'Poignant and often poetic in its prose, The Sirens of September vividly brings to life the cataclysmic events surrounding Hyderabad’s doomed bid for independence. Told through multiple voices, Zeenath Khan’s novel is an elegant and engaging read' -- John Zubrzycki, author of The Last Nizam and The House of Jaipur

‘Zeenath Khan offers a masterclass in slick storytelling, which also stays true to the historical backdrop her debut novel is set against-in this case Hyderabad city during its final months as a princely state’s capital. A fine addition to the gradually expanding corpus of literature about the Deccan region and one of its most tragic yet overlooked episodes’ -- Daneesh Majid, author of The Hyderabadis: From 1947 to the Present Day

‘Evocatively written, perceptive and full of suspense, The Sirens of September conjures a rich world and vivid characters living at one of the great hinge moments of history, which will brutally and dramatically change all their lives forever’ -- Emma Darwin, author of The Mathematics of Love and A Secret Alchemy

'The Sirens of September is a fascinating exploration of the months shortly before and after Indian Independence in 1947 and 1948. Seen through the eyes of a young teenage girl, Farishteh, the reader is plunged into the chaotic and terrifying atmosphere of Hyderabad as it fights for independence from the Indian state. For me, the best historical fiction is where I encounter a time or place I have read little about, wrapped up in a compelling story. This novel is all