That way she can send money to her mother who is sick. Suria has left her small village on the Malay peninsula to find work in Singapore. As Lara travels nervously to Malaysia and then Singapore, we meet Suria whose name was inscribed on the amulet. Wondering why her mother had grown up in an orphanage, Lara is hoping that a beautiful amulet on a silver chain, kept by her mother all her life will lead her to discover its original owner. This time-slip novel, set in Singapore, moves between the experiences of Lara in 2000 and those of her Malay grandmother, Suria, during the Japanese occupation in World War Two. ‘I really loved this haunting, powerful and beautiful novel.’ Amazon Reviewer I raced through this book in just over twenty-four hours … I literally could not put it down.’ Bibliobeth – Goodreads. ‘This was a story of love, passion and cruelty I could not put down ….’ Lizeanne Lloyd - Lost in a Good Book Harrowing in parts but unputdownable! Best author I have read in a very long time.’ Amazon Reviewer. ‘Have just discovered this writer … So descriptive of the Far East. 'A vivid account of a brutal period, and a searing exploration of trauma, memory and loss.' The Lady Magazine. While delving into her grandmother’s past, Lara is forced to confront betrayal and brutality as she learns some disturbing truths about families and friendships… They start to grow close, but war threatens to engulf Singapore and tear them apart. In 1941, Suria, a poor Malay girl working in a tailor’s shop and living in a communal warehouse, is befriended by a British officer, Charles Simmonds.

Suspecting Suria to be the grandmother she never met, Lara travels to Singapore to find out why her mother was committed to the care of a local orphanage during World War Two. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.Īfter her mother’s death, Lara discovers a beautiful amulet amongst her belongings, engraved with the words “for Suria.” From award-winning author Ann Bennett, comes a new, heart-breaking novel set in Singapore, during World War Two.

Amulet books set