Swallowing the Sun is a sweeping historical novel set during India’s independence movement, following Malati’s pursuit of education and autonomy within a nation experiencing growing political upheaval. As she comes of age, her personal struggle against patriarchy becomes inseparable from the making of modern India.
Born into a rapidly changing India under British rule, Malati grows up between tradition and transformation, shaped by family expectations, early experiences of injustice, and an expanding awareness of education as both privilege and possibility.
As she moves from rural life to Bombay’s more complex political and intellectual world, her journey becomes entangled with the rising momentum of the independence movement. Personal desire, social constraint, and national struggle begin to converge in ways that redefine her understanding of freedom.
Across decades of change, Swallowing the Sun traces how women’s lives are shaped—and reshaped—by the forces of history, and how private choices can become acts of resistance within a nation in formation.
In the tradition of Indian historical and feminist fiction such as The God of Small Things and Sea of Poppies, this is a sweeping novel of women’s lives within the political awakening and cultural transformation of modern India.
At a moment when questions of nationalism, historical memory, and gender remain deeply contested, Swallowing the Sun revisits the origins of modern India through the experiences of women whose stories have been left at the margins of history.
Swallowing the Sun has won:
– the Delhi Literature Festival Fiction Prize 2024
– the Kalinga Literary Award 2024
the Pandit Hari Dutt Sharma Award 2024
– the 2025 REC-VoW Award for Fiction, and
– the Special Jury Award 2025 from the FICCI Publishing Awards for Book of the Year – Fiction.
NOW TO BE A MULTI-FILM SERIES ON INTERNET MOVIE PLATFORMS,
FROM ABUNDANTIA ENTERTAINMENT.
The novel has now been reprinted SEVEN times just for the Indian market.
Launched outside India, starting with the UK, on February the 5th, 2026
One of the most powerful debuts by an Indian writer in the 21st century, Swallowing the Sun is imaginative, compelling, and exquisitely told.
An epic coming-of-age saga, Swallowing The Sun is a stunning exploration of love, valour, and India’s struggle for independence through the eyes of three generations of women – especially of its unforgettable and feisty young heroine, Malati.
Capturing the exhilarating highs and terrible lows of the most tumultuous period in modern Indian history, the novel sees Malati taking on all those who try to cow her down, defying the constricting patriarchal traditions of her time, and negotiating her way through love and loss, failure and compromise, to marriage and the start of family life.
The portrayal of Malati’s relationship with Guru, a lawyer and her eventual husband. is inspired by the real-life love-letters between the author’s parents.
Swallowing the Sun was first published for South Asia by Aleph in 2024 and, stunningly, became THE Indian bestseller that year, being reprinted 7 times. It has already won 5 literary awards within India, and been signed up for a premier series of films on OTT.
The novel is scheduled to be published outside South Asia – i.e., throughout the rest of the world – by Pippa Rann Books & Media, an imprint of Salt Desert Media Group Ltd., U.K.. Starting on February the 5th, 2026 in the UK; and in Canada/USA on August 2026
Pre-orders can be placed at this page that you are reading – please just scroll up to the top of this page and look on the right for the ADD TO CART and other buttons, as needed.
