Announcements

HarperCollins presents The Swaraj Spy by Vijay Balan

Praise for the book

The Swaraj Spy is an engrossing story that delves into a place and time that writers and historians have unjustly overlooked for a long time. Vijay Balan guides the reader through fascinating landscapes, high political drama, and the inner transformations that the savagery of war can provoke. A compelling work of historical fiction, based on the author’s own grand uncle’s life — well worth reading.” Dr Shashi Tharoor 

About the Book
Kumar Nair is dismissed from a colonial paramilitary unit for refusing to disperse unarmed women agitating for India’s independence. When the Great Depression destroys his fledgling business, he moves to Singapore for a fresh start, but World War II breaks out. After Singapore falls, he joins a secret spy school, created by the Japanese intelligence and the rebel Indian National Army to defeat the British and free India. When a double agent betrays several cadets, Kumar is sent on a rescue mission. Caught in a hall of mirrors, can he cross wartime borders, rescue captured agents and return to his young wife in Malabar? 

The Swaraj Spy is based on true events.

Vijay Balan says, ‘The story of the Indian National Army (INA), and its secret espionage wing is relatively unknown. My purpose in writing this book is to let the world know of the extraordinary unsung sacrifices of men like my grand-uncle as they navigated a shadowy hall-of-mirrors with blurred lines between friend and foe, while hastening the end of Britain’s Indian Empire 75 years ago.’

Swati Daftuar, Executive Editor, HarperCollins India says, “’It’s a pleasure to publish The Swaraj Spy. It brings together so much – history, adventure, intrigue – and is such a moving, compelling story set against turbulent times. It captures perfectly both human emotions and political turmoil, and gives us a story that stays with us long after the last page is turned.’

About the Author
Vijay Balan grew up in Ooty, India and has lived and worked in many parts of the world. An avid history buff, he enjoys weaving insights and nuances from his wide travels and readings into story-telling. His debut novel, The Swaraj Spy, is based on the experiences of his grand-uncle as a member of the Indian National Army (INA)’s espionage wing in World War 2.

For further information please write to sagiri.dixit@harpercollins.co.in
Historical Fiction | Rs 599
https://www.amazon.in/dp/9356290741

 

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