Noted British Indian actor and writer Meera Syal launched her new novel focussing on late parenthood and surrogacy in the British Asian community at a star-studded launch party in London on Wednesday night.
Titled 'The House of Hidden Mothers', the novel is her first in 16 years since the critically acclaimed book, 'Life Isn’t All Ha Ha Hee Hee'.
Late parenthood and surrogacy are major issues in the community but less discussed. Several couples travel to India in search of surrogate mothers. The novel is described as a compelling, honest and emotional account.
Speaking on the release, Syal said, “The support for the book has been overwhelming...in particular, to the response to the sensitive and often taboo topics. Divorce, interracial dating, surrogacy, sexual violence and the complex politics of the fertility industry, once hidden, now spark urgent debate and I hope the book will add another layer to this ongoing conversation.”
The launch event was attended by Syal’s husband, noted actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, Indian high commissioner Ranjan Mathai, and several individuals from the world of film, theatre and literature, including Kabir Bedi, Nitin Ganatra and Richard Grant.