A History of Burning by Janika Oza is a stunning saga that spans four continents, four generations, and a century, following one family through colonial India, East Africa, Canada, and the UK. We explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and survival, catalyzed by an early traumatic event that shapes the family's history.

Oza's writing immersed me in the Indian immigrant experience in Uganda, shedding light on the often overlooked Indo-Ugandan diaspora. The first half of the novel was rich with historical and cultural insights, while the latter half delved into the emotional toll of trauma and displacement, as the family navigated life in Canada amid racism and loss.

The novel's strength lies in its deep character development and the complexity of family relationships, where love and sacrifice often come into conflict. Some historical nuances were challenging for unfamiliar readers like myself, but Oza’s fluid prose kept me fully engaged. A History of Burning is a poignant and intimate debut, establishing Oza as an exciting new literary voice.

Really enjoyed this one! I should have read it so much sooner! But I don’t regret it. This maybe a new obsession! I love the characters, plot, etc.

This was a touching family saga that taught me a history lesson about Uganda and Indian citizens, about which I’d been previously unaware: President of Uganda Idi Amin, in early 1972, ordered the expulsion of his country's Indian minority, giving them 90 days to leave.

It wasn’t written as a history lesson, though. It was the story of an Indian family that strove, generation after generation – against unsurmountable odds – to better its future. The book spoke of important bonds in Indian culture – namely that family is the most important currency of all, despite efforts to rise in professional status and wealth. It’s a story of earned love, difficult mother-daughter relationships, and the depths to which families will go to ensure their children’s safety and productivity. In many ways, it’s a book about history repeating itself and begs the question of whether <i>anywhere</i> can become home. It asks questions of birthright and sheds light on discrimination, abuse of power, and regrettable choices.

I’m still not sure how the author did it – but Oza managed a generational saga in less than 400 pages, with really solid characterization.

The story of several generations on Indo-Ugandan family and their struggles to survive and thrive in spite of cultural and political pressures. I had never read a book about this particular issue or set in this particular location. Much of the story is fascinating -- Indian citizens kidnapped and shipped to Africa to work for the British, and the discrimination among the Brits, the Asians, and the Africans. This is actually excellent historical fiction. Unfortunately, I was never really connected to the characters. Perhaps it was because the vocabulary and culture is so foreign to me ( a white American). I have read widely and often really enjoy stories with settings and cultures different from my own. I just found it difficult to really care what was happening to these characters, so (for me) the story was just lost in the growing political intrigue. This is good effort, especially for a first novel. I actually gave up about 1/2 way through. Perhaps I will give it another try at a later date.

Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of A History of Burning by Janika Oza. This debut novel is the story of many generations of a family that starts out in India, they flee to other countries as the conflicts in each place make it impossible for them to stay. They make lives in these places, and become activists and shopkeepers. They face horrific challenges that test the strength of family. It is beautifully written. But it is very long, for me seemed like it was too much. Glad I read it but it was tough to get through. #netgalley #ahistoryofburning #janikaoza #advancedreadercopy #debutnovel #arc #bookstagram #takeapagefrommybook #lovetoread #readallthebooks #familystory #generations #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram

A story told through the span of a century of family history. It's an interesting book from the historical perspective, a grand scale, rather than intimate, experience.

A multi-generational story that takes the reader on a journey through time and the world. It broke my heart from the beginning when Pirbhai as a teenager is stolen from his home in India. He along with other young boys, is made to work for the British on African railroads. To survive he does things that he cannot forget or forgive himself for.
The story takes us through his life as he raises his own kids. He is able to give them a better life with different choices. However, his past decisions and actions are a big part of his legacy and continue to haunt him. It is a fascinating and emotional story.

There was a time in my life in which 'sweeping generational saga' was the hot ticket from bookstore bookshelf to my tote bag and home; but....I am just not in that era anymore. If anything, that descriptor now reads to me as 'you don't have the attention span for this book', which is true in 9 cases out of 10. However, what Janika Oza has done with this book is capture that 1/10. Her vivid prose and rich historical detail—following the life of not only Pirbhai, but generations of his family, too—bring to life the complexities of family dynamics and the juxtaposition of complicity and resistance in the face of oppression.

I found the varied historical backdrop to be particularly interesting, as none of the three major locales of the book were ones that I have much context for or connection to. I also found the resilience of later generations to inspire hope in a way that not many of my reads usually do (lit fic girlies, sound off). I think this book would be appreciated by fans of Homegoing (Yaa Gyasi) or Pachinko (Min Jin Lee), arguably the two giants of the genre.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review!

