper East Side and the world of India's capital city, New Delhi. A rich cast of characters inhabit these stories.

* Multi-layered, subtle, wonderful new short stories from the inimitable Booker-prize winning author, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

The book presents nine interconnected autobiographical vignettes that explore a life of searching and self-discovery across diverse locations like London, Delhi, Hollywood, and New York. Through "invented memories," the author crafts a tapestry of experiences that reflect on identity and the essence of a possible past, inviting readers to engage with the nuances of memory and imagination.

For her first novel in more than nine years, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala has written a most unusual book in a career of distinctive and unique accomplishments. My Nine Lives is "Chapters of a Possible Past," as the subtitle declares. It is, as the author has commented, a book filled with "invented memories." Nine vignettes are linked to portray a rich life filled with searching, from London to Delhi, from Hollywood to New York. Each chapter gathers a different cast of characters, some new and some vaguely familiar, and the linked assembly is as exciting and illuminating as an artist's first show at a Soho gallery or a new play at the Studio Theater. After seventeen books, now in her 77th year, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala takes on as her subject herself, the life she may have or may have wished to live.

The story follows Prem, a young teacher in New Delhi, as he navigates the complexities of newly acquired responsibilities as a householder. With a blend of wit and keen observation, the novel explores his challenges and growth amidst the demands of adult life, offering insights into personal and societal expectations.

Louise embarks on thrilling social and spiritual escapades, seeking to recapture her youth despite her husband's affection. Meanwhile, her daughter Marietta is consumed by a quest for beauty, fixated on her brother Mark, who equates love with wealth and shallow relationships. Their lives intertwine with Leo, a quirky guru who revels in the influence he wields over his followers. This dynamic exploration of desire, obsession, and the search for meaning unfolds through the characters' contrasting pursuits.