YouTube coverage via Conferences, Lectures, Festivals, etc:
1. First Edition: “Swallowing the Sun” | Lakshmi Puri in conversation with Vikas Swarup (**JLF: Jaipur Literature Festival 2024**)
https://www.youtube.com/
2. Swallowing the Sun: Conversations with Lakshmi M Puri (In-depth discussion)
https://www.youtube.com/
3. Lakshmi Puri & Vikram Malhotra on Novel ‘Swallowing the Sun’ Being Picked Up For OTT (NewsX)
https://www.youtube.com/
4. Author Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri Speaks Exclusively About Her Latest Book ‘Swallowing The Sun’
https://www.youtube.com/
5. Former UN Assistant Secretary General Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri talks about her debut novel ‘Swallowing the Sun’
https://www.youtube.com/
6. Former Diplomat And Now Author Lakshmi Puri Speaks About Her First Book “Swallowing The Sun” (NDTV)
https://www.ndtv.com/video/
7. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri On Increasing Participation Of Women In Indian Foreign Service (mentions the book)
https://www.youtube.com/
8. Join the Launch of “Swallowing the Sun” with Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri (ITV Gold, US launch)
https://www.youtube.com/
9. Lakshmi Puri’s ‘Swallowing the Sun’ Celebrates Triumphant Launch in New Jersey (ITV Gold)
https://www.youtube.com/
10. Prabha Khaitan Foundation presents Book Launch SWALLOWING THE SUN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
11. PKF x FICCI FLO Kanpur – Book Launch of Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s ‘Swallowing The Sun’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
12. Swallowing The Sun – Exploration of love, Valour & India’s Independence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
13. First Edition “Swallowing The Sun” By Lakshmi Puri** (Another JLF recording, TV9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
14. Kitaab Mumbai – Lakshmi Puri (Book discussion/launch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
15. Kitaab Bengaluru with Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
16. The Book Club Pune discusses ‘Swallowing the Sun’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Shorter Videos / Shorts / Other
17. Former UN Assistant Secy-General Lakshmi Puri on ‘Swallowing the Sun’: Book to Screen Journey Begins (India Today Short)
https://www.youtube.com/
18. Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar’s address at the launch of Swallowing the Sun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
19. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri and Latha Menon (Conversation clip) https://www.youtube.com/watch?
20. VBA 2025 English Fiction: Swallowing the Sun (In conversation with Manoj Barthwal)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Interviews/ Articles in print:
January 2026: South Asian Herald : https://southasianherald.com/in-conversation-with-rajesh-mehta-ambassador-lakshmi-puri/
Endorsements
“Swallowing the Sun offers a vivid glimpse into India’s struggle for independence. Set against the backdrop of bustling Bombay, Malati’s journey is both captivating and enlightening. @lakshmiunwomen‘s debut is a poignant & compelling dive into India’s rich history and resilience. A fascinating read” – Amitabh Kant, Author; Ex-Sherpa, G20 India; former CEO, NITI Aayog; key driver of the campaigns Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India – in an X/Twitter post on February the 16th, 2026
Millennium Post
“A work of rare lyricism”, https://www.millenniumpost.in/books/celebrating-voices-shaping-futures-627212
Sunday Gaurdian
“Swallowing the Sun witnesses to the awakening of an ancient civilization”, https://sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/swallowing-the-sun-witnesses-the-awakening-of-an-ancient-civilization
Indian Express
“Change is disquieting for those in positions of power and complacency”: Lakshmi Puri
Uma Shirodkar
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2tlSKcyPeG/?igsh=ZTF5cXhvdG01cW5w
SheThePeople
Book Excerpt: Swallowing The Sun By Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
https://www.shethepeople.tv/books/swallowing-the-sun-lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri-2324459
The Week
Why Lakshmi Puri’s debut novel is ‘part life, part invention’
Scroll.in
Fiction: Sisters Malati and Kamala, backed by their progressive father, join the freedom movement
Tribune
Swallowing the Sun: A Novel by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri brings forth the quest of breaking new ground
Pioneer
Smooth Sailing across a Calm River
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/vivacity/smooth-sailing-across-a-calm-river.html
The Print
Lakshmi Puri’s ‘epic’ had an enviable book launch. Kabir Bedi brought her poetry to life
