Costa Book Awards 2007 Judges' comment: "A very accomplished, mature narrative voice set against the backdrop of the Bangladeshi civil war - a moving and original perspective on a little known slice of history with a highly affecting and brave ending."
As Rehana Haque awakes one March morning, she might be forgiven for feeling happy. Today she will throw a party for her son and daughter. In the garden of the house she has built, her roses are blooming; her children are almost grown-up; and beyond their doorstep, the city is buzzing with excitement after recent elections. Change is in the air. But none of the guests at Rehana’s party can foresee what will happen in the days and months that follow. For this is East Pakistan in 1971, a country on the brink of war. And this family’s life is about to change for ever.
Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, A Golden Age is a story of passion and revolution, of hope, faith and unexpected heroism. In the chaos of this era, everyone – from student protesters to the country’s leaders, from rickshaw-wallahs to the army’s soldiers – must make choices. And as she struggles to keep her family safe, Rehana will find herself faced with a heartbreaking dilemma.
Tahmima Anam was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1975 and grew up in Paris, New York City, and Bangkok. She trained as an anthropologist, earning a PhD from Harvard University. In 2005 she completed an MA in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, London, and is the recipient of a Writing Fellowship from the Arts Council of England. She lives in London.
