Shalimar

This narrative follows Davina Quinlivan's journey through her Anglo-Asian heritage and the impact of her family's migration story in Shalimar.

In Shalimar, Davina Quinlivan explores her Anglo-Asian heritage through a deeply personal narrative that spans a decade and multiple relocations across England. The story unfolds as Quinlivan navigates her own identity while grappling with the extraordinary mythology that surrounds her family. After moving from her childhood home in west London to the countryside, she experiences a profound sense of restlessness, caught between the familiar and the unknown, as she seeks to understand her roots and the legacy of her ancestors.

The narrative begins with the rich histories of colonial India and Burma, tracing the lineage of the women in Quinlivan's family and their connections to indigenous tribes. These ancestral stories, steeped in cultural significance, resonate throughout her life, influencing her experiences and shaping her understanding of home. As she and her young family settle in rural Devon, Quinlivan reflects on the impact of her family's migration journey, weaving together memories of food, language, and tradition that persist even as she moves through different landscapes.

Shalimar is a lyrical debut that captures the essence of migration and the quest for belonging. Through her evocative prose, Quinlivan conjures a vivid sense of place that bridges continents and cultures, marking her arrival as a remarkable new voice in literature.