ANI
Former top UN diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s novel ‘Swallowing the Sun’ launched
Read more At:
TOI
Kabir Bedi Launches Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s Book ‘Swallowing The Sun’ In Delhi
Indian Express
Lakshmi Puri’s debut novel is about the power of love – and India’s wisdom and eloquence
Shubhankar Mishra
https://youtu.be/uVXSpDBCCkc?si=Ltt81KahwLjIvO74
Josh talk
https://youtu.be/M7oBj2QRiYs?si=WmEP5H4T5RhPHtik
Storizen
Book Review: ‘Swallowing the Sun’ by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri
https://www.storizen.com/book-reviews/swallowing-the-sun-by-lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri/
Prag News
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THE SENTINEL
THE MORING EXPRESS
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Book Launch
Jaipur – https://youtu.be/fteMCBpyghc?si=I1f85OmMAkzSCXlO
Thiruvananthapuram – https://youtu.be/Sq4VTDGoTEI?si=uHs_bn-WtpjNBq6D
Bhubaneswar – https://www.youtube.com/live/kZmomfj0XhQ?si=UwBxsOyTmbtXovqE
New Delhi – https://youtu.be/nFoZ57C6vms?feature=shared
Mumbai – https://youtu.be/SMkts3N6cmE?si=-J4vVotRf9yR1Hkl
Pune – https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4P9mC0v4NZ/?igsh=MW9namU5NTNybWsybQ==
Chandigarh – https://www.youtube.com/live/I_qgbMKBZaY?si=Fa-MQvIvrgP0nx0R
Udaipur – https://youtu.be/Hb7V-wpgByg?si=L9WlOSC7xKYx3ghH
Hyderabad – https://youtu.be/vRtAcZg7MzE?si=OWqP6GwcJElHmwZg
Guwahati – https://youtu.be/4C5lJ6TxBi8?si=hqz6cG6aeilA35Gp
Shillong – https://youtube.com/watch?v=7peFD86nHsc&feature=shared
Aizawl – https://youtu.be/7R7ivirgPZI?si=btEoPQDHZoAE7MdH
Dimapur – https://youtu.be/a9gXw7euIBM?si=vM6K01kW2aYsjVWE
Reviews
David Davidar
Original and exciting, this novel will be remembered as one of the most powerful debuts by an Indian writer in the 21st century.
The Tribune (Rajiv Dogra)
“Lakshmi Puri has written a many splendoured magnificent book that is epic in proportion.”
Kabir Bedi
I am truly in awe of what you have created. And I wish you everything I can that all the forces make this one the epic novel of our time!
The Pioneer
“Lakshmi Murudeshwar Puri is here to stay, stay as a leading literary figure of our times because of her articulation and honesty” – https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/vivacity/smooth-sailing-across-a-calm-river.html
The Sunday Guardian (Shyamala B. Cowsik)
“Swallowing the Sun glows with an assured radiance. It is an absorbing, addictive narrative, that calls for repeat readings” – https://sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/swallowing-the-sun-witnesses-the-awakening-of-an-ancient-civilizat
Kiran Manral
“Delighted to read , a masterful debut , a voice that was assured and comfortable” –https://www.instagram.com/p/C3c3rCUhCPi/?igsh=MXVoaHB0cnNjdXVk
News X (Priya Sehgal)
“I totally enjoyed reading it, it’s unputdownable. This is the book which will stay with us for long period of time” –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIqKa6WrO4Y
The Week ( Mandira Nayar)
“It’s an incredible book, an epic saga” –https://youtu.be/QoYZB84lsN8?si=9aosExCbCEXZ9ThH
NDTV
“one of the most powerful and memorable novels of the 21st century” – https://www.ndtv.com/video/exclusive/ndtv-special-ndtv-24×7/author-lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri-speaks-exclusively-about-her-latest-book-swallowing-the-sun-753093
Dostcast Podcast
“She beautifully bridges the gap between the independence struggle and the angst and ambition the young Indians feel today” – https://open.spotify.com/show/70vrbHeSvrcXyOeISTyBSy
Sahitya AajTak
“यह एक ऐसा उपन्यास है जिसको पढ़ कर पेट नही भरता, मन करता इसे दुबारा पढ़े” – https://youtu.be/My9y-2PVDio?si=AfGh3t5g1UupVIEB
Times Now (Navika Kumar)
“Fantastic spin of words through which you have really spun this whole beautiful yarn of thoughts, ideas and struggles as well as dreams of generations” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ZqnD5im9k
BNN
“Puri elaborated on the Indian government’s initiative, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’… Swallowing The Sun’ does not merely echo this slogan but weaves it into the fabric of its narrative, giving it flesh and’ blood through its characters” – https://bnnbreaking.com/world/india/lakshmi-puri-discusses-swallowing-the-sun-and-its-themes-of-womens-empowerment/
INDIAN EXPRESS
“Lakshmi Puri’s debut novel is about the power of love – and India’s wisdom and eloquence” –https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/swallowing-the-sun-lakshmi-puri-debut-novel-review-9190549/
OPEN (Nanditha Krishna)
