The Direction of the Wind

“An absorbing and emotional read that follows two women on their journeys to self-discovery while breaking from social confines.” —Booklist

“The Direction of the Wind is an unexpected and compelling exploration of the way culture shapes us. This is a gritty, lyrical, heartbreaking, and deeply moving novel. I found myself reading far into the night, unable to leave behind the quest of these two women, a generation apart. Mansi Shah writes with a fresh voice and clear eyes.” —Barbara O’Neal, USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids

“A tender novel about the push and pull between families and independence, obligation and freedom, and the past and the future. The Direction of the Wind will both break your heart and send it soaring. Bravo, Mansi Shah!” —Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind

“Mansi Shah’s second novel, The Direction of the Wind, is an absorbing exploration of the price of passion and blazing one’s own path despite the weight of convention, family obligations, even motherhood. Using interlocking mother-daughter perspectives spanning decades and continents, Shah gives an unflinching portrayal of lost innocence, addiction, and misplaced romance. Despite heavy losses, this is a hopeful novel set in the city of light, where love prevails in unlikely friendships and the unbreakable bond of chosen family. Perfect reading for travelers and journeys of the heart.” —Yoojin Grace Wuertz, author of Everything Belongs to Us

“A poignant and heart-wrenching story that explores the footsteps of the past as well as the ties of family and the bravery needed to break free. Mansi Shah’s latest novel takes the reader on a journey of love, risk, betrayal, and forgiveness.” —Gian Sardar, author of Take What You Can Carry

“The Direction of the Wind will grab your heart from the first page. Beautifully written, this haunting story about a young woman searching for her mother is heartbreaking and uplifting as it immerses you in both Ahmedabad, India, and Paris, France. Mansi Shah is now a must-read author for me.” —Lyn Liao Butler, author of Red Thread of Fate

“How far would you go to save the core part of yourself? The Direction of the Wind is a fearless novel that explores the boundaries of motherhood and takes readers on a journey across the globe.” —Jennifer Bardsley, author of Sweet Bliss

“A heartfelt and empathetic look at a free-spirited mother and her daughter, separated by choice, time, and circumstance, irrevocably bonded by their shared desire to learn who they are meant to be. Shah creates an unforgettable story, steeped in Parisian atmosphere and braided with compassion. This book will break your heart and then mend it, in the most wonderful way.” —Paulette Kennedy, author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

“The Direction of the Wind is an incredible story of one woman coming into her own by unearthing the past and learning new truths by searching for a mother she’s never truly known. Once again, Mansi Shah has written an immersive novel that grips your heart by the fist and doesn’t let go until the end.” —Namrata Patel, author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave

“With an immersive setting and captivating storytelling, Mansi Shah weaves a gripping tale of the complex relationships of mothers and daughters. The Direction of the Wind sweeps readers along as Sophie retraces her mother’s footsteps through the city of Paris, embarking on an emotional journey of self-discovery and forgiveness that ultimately teaches her the meaning of family and the importance of choosing one’s own path. Fans of Shah’s breakout debut, The Taste of Ginger, will love this outstanding sophomore novel.” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark