A novel of suspense and mystery set in WEST LONDON
Novel set mainly on MAURITIUS
4th February 2026
Tamarin by Priya Hein, novel set mainly on Mauritius.
Shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2026 – Fiction With A Sense Of Place.
Anita Ram is leaving London under difficult, emotionally charged circumstances. She has clearly parted ways with her husband but as yet it is unclear why. She is returning to her home in Mauritius to be with her mother. Her father died when she was eight years old. She is clearly in some distress and longs for the comfort of her old room and the familiarity of her country.
Her family is originally from Bihar and many of their original culinary traditions and culture, which have percolated through the generations, are still very relevant. Her mother is clearly on a mission to nurture her.
As the story unfolds it becomes clear how and why she came to be in London, how she had won a scholarship and during her studies met Paul, her future husband. For various reasons, however, her time as a student was difficult but with marriage to a wonderful man, her future seemed secure. And yet here she is, curling up in the foetal position in her old bed. There also seems to be a fundamental issue between her only – and – older sister, Didi, and there are mentions of Didi’s supercilious and undermining attitude towards her younger sister.
This a gently told story of suffering and sadness, written in a cohesive and compelling style, that moves around confidently. The backdrop of Mauritius comes through strongly as the weather patterns move through their cycles, with all the sights, sounds and smells of the island stirring the reader’s senses. I felt truly drawn into both the narrative and the setting, and could really imagine Anita’s psychological journey as she navigates the island, bonding with a little girl and generally shooting the breeze in an effort to distract herself. There is also a good sense of the historical context of the island, through French and British colonisation, and of course the author touches on the consequences and experiences that someone – especially a woman – invariably has at the hands of a former colonising nation. An eloquent, powerful and poignant story.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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