“‘Swallowing the Sun’, a sweeping epic, can be read as historical fiction, as a feminist statement, as a family saga and as a coming-of-age tale. It serves as an interesting reminder of an India which passed from colonialism to democracy, from the suppression of women to their emancipation. Puri’s novel is a coming-of-age of its characters as well as of India. Freedom is a feminist struggle in Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s debut novel” – https://openthemagazine.com/lounge/books/the-passage-of-india/#google_vignette
Ashutosh Kumar (ABP News)
“‘Swallowing the Sun’, Lakshmi Puri’s debut novel, opens as a spellbinding journey through the challenging phase of India’s struggle for independence…” – https://news.abplive.com/books/book-review-swallowing-the-sun-former-diplomat-lakshmi-puri-debut-novel-abpp-1674935
Swapna Peri (Storizen)
“From its beautiful cover to its dazzling contents, ‘Swallowing the Sun’ oozes confidence…set during India’s awakening from foreign rule. It is a compelling story that draws readers into its vividly envisioned universe” –https://www.storizen.com/book-reviews/swallowing-the-sun-by-lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri/
News9
“‘Swallowing the Sun’ is a journey to pre-Independence India as you witness a powerful narrative unfold. Love defies boundaries and gender roles are challenged” – https://www.news9plus.com/webepisode/lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri-woman-of-letters
mathrubhumi.com
“The book explores the complexities of man-woman relationships. Despite being rooted in historical fiction, the novel appeals to readers of all ages, particularly the younger generation” –https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/get-ready-tackle-urban-migration-un-diplomat-lakshmi-puri-1.9369047
Morung Express
“‘Swallowing the Sun’ examines some of the foundational beliefs of Indian society, such as freedom, equality, choice, marriage, togetherness, caste barriers, etc.” –https://morungexpress.com/diplomat-lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri-unveils-debut-novel-reveals-husband-hardeep-puris-role-in-it
The New Indian Express ()Suchita malik
“‘Swallowing the Sun’ stands out for its interesting cast of characters…. marvelous in their own way; each representing a trait and getting a significant pride of place in the complex plot woven together intelligently” –https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/books/2024/May/04/swallowing-the-sun-book-review-a-remarkable-feat-in-the-art-of-storytelling
Phumzile Mlambo – Ngcuka
“Celebrate my sister and former colleague at UNwomen, Lakshmi Puri. Her book shares some important moments in the Indian great story. Its told by a women who never forgets the place of women in this world” –https://twitter.com/phumlambongcuka/status/1735894391108121005?t=RQbaE0iiTRm9jJx5Rktx3Q&s=19
Shamim Sharma
“From the very first page, I found myself captivated, unable to breathe as the narrative unfolded with an intensity that is truly rare” –https://twitter.com/2016Shamim/status/1745417165316997132?t=Tb9eYjm34J2Xyontav7eng&s=19
Pragya Tiwari
“An unforgettable heroine, an epic love story and the birth of a nation” –https://twitter.com/PragyaTiwari/status/1742858313761730568?t=4_Iu8f8MHXyy29_uliyU1g&s=19
Ambassador Navtej sarna
“Historical and cultural streams flow out of these inspirations with India’s freedom struggle providing the epic historical backdrop. There are enough love stories and romances, rivalries and rejections, deaths and suicides in this novel to take it to an operatic level. “All in all, Swallowing the Sun is a highly commendable achievement that carries within it the firm promise of future literary offerings from the author’s pen” –https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqXejAt2MD2VdS6CrHDTUeZ8ishRGEKG/view?usp=sharing
Oopalee Operajita
“’Swallowing the Sun’ by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri is enthralling and au dela des-attentes – or, beyond all expectations. Puri develops a style which is her own, unique and powerful. She is liberal in her use of mythology, onomatopoeic words, Indian jingles, ditties, and phrases, which abound in all of India’s rich regional languages, and in quotidian discourse. Succinctly, the language of this novel sings’’ –https://indiajournalonline.com/article/lakshmi-murdeshwar-puri-makes-a-dazzling-literary-debut-in-swallowing-the-sun
Raji Pillai –
Swallowing the Sun is many things. An ode to freedom fighters, glimpses of whose hard-fought victories would bring to younger readers born long after the independence movement the cost of resistance. A potboiler with breathless romances and swashbuckling encounters with fearsome Chambal Valley dacoits. A feminist anthem, depicting strength and courage in its female characters, despite opposition and setbacks typical of the early 20th century.
