The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali

Based on the Andaman Islands during oppressive imperial regimes, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali is a complex, gripping homage to those omitted from the collective memory. It follows the intertwined stories of people caught in the vortex of history, powerless yet with powers of their own, of bravery and wonder, empathy and endurance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing

Spanning the oppressive reigns of imperial rule in the Andaman Islands, Uzma Aslam Khan's remarkable novel, "The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali," intricately weaves a complex and captivating tribute to those marginalized from collective memory. Nomi and Zee, born to a convict condemned by the British and a mother forcibly sent alongside him, find themselves in the inhospitable yet surreal landscapes of these islands. With the companionship of their friend Aye, the loyal hen Priya, and the intermittent affection of their parents, they navigate the unpredictable world, relying on these pillars of support to endure each passing day. Meanwhile, within the confines of the prison, Prisoner 218 D wages a fierce battle against her captors, utilizing only her body and her unwavering memory. As war descends upon this oft-overlooked outpost of the Empire, the British are forced to retreat, leaving the Japanese to take their place. The first shot rings out, and Zee is compelled to flee, leaving Nomi and the islanders to confront a new adversary. The islands, along with the surrounding seas, transform into a treacherous battleground, resulting in untold tragedy for some and a fragile sense of liberation for others. Within this intricate tapestry of alliances and betrayals, individuals find themselves entangled, their bravery and wonder, empathy, and endurance tested to the utmost. "The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali" emerges as an ambitiously conceived and vividly alive narrative, skillfully interweaving the stories of individuals caught in the tumultuous vortex of history. Though powerless in the face of immense forces, they possess their own extraordinary powers—the courage to stand against injustice, the capacity for empathy, and the unwavering resilience to endure. Uzma Aslam Khan's extraordinary novel unfolds as an unflinching and lyrical page-turner, an epic portrayal of a largely forgotten chapter in the history of the subcontinent. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 148 x 225 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646051649