An Asian Romeo & Juliet tale from the author of (Un)Arranged Marriage
1950s Punjab - a secret affair goes terribly wrong and the bride commits suicide after her lover is attacked by her family. The two families part in violence and conflict-2004 Leicester - Rani and Sukh fall in love, unaware of the terrible legacy of the past and the conflict between their two families-Can tragedy be averted or will the two young people be able to escape the cycle of violence and draw the families together for the future?.
Bali Rai's first novel for young adults, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize. Bali is also the author of the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers. Bali was born in Leicester where he still lives, writing full-time and visiting schools to talk about his books. You can visit him at www.balirai.co.uk
“This bitter-sweet story hurtles towards its inevitable conclusion, which is both frustratingly honest and overwhelmingly powerful. It is a heart-wrenching love story that will exert its power over you long after the book is finished.”
Claudia Mody, The Bookseller
“"Rai's snappily-written dialogue and stream-of-consciousness narrative create a vivid, fast-moving take on the Romeo & Juliet story... "”
Booktrusted News
“"This is a novel which challenges assumptions abour race, gender roles and family loyalties."”
The Irish Times
“"Old emotions are still running high, and the ending is heart-rending."”
Jennifer Taylor, The Bookseller
“Gripping stuff”
Leicester Mercury
“The launch of this title is announced”
Books in the Media
“"Although this gem is published for children, it touches upon emotions mirrored in any adult's life. Former DJ and bar manager Bali Rai carefully weaves together street dialect, romantic tragedy and urban realism to create a tapestry that isn't just a depiction of how things used to be, but how history has a way of coming full circle.... Bali Rai speaks the voice of teenage youth with astonishing clarity, making it essential reading for 2004"”
Asiana
“"This powerful read is unforgettable, 5 stars out of 5"”
Mizz
“It moves with pace through the plot . . . and would be ideally suited as a gift to a teenager.”
India Weekly
“"Rai weaves together a brilliant page turner, with identifiable characters that leave you over-run with emotions and empathy in this summer-time must read."”
Desi
“Article about the Booktrust Teenage Fiction Prize 2004 for which Rani and Sukh has been shortlisted”
Books in the Media
“"It is well executed with convincing dialogue, humour and lively and believable main characters acting as teenagers of today do."”
Inis
“A must-read that will have you hooked from the moment you open it”
Teaching and Learning
“A good multicultural romance/drama.”
Warwickshire Evening Telegraph
“Shortlist for this award is announced.”
Writers News
“Compelling and compulsively readable. . . . a gritty, urban, streetwise story, shot through with acerbic wit and compassionate humour.”
The School Librarian
“I enjoyed it and some sympathy with the two main characters.”
Teen Titles
“Rani & Sukh is a gritty, urban, streetwise story shot through acerbic wit and compassionate humour like letters through candy rock, empowering and investing hope in young people to create their own future while respecting their past.”
School Librarian
“Shortlisted for Berkshire Children's Book Award”
Maidenhead Advertiser
“Has such an exciting and twisting plot that you just don't want to put it down.”
Teen Titles
“Rai writes engagingly...teenage readers will quickly be drawn in.”
National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE)
“Article about shortlist for Berkshire Book award”