Swallowing the Sun (Pippa Ran Books 2026; first published in India in 2024 by Aleph Book Company) is a debut novel by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, formerly a diplomat with the Indian Foreign Service and more recently United Nations Assistant Secretary-General. A historian with a degree from Delhi University, the author sets her novel in the early 1900’s, in the time of India’s struggle for independence from British colonizers.
Malati and her older sister Kamala are born in pre-Independence India in a village in Maharashtra to Madhav Rao, a progressive father and firm believer in educating girls (unusual for that time), and Pratibha, a more conventional mother. Starting from her girlhood pluck in standing up to a schoolyard bully, Malati charts her own path. With her sister by her side and the full support of her father, she navigates boarding school and an ashram, where the sisters learn English. Their older sister Surekha accepts a marriage proposal from a wealthy older man, Vilas Rao, the finance minister in a Maharaja’s court, to become his second wife. Malati and Kamala are received with warmth and affection by Surekha’s new family as they navigate their sister’s affluent new surroundings with wide-eyed wonder. Vilas Rao’s first wife, Savitri, called Maa Saheb, has spiritual powers that some refer to as madness, yet her occasional prophecies, delivered in a trance, are feared by all. She and her daughter Sarala are cared for well by Vilas Rao, and the girls come to know them well.
After completing school and passing their Intermediate exams, Malati and Kamala gain admission to Elphinstone College in Bombay, where young men and romantic interests enter the picture. Guru, Shyam and Vivek join the group along with Chandra, an old friend from their boarding school. Theatre, music and an increasing political awareness broaden their horizons and lead to their involvement in India’s strengthening Independence movement. Protests against the 1928 Simon Commission and inspiring encounters with Mahatma Gandhi and Annie Besant fire up their spirits, even as they navigate their education and developments in their personal life: friendships, romance, love.
Lest you think these are the only characters and plot lines in this book, let me hasten to add that there are a great many more, with several parallel and tangential plot lines. Despite this, the author drives the narrative forward with impressive coherence, taking all the characters along without leaving any loose ends.
Passages of lyrical beauty punctuate the narrative. The descriptions of individuals, of the surroundings, of nature are detailed and vivid, such as the description of Surekha as a bride “turning her from a farmer’s daughter into a Bride Goddess of the Manor.” Sarala, who is homeschooled, envies Malati and Kamala’s education in a school with other students, musing that “there is something to be said for being pebbles in a running stream, rubbing against each other and being smoothened by the friction.”
Yet, the writing is occasionally overwrought, with lots of Mills & Boon-esque descriptions of hot-blooded romance. On occasion, the voice seems uncharacteristic. For example, Malati and Kamala have spent only a short time at their boarding school and have barely had time to learn English before they are spouting lines from rather advanced literary works: Shakespeare, philosophy.
In many instances, the Western writers they quote and intellectual statements they make would be more suited to an older, more cosmopolitan person. As the story progresses, barely any time seems to elapse between their timid arrival in Bombay from the ashram and their energetically playing highly competitive tennis. The narrative pendulum swings unevenly between the simple, naïve life of a villager and the worldly ways of a lifelong urban sophisticate. Somehow it doesn’t gel in text.
Even so, it is a page-turner and a good summer read reminiscent of Alka Joshi’s The Henna Artist, with a spirited young female protagonist and evocative imagery. Given the rich descriptions in Swallowing the Sun, I felt the story would translate well to the screen. And sure enough, in 2025, Mumbai-based Abundantia Entertainment announced an adaptation of the book into a series. The Henna Artist trilogy was commissioned in 2021 for a Netflix series starring Freida Pinto. But five years have gone by, and there hasn’t been an update. Let’s hope for a speedier screen adaptation for Swallowing the Sun.
At its heart, Puri’s novel is a paean to those who follow their dreams with courage and conviction, even if the path is not easy. The title, Swallowing the Sun, is from a Marathi devotional poem by Muktabai and is about an ant who flies up and swallows the sun. In the words of the author in a 2025 NDTV interview, it is an exhortation to “dare to dream, break boundaries, attain the unattainable.”