Minnie O'Brien reflects back on her long life in rural Ireland and her struggle to hand her farm over to her youngest son.

A stunning, powerful debut novel set against the backdrop of the Cambodian War, perfect for fans of Chris Cleave and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie For seven-year-old Raami, the shattering end of childhood begins with the footsteps of her father returning home in the early dawn hours bringing details of the civil war that has overwhelmed the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Soon the family's world of carefully guarded royal privilege is swept up in the chaos of revolution and forced exodus. Over the next four years, as she endures the deaths of family members, starvation, and brutal forced labour, Raami clings to the only remaining vestige of childhood - the mythical legends and poems told to her by her father. In a climate of systematic violence where memory is sickness and justification for execution, Raami fights for her improbable survival. Displaying the author's extraordinary gift for language, In the Shadow of the Banyanis testament to the transcendent power of narrative and a brilliantly wrought tale of human resilience. 'In the Shadow of the Banyanis one of the most extraordinary and beautiful acts of storytelling I have ever encountered' Chris Cleave, author of The Other Hand 'Ratner is a fearless writer, and the novel explores important themes such as power, the relationship between love and guilt, and class. Most remarkably, it depicts the lives of characters forced to live in extreme circumstances, and investigates how that changes them. To read In the Shadow of the Banyan is to be left with a profound sense of being witness to a tragedy of history' Guardian 'This is an extraordinary debut … as beautiful as it is heartbreaking' Mail on Sunday

THE BANYAN TREE follows a young man's journey to the deepest parts of himself, led by a symbol from his dreams and an elegantly inscribed ring. A mystic's insights propel him into a journey which few are fortunate enough to take, but he must remain sensitive to the signs. He unexpectedly finds himself taking a moonlit journey to a secret island to meet an old man who has not spoken in many years. This enigmatic old sage imparts knowledge so profound that Kamajaya's previous understanding of life and how to live it begins to feel dull and lifeless by comparison. Kamajaya is repeatedly challenged by the wise man's lessons until he finally surrenders all that he has come to know as true. The reappearance of a beautiful girl with a strange tattoo delivers a collection of words that will unite his inner and outer worlds forever.

An epic spanning three generations, Leaves of the Banyan Tree tells the story of a family and community in Western Samoa, exploring on a grand scale such universal themes as greed, corruption, colonialism, exploitation, and revenge. Winner of the 1980 New Zealand Wattie Book of the Year Award, it is considered a classic work of Pacific literature.

About the Book: “Once Upon A Time” follows the protagonist’s journey through his past, twenty years ago. An educated young man, he resigns from his job as a schoolteacher due to a romantic entanglement with the headmaster’s daughter. He becomes an estate manager in eastern India, initially struggling with isolation but gradually embracing the forest life. He befriends a young fisherman, learns horse riding and fishing, and survives various forest adventures. Fascinated by tales of a black leopard, he visits the village of Kuhika, where he encounters a mysterious old man who guides him to find the black orchid to cure a local villager’s strange disease. Despite twists and challenges, he discovers the true purpose of his life and love. The story concludes with his return to his hometown, honoring his lost love and acknowledging the pivotal roles played by destiny and courage in shaping one’s life. About the Author: Avik Bakshi is a management professional and writer originally from Kolkata in India. He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering which is followed by an MBA in Human Resource Management. He has a rich experience of over ten years in different HR functions and has worked for reputed organizations like Capgemini, The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. The work titled “Once Upon A Time” is his first novel. Additionally, he is interested in music and filmmaking. Anyone interested in connecting with the author of this book may do so by contacting at [email protected].

Chip Carson intends to marry a young Vietnamese woman named Thuy until a tragic accident lands him in prison, forever altering the outlook of their relationship. As he struggles to cope with their strained love, a mysterious stranger appears, bearing a journal about Chip's grandfather who parachuted into French Indochina at the end of World War II. As the words of the journal reveal a life that Chip never knew, he begins to understand the depth of love and sacrifice needed in order to have a second chance with Thuy. Part historical fiction, part contemporary love story, The Reach of the Banyan Tree explores the effects of war, love, culture, and family obligation in twentieth century Vietnam through the eyes of three generations of American men, who each lost their soul in the tangled reach of the banyan tree.

Describes the importance of a banyan tree to an Indian village.