{"title":"Mahesh Rao","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMahesh Rao\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, often set against richly drawn backdrops. His works, such as \u003cem\u003eHalf Light\u003c\/em\u003e, offer a blend of intimate character studies and evocative storytelling that linger with the reader long after the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect thoughtful, nuanced fiction that explores themes of identity, memory, and connection. Rao’s writing gently invites reflection on the subtle moments that shape our lives, making his books a compelling choice for lovers of literary general fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"half-light-by-mahesh-rao-9781805337898","title":"Half Light","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the misty mountains of Darjeeling, a landslide entraps the guests and staff of a dilapidated hotel. Cooped up inside, two men exchange lingering glances. For carefree Neville, this is one of many exhilarating encounters, stolen kisses in stairways and parked cars. But for Pavan, an employee desperate to avoid detection, their entanglement prises open his carefully contained and solitary existence with unforgettable consequences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFour years later, their paths cross again amidst the towering skyscrapers and ghostly smog of Mumbai. Pavan has fled the hills, burying all memories of their encounter, while Neville is now a flailing graduate, craving something more than the naked torsos blowing up his phone. When he glimpses Pavan working behind the reception of a luxurious hotel, he demands a meeting, pursuing him with mischief and menace as the secrets of their time together threaten to tumble into the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet on the brink of India's ruling to decriminalise homosexuality, this is a tender, richly atmospheric and elegantly wry story of outlawed desire and the hope of a life beyond concealment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHalf Light\u003c\/em\u003e by Mahesh Rao explores themes of desire and identity at a pivotal moment in contemporary Indian history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47772997320940,"sku":"9781805337898","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781805337898-half-light.jpg?v=1782178742"},{"product_id":"half-light-by-mahesh-rao-9781805337904","title":"Half Light","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this remarkable novel, Mahesh Rao gives voice to the forgotten and the ignored, and my lord, what a voice it is. \u003ci\u003eHalf Light\u003c\/i\u003e is steeped to a sublime perfection, an astonishing literary achievement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRabih Alameddine, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Wrong End of the Telescope\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHigh in the mountains of Darjeeling, a landslide traps the guests and staff of a crumbling hotel. Cooped up inside, two men exchange lingering glances. For Neville, this is one of many thrilling encounters - urgent kisses in stairwells and parked cars. But for hotel employee Pavan, their connection threatens to unravel everything he has kept hidden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYears later, their paths collide once more, surrounded by the towering skyscrapers and ghostly smog of Mumbai. Neville is now a restless graduate, adrift in the city, while Pavan has started a new life, away from the hills. When Neville strides into his workplace demanding a meeting, their flirtation turns fraught, and long-buried secrets threaten to tumble into the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet on the cusp of India's landmark ruling to decriminalise homosexuality, this is a tender, richly atmospheric and elegantly wry story of outlawed desire - and the fragile hope for a life beyond concealment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eHalf Light\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A stunning novel, gorgeously written' \u003cb\u003eKamila Shamsie, author of \u003ci\u003eBest of Friends\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A searing tour de force of shame, sex, love and identity. I was enchanted' \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart, author of \u003ci\u003eReal Boys\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Tender and timeless. A quiet story of hope and survival that took my breath away' \u003cb\u003eSoula Emmanuel, author of \u003ci\u003eWild Geese\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'More than meets the expectations aroused by his debut' \u003cb\u003ePatrick Gale, author of \u003ci\u003eMother's Boy\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48021986705644,"sku":"9781805337904","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781805337904-half-light.jpg?v=1785285777"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/mahesh-rao.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}