I find it really frustrating at times that I can’t read every single book that catches my eye ahead of publication, however much I might want to – and one that I would have loved to, because it really captured my imagination, was Queuing for the Queen by Swéta Rana. It was published as an ebook by Aria Fiction on 11th May (free via Kindle Unlimited, and currently just 99p for Kobo), and today is paperback publication day (available via Amazon in the UK and US, or through your favourite on-line or local bookshop). I will catch up with it, I promise – and thank you to the publishers for the e-copy that’s still languishing on my kindle, provided via netgalley – but today I’m delighted to share a spotlight, with thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for providing the support.
Just take a look at this – it might appeal to you as much as it did to me…
‘Beautifully sensitive, quietly reflective, this absorbing tale about a group of strangers brought together following the death of Queen Elizabeth II is an absolute triumph.’ LoveReading debut of the month
One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.
A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.
An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.
And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.
Doesn’t that look just wonderful? Wishing you every possible success Swéta, and I do hope it won’t be too long until I’m able to share a review…
About the author
Swéta Rana was born into a Gujarati family in Birmingham, and now lives in south London. She studied Philosophy and Theology at Oxford before doing a Master’s in Publishing at UCL. After working briefly in editorial at Orion, she moved into designing and managing commercial websites.
Swéta has enjoyed writing ever since she was a child, always taking any opportunity she can to write fiction pieces, film reviews, or articles on Indian culture. Queuing for the Queen is her first novel.
In her spare time, Swéta takes Hindi language classes, sings soprano in a chamber choir, and volunteers for a mental health charity.
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