Janika Oza’s A History of Burning is a sweeping multigenerational novel that vividly brings to life the experiences of Indian immigrants in Africa under British colonial rule.
| Title | A History of Burning |
| Writer | Janika Oza |
| Publisher | Chatto & Windus |
| Publication date | 2nd May 2023 |
| MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genre | Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction |
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Synopsis: A History of Burning
A Family’s Journey Across Generations and Continents
At just thirteen, Pirbhai is tricked aboard a ship bound for East Africa. Finding himself forced into brutal labour on the British railway under punishing conditions.
Frightened and starving, he makes a desperate choice for survival—an act he vows never to speak of again. Even when he meets Sonal, a fierce, devoted woman who shares his hopes for a better future. However dark memories linger on as they build a life in a land far from home.
Decades later, their granddaughters—Latika, Mayuri, and Kiya—grow up in a Uganda, deeply divided by politics and race.
Latika Joins in with the student protests, drawn to the promise of change.
Mayuri dreams of a future beyond the confines of her family’s struggles and pursues her ambitions far from home.
Kiya’s bond with a young Black Ugandan defies social barriers but places them both in grave danger.
When violence erupts, the family is forced to flee, carrying only a few treasured possessions: a rolling pin, precious photos—and an unspoken secret that bounds them together.
Scattering across continents, the family’s journey captures the ache of separation and powerful memories.
A History of Burning is a powerful story that explores, resilience of love and the secrets that shape us. While in Addition showing how even in exile, we carry fragments of home and the hope of reunion.
Book Review: A History of Burning by Janika Oza
Janika Oza’s A History of Burning is a sweeping multigenerational novel that vividly brings to life the experiences of Indian immigrants in Africa under British colonial rule.
Starting with Pirbhai, a young boy from India who travels to Uganda. The story continues with him and his family across several generations.
With the upheavals of Ugandan independence their expulsions under Idi Amin. Which leads to the challenges of resettlement and survival.
The novel is an ambitious exploration of a families resilience, the immigrant experience, and the far-reaching effects of colonialism.
Plot and Themes
The novel begins with young Pirbhai’s journey to Uganda, where he hopes to build a new life. In truth he finds himself entangled in the complex dynamics of British colonial rule.
As Pirbhai matures and marries, the narrative broadens to include the perspectives of his descendants. With each generation facing unique struggles shaped by the socio-political realities of their time.
The novel spans decades, from the era of British colonialism in Africa through Uganda’s push for independence. To the subsequent violent expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin’s regime and beyond.
Allowing the story to expand with the family’s journey out of Uganda, detailing their attempts to rebuild in the wake of displacement and loss.
At its core, A History of Burning is a powerful examination of migration, identity, and the indelible impact of history on individual lives.
Oza balances the historical backdrop with intimate personal experiences, emphasizing how global events shape, yet do not completely define, her characters.
In addition to illustrating the struggles of preserving cultural roots and family bonds across borders and generations. Giving readers a profound sense of how colonialism and forced migration leave lasting imprints on both personal and collective memory.
Characters
Oza’s characters are richly crafted, each imbued with a sense of agency and individuality despite the challenges imposed by history.
Pirbhai’s story is both a personal coming-of-age and a foundation for his family’s legacy, as he faces the dangers and opportunities of life in Uganda.
Through his descendants, readers witness a mosaic of experiences, each character dealing with the pressures of assimilation, cultural preservation, and identity in their own way.
The generational structure gives each family member a distinct voice, allowing readers to witness first-hand the different stages of growth, conflict, and reconciliation within the family.
This approach adds layers to the story, as each character’s experiences build upon those of the previous generation, portraying a nuanced view of how trauma, resilience, and hope are passed down.
Oza’s commitment to showing each family member as a fully realized individual—rather than as mere caricature of their circumstances—adds depth to the narrative and makes it easy for readers to connect emotionally with the family’s journey.
Writing Style and Structure
Oza’s writing is both lyrical and precise, capturing the beauty and pain of the family’s experiences with evocative prose. Each chapter is structured around a significant event in the family’s timeline, told from the point of view of a family member, which allows for an intimate look at personal reactions to historical events.
This shifting perspective highlights the multifaceted ways in which history impacts individuals within the same family and creates a sense of continuity across generations.
Rather than using historical details as mere backdrop, Oza deftly weaves them into the narrative, allowing the setting to shape the characters’ lives without overshadowing their personal stories.
This balance keeps the characters from feeling like passive figures in history; instead, they actively respond to their circumstances, making choices that reveal their desires, fears, and ambitions. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into the family’s world, experiencing the ripple effects of historical events through their eyes.
Who Should Read A History Of Burning
A History of Burning* is ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction that brings lesser-known stories to the forefront, particularly those interested in the history of migration, colonialism, and cultural resilience.
Readers will also appreciate Oza’s multigenerational storytelling and her focus on the long-term effects of historical trauma.
In addition it will also be appreciate character-driven narratives with strong emotional depth will find much to admire in Oza’s exploration of family bonds and cultural identity.
Conclusion A History Of Burning
Janika Oza’s A History of Burning is a compelling, multi-layered novel that offers an immersive look into the lives of a family shaped by the forces of history.
Through the trials and triumphs of Pirbhai and his descendants, Oza illustrates how resilience and love persist even in the face of displacement and upheaval.
Her nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience, coupled with the delicate balance she maintains between historical context and personal narrative, makes this novel a standout addition to the genre of historical fiction.
A History of Burning is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that offers both a rich portrayal of one family’s journey and a resonant commentary on the far-reaching impacts of colonialism and migration. For anyone interested in stories that reveal the humanity behind historical events, this novel is an essential read.
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