Join us for an evening discussing South Asian Diaspora with Neemah Shah and Aliya Al-Afzal

Neema Shah

Neema Shah’s parents and grandparents left India to make their homes in East Africa and later in London, where Neema was born and lives. Her debut novel Kololo Hill was shortlisted for the Bath Novel Award and the First Novel Prize. It was also chosen as a Novel Pick for Foyles, The Irish Times and Eastern Eye among others. Neema has spoken at events across the UK including literary festivals for Bath, Henley, and Ilkley as well as the Jaipur Literary Festival at the British Library. She is currently working on her second novel. Her second novel explores the themes of individual vs collective freedom and is set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence movement in the UK.

Kololo Hill

From the green hilltops of Kampala to the terraced houses of London, Neema Shah’s extraordinarily moving debut Kololo Hill explores what it means to leave your home behind, what it takes to start again, and the lengths some will go to protect their loved ones. When you’re left with nothing but your secrets, how do you start again? Uganda 1972. A devastating decree is issued: all Ugandan Asians must leave the country in ninety days. They must take only what they can carry, give up their money, and never return. For Asha and Pran, married in a matter of months, it means abandoning the family business that Pran has worked so hard to save. For his mother, Jaya, it means saying goodbye to the house that has been her home for decades. But violence is escalating in Kampala, and people are disappearing. Will they all make it to safety in Britain and will they be given refuge if they do? And all the while, a terrible secret about the expulsion hangs over them, threatening to tear the family apart.

Aliya Ali-Afzal

Aliya Ali-Afzal has a degree in Russian and German from UCL and worked as an Executive MBA Career Coach in London. While helping her clients to pursue their dream lives and careers, she decided to take her advice and become a writer. She is studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, is an alum of Curtis Brown Creative, and has had her writing longlisted for the Bath Novel Award, the Mslexia Novel Competition, the Mo Siewcharran Prize, and the Primadonna Prize. Her debut book Would I Lie To You? was published in 2021 by Head of Zeus. Aliya has lived in London all her life since moving there from Pakistan as a young child.

The Big Day

Noor has no interest in getting married (much to the aunties' distress). Growing up she saw first-hand how divorce tears families apart... But then, she falls in love. Soon, Noor's engaged and planning an intimate wedding that feels perfect for her and her fiancé Dan. But when Noor discovers her mother Leena also has grand plans for the Big Day, their once-close relationship starts to unravel. Noor can't understand why Leena is determined to have an elaborate Desi celebration when their lives have been anything but traditional. And after a lifetime following other people's dreams, Noor is determined not to back down. As Leena and Noor clash over every point on their to-do lists, it begins to look like there will be two weddings and only one bride. And when family secrets shake the women's bond further, will there even be a wedding at all?

The event will take place on Wednesday the 2ndof October at 7.30 pm

Location: BRXTN Village Studios – 404-406 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF

*No need to collect your ticket before the event, your name will be on our email list at the door