Former UN leader launches powerful novel on women and resistance
The author of an internationally acclaimed Indian book which is now being made into a multi-season streaming series, has started q global launch tour in Edinburgh.
Swallowing the Sun, the debut novel by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, has become one of the most significant literary successes to emerge from India in recent years.
Set during the British Raj between 1918 and 1950, the novel traces the life of Malati, a Western-educated young woman, alongside an ensemble of Indian and British characters whose stories unfold across three generations navigating colonial rule, political upheaval and deeply entrenched patriarchy.
A sweeping coming-of-age tale and family saga, it unfolds as an epic love story and grand romance, following protagonists whose lives unfold across India, from Bombay and Shimla to Delhi, Banaras and towns in Madhya Pradesh, as different arcs explore education, separation, politics and resistance.
The story weaves together historical and contemporary fiction while exploring women’s empowerment against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle – revealing the indestructibility and triumph of the human spirit, and the transcendental, universal values of truth, beauty, justice and love.
Since its first edition, Swallowing the Sun has been awarded five major literary honours, with critics describing it as dazzling, iridescent, exquisitely told and one of the most powerful debuts by an Indian writer in the 21st century.
The novel’s reach continues to grow. It is currently being translated into multiple Indian languages and is being made into a premium multi-season streaming series by Abundantia Entertainment.
The book’s international rollout was formally launched at a reception at the City Chambers in Edinburgh, marking the first event in its worldwide release programme, with the author in conversation with Lady Joyce Caplan, Chair of the Scottish Centre for Tagore Studies and a respected voice in Edinburgh’s literary and academic life.
The Scottish capital was selected in recognition of its global outlook, literary heritage and long-standing role as a centre for ideas and dialogue.
The Edinburgh launch brought together civic leaders, diplomats, MSPs, MPs, academics and women leaders to celebrate the novel’s themes and its growing international impact.
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri served for 15 years in senior leadership roles at the United Nations, including as Assistant Secretary-General, and was the founding Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, the first global organisation dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Earlier in her career, she represented India as an Ambassador and held senior diplomatic postings across Europe. Her diplomatic career and global advocacy for women’s rights have shaped her storytelling and contributed to the novel’s themes of resilience, justice and transformation. With accolades including the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, her public service has been widely recognised.
The author describes the novel as “a tribute to and inspired by my parents’ story and that generation of young people, women and men who were unsung heroes in India’s quest for independence.
“It’s about young heroes and heroines who conquer self-doubt, resist oppression, disprove racism and overthrow slavery – a novel that speaks to the present and is a prophet of the future.”
Commenting on the book’s themes and reception, the author said: “Everyone who has read the novel has noted how rooted it is in Indian experience; how quintessentially Indian it is and yet how universal its appeal and themes.
“The book is a tribute to the courage and determination of women and men everywhere, past and present, who fought for freedom – affirming that the seemingly impossible becomes possible if we dare, keep faith and persevere.”
The novel’s reach has already extended beyond India, with celebrations hosted by the United Nations, Harvard University and the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The Edinburgh launch was convened with the support of Purview Group. Sai Dodda representing Purview Group, said: “This was about creating the right space for a story of global significance to be heard. Edinburgh offers a unique meeting point for culture, civic life and international dialogue, and we were proud to help convene an event that reflects those values.
“Swallowing the Sun demonstrates how a story grounded in India’s history can resonate powerfully with audiences far beyond its place of origin.”
Prabhu Guptara, Publisher at Pippa Rann Books, said: “Swallowing the Sun is a rare debut with both literary depth and wide emotional reach. It brings history to life through unforgettable characters, while speaking directly to contemporary questions about women’s agency, identity and power. From the moment we read it, we knew this was a novel that deserved to travel far beyond its original readership.”
The Depute Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, who attended the event, said: “Edinburgh has long been a city where literature and ideas intersect with civic life. It is fitting that a novel of this depth and international relevance should begin its global journey here.”
Published by Pippa Rann Books, the book will be released across the UK from 5 February 2026. The hardback edition has an RSP of £25.
