Half Light by Rao, Mahesh

Description

Author: Rao, MaheshModern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)Published on 11 September 2025 by PUSHKIN PRESS (ONE) in the United Kingdom.Hardback | 288 pages223 x 146 x 143 | 388g
In this remarkable novel, Mahesh Rao gives voice to the forgotten and the ignored, and my lord, what a voice it is.Half Lightis steeped to a sublime perfection, an astonishing literary achievementRabih Alameddine, author ofThe Wrong End of the TelescopeHigh 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.Years 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.Set on the cusp of Indias 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.Praise forHalf Light:A stunning novel, gorgeously writtenKamila Shamsie, author ofBest of FriendsA searing tour de force of shame, sex, love and identity. I was enchantedThomas Stewart, author ofReal BoysTender and timeless. A quiet story of hope and survival that took my breath awaySoula Emmanuel, author ofWild GeeseMore than meets the expectations aroused by his debutPatrick Gale, author ofMothers Boy