This is another multi-generational family saga. This time, about several generations (100 years) of an Indian family. The story may begin in India, but it mainly takes place in Uganda and then Toronto. I loved the way that the author reveals the motivations and characters of each family member as they struggle to survive individually but mostly as they fight to improve the lives of their family. The story begins with a young Indian boy who signs a paper he cannot read, accepting a job without knowing or worrying about the nature of the work because he is so desperate to earn money to help his family. Over time and generations in his new home country of Uganda, his family is able to “move up” in society and live happily and comfortably. Eventually, however, with the end of British rule, his family is exiled from the country and flees to Toronto. This is a story of perseverance, resilience, and hope in the face of unspeakable instability. To imagine having your family completely uprooted every couple of generations and the impact that could have on you emotionally, socially, and financially, is dizzying. The author had me very invested in each character’s well-being. Although she did an excellent job showcasing not only each character’s strengths but also their flaws, I found all of the characters truly likeable. Although the story begins with a male character I found the overall plot to focus more on the women of the family. It was the strength of the women that truly allowed the family to flourish.
This was an enjoyable read and like many multi-generational family sagas, I always want to know more. Perhaps it is just because in this genre the story seems never-ending as it does not end with the end of a main character, but continues with the next generation. I did find this ending to be uplifting and bring some things full circle but one outcome that I had hoped for in the ending did not occur. If you like multi-generational family sagas, definitely check this one out!

It's not that often that a modern saga is worth a reader's time. But History of Burning rewards through a tale of remarkable people doing remarkable things. The atmosphere created by language of the writing is almost palpable and the plot couldn't be more engaging.

A propulsive story that spans generations--- my favorite type of novel! Engaging and important this is one that will stick with. me for some time.

An epic, century long multi-generational family saga starting with Pirbhai,a young teenage boy, who is taken from India to Uganda to work on the East African Railway. And thus begins his journey and ours as readers as we think about themes of family, home, history and resilience. This is a remarkable debut and I kept saying out loud that THIS type of book is what I love about reading - not being able to put a book down and to just want to keep reading, no matter what time it is or what you have to do the next day. I think readers who enjoyed Homegoing, The Covenant of Water, Cutting for Stone, and The Poisonwood Bible would enjoy this as well. I already sent this to several friends to read. I did listen to this on audio for a bit but I preferred reading the words in print for this one more.

I think this was an excellent novel, but the wrong time for me. Perhaps it was also the wrong time for our store since it didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved.

It's hard to believe that A History of Burning is Janika Oza's debut novel. This work is a stirring family novel covering five continents and four generations. It's a story of the diaspora of an Indian family that intersects with themes of identity, inheritance, and trauma.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

The story begins at the turn of the twentieth century, when 13-year-old Pirbhai, the eldest son of a poor family, is conscripted British to work on the East African Railway in Kenya. Then one day, Pirbhai commits an act so heinous it will haunt him forever and reverberate across his family’s future for generations to come.

Pirbhai’s children are born and raised under the searing sun of Kampala during the waning days of British colonial rule. As Uganda moves towards independence and military dictatorship, Pirbhai’s granddaughters, Latika, Mayuri, and Kiya, are coming of age in a divided nation.

Then, in 1972, under Idi Amin’s brutal regime, all Asians are expelled, and the family has no choice but to flee. In the chaos, they leave something behind.

Janika Oza’s impressive debut takes readers on a journey spanning four continents and five generations of an Indian family as they’re forced to migrate again and again for political and economic reasons. As Pirbhai’s grandchildren, scattered across the world, find their way back to each other in exile in Toronto, a shocking letter arrives that causes each generation to question how far they will go, and who they will defy to secure their own place in the world.

A History of Burning is an unforgettable family saga of complicity and resistance, about the stories we share, the ones that remain unspoken, and the eternal search for home.

The chapters alternate between the perspectives of ten characters as they move around the world and struggle to maintain solidarity and cultural traditions. While the multiple viewpoints might be challenging for some readers, Oza's storytelling shines through in this sweeping historical novel. 5 stars.

Beautiful storytelling. Epic and diasporic. I recommend listening to this author's talks - just very engaging.

This was an excellent historical fiction novel about several generations of an East Indian family as they move from India to Eastern Africa to Canada. It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I was in, I was hooked. Told in a narrative style where different family members narrate the chapters, I loved following the story as it unfolded. Meticulously researched, we also learn history British colonialism in Uganda and the negative changes it inflicted on the Indian families when they pulled out. Heartbreaking and hopeful, this family who suffered and loved, and who wouldn't give up wasn't excellent read!

This is such an immersive but tough read. Oza is such a good writer that I was willing to go on the journey with this family, even though it made me extremely nervous. It will go on my must-read for 2023 shelf.

IN A WORD:
Enjoyable.

THE GOOD: Exotic locales and interesting cultural changes due to location and timeframe.

THE BAD: Often too much use of non-English words that context didn't explain.

RECAP:
An tale of one family's generational goal to improve their status.
From India to Uganda to Canada. Pushed from one new life to the next.
Told through the eyes of multiple characters - a child, a parent, a grandparent, sisters, and brothers.
Ultimately a tale of familial love and faithfulness.

This story was beautifully written and pulled me in from the first chapter. I truly couldn’t put it down. Although my emotions were all over the place, it’s a must read.