The Sleeping Dictionary by Sujata Massey

Set against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence, this historical novel follows the tumultuous journey of a young girl who loses her family to a devastating cyclone. Orphaned and alone, she navigates through a series of identities and roles, from a servant to a courtesan, and ultimately, a spy. Her life is a testament to resilience and adaptability, as she learns to read and write, gaining the power to shape her own destiny. Through her eyes, the reader experiences the cultural and political upheavals of the time, as well as the personal battles she faces in her quest for freedom and self-discovery.

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