Naeli and the Secret Song

Naeli has few memories of her father, who left for England when she was very young and never returned, but her Indian childhood has been full of the music that he and her mother shared. All she has is his name and the beloved violin he left with her, which when she plays it, makes her feels as if he is right there by her side.

After a change of circumstances mean that Naeli is left alone in her home, she receives a mysterious ticket to England, with no name or further details to explain its source. Although nervous about what may lie ahead, she decides that this is her chance to search for her father and discover the English side of her heritage.

As she leaves behind all that she has ever known, Naeli embarks on an exciting long journey across the sea, making friends with schoolboy Jack, who helps her time aboard pass more entertainingly than she had expected. On her arrival in England, the next few weeks are a far cry from her life in India, as she is first taken to a pie shop deep in the heart of London and set to work amongst girls only looking out for themselves and then abruptly whisked away to a large house and introduced to the uncle she never knew she had. Although on first appearances Uncle Daniel seems to be kind and caring, his cruel side becomes evident when Naeli refuses to do exactly what he wants as she starts to realise that there is something mysterious going on, linked somehow to her precious violin. Escaping from her uncle’s London house, she heads for the family estate in the north of England and finds herself in the middle of a secret that has been hidden for years. Naeli risks everything to uncover the truth, save her family and reveal her musical inheritance.

Jasbinder Bilan has created a wonderful fast-paced tale, a mix of adventure, mystery and historical fiction, as we leave behind the traditional Indian world and enter Victorian England, where women are treated very differently of course than they are today. Our heroine Naeli is strong and determined, facing a new life and the many obstacles in her path with determination and courage as the twists and turns of her story unfold.

The Author’s Note that follows the story tells how Jasbinder Bilan was born in India and explains her inspiration for the characters and themes of the book, which will help readers understand more about the background and this period of history and open up the chances for discussion on colonialism and the racism experienced by Naeli.

Another beautiful story from this author, which is sure to be a popular choice with all readers.