Simran
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Published for Goose Lane's diamond anniversary.
Shauna Singh Baldwin's work delves into themes of identity, history, and culture, exploring the intricate connections between tradition and modernity. Her novels often focus on the resilience of female characters navigating complex societal landscapes. Baldwin's prose is rich in sensory detail and psychological depth, offering readers an immersive and compelling literary experience. Her distinctive voice and approach illuminate universal human experiences through a unique cultural lens.






Published for Goose Lane's diamond anniversary.
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, the story opens with a young woman giving birth to her third child, accompanied by her mother, Damini. This moment is fraught with terror and sorrow, as the birth brings more grief than joy. The narrative delves into the profound sacrifice Damini makes for her daughter, a haunting act that reverberates throughout the novel, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of familial bonds.
A Quill & Quire Book of the Year Ten years after her stunning debut, Shauna Singh Baldwin returns to Goose Lane with an outstanding new collection of ten stories. Migrating from Central America to the American South, from Metro Toronto to the Ukraine, this book features an unforgettable cast of characters. In the title story, 16-year-old Megan hates her Pakistani grandmother — until Grandma disappears. In the enchanting magical realism of "Naina," an Indo-Canadian woman is pregnant with a baby girl who refuses to be born. "The View from the Mountain" introduces Wilson Gonzales, who makes friends with his new American boss, the aptly named Ted Grand. But following 9/11, Ted's suspicions cloud his judgment and threaten his friendship with Wilson. Each containing an entire world, these stories are marked by indelible images and unforgettable turns of phrase — hallmarks of Baldwin's fictional world.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, this narrative intertwines love and espionage through the lens of Noor Inayat Khan, a courageous figure who fought against Nazi occupation in France. The story explores themes of cultural tension and personal displacement, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Through Noor's journey, readers experience the complexities of identity and the impact of war on individual lives, revealing a poignant tale of resilience and bravery.
Told through the stories of two Punjabi women, Shauna Singh Baldwin's award-winning novel is a rich and multi-layered portrait of India's bloody struggle into independence.