Hidden Fires
How can you live in the present when you’re trying to bury the past?
‘A multi-generational family story which deftly weaves in the tragic events of Partition and the Grenfell Tower fire, this is a sweeping tale of resilience’ i News
‘An ineffably touching novel by a talented young author’ Saga Magazine
‘A tale of how we can live together yet be so far apart, and of how bridges can be built’ Women’s Weekly
Ramadan, 2017. Yusuf wakes in the middle of the night to pray. His routine is always the same, but something tells him that tonight is different. Yellow flames blur Yusuf’s vision, and the laughter of a small child echoes in his ears. But this time, the red, smoke-filled skies aren’t just in his memory.
Miles away, Rubi is also awake. On the television, she watches reports of a devastating fire in London. She is already anxious when her parents send her to stay with her Grandpa Yusuf, whose conservative house rules are almost as unbearable as the loneliness she feels at home. Yusuf’s lifestyle does not gel with Rubi’s. But when she finds him scared and confused one night, it becomes clear that there’s more to her grandfather than Rubi ever considered.
As Yusuf grapples with the past, Rubi is determined to save him. But the memories that are recovered and spoken of for the first time in years are more painful than she could have imagined.
From the Costa Prize-shortlisted author of The Family Tree and Women’s Prize x Good Housekeeping Futures Finalist, Hidden Fires is a powerful story of grief and loss, the power of family and the long arm of history.
Readers are loving Hidden Fires:
‘A heartbreaking, emotional rollercoaster of a read’
‘A must read book’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘An exquisite book exploring the secrets, vulnerabilities and tremendous bonds between three generations of family’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Praise for Sairish Hussain: -
‘I sped through The Family Tree, because I was so invested in the characters and eager to know their fate. The book was much darker and more tragic than I had been expecting - and all the better for it. An engrossing and moving story.' Clare Chambers, author of Small Pleasures -
”'A brilliant read. This book is everything it promises to be and more. I was totally engrossed and invested in Amjad, Saahil and Zahra’s lives. A masterclass in representation and brilliant writing.” - Zeba Talkhani, author of My Past is a Foreign Country
”'Hussain weaves a tale of fragility and resilience, of the extraordinary in ordinary lives and of love and complexity in family. A wonderful debut.” - Catherine Mayer
”'A multi-generational story crafted with warmth and an insider’s understanding of its environment. Hussain evokes the trials and tribulations of life in an Asian family growing up in a changing and sometimes hostile Britain with a surefooted ease and a keen sense of dramatic tension. An engaging debut.” - Vaseem Khan
”'Provides a much needed voice for characters who have been drastically affected by the headlines throughout an emotionally wrought narrative.” - Magic Radio
”'Such an emotional, heart-warming and unforgettable experience… I cared desperately about the characters and was often in tears as I read - the story is so moving and Sairish Hussain is a VERY talented writer” - Aliya Ali-Afzal, author of Would I Lie to You?
”'Pulsating with dramatic tension, Hussain poignantly paints the extraordinary in ordinary lives. A moving story of love, laughs and loyalty makes for a brilliant first book from Hussain.” - Sunday Post