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A House Called Askival

Novel set in a Himalayan hill-station


Set in North India and spanning 70 years of recent history through the lives of one family, A House Called Askival is ultimately the story of a father and his rebel daughter seeking reconciliation before he dies.

James Connor, burdened with guilt from a tragedy during Partition in 1947, has dedicated his life to serving India. His estranged daughter, Ruth, believing she fell below her American parents’ missionary calling, rebelled as a teenager. This triggered her own devastating experience during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. After 24 years away, she finally returns to Askival, the family home in the northern hill-station of Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, to tend to her dying father. There, both must confront the past and find forgiveness if they are to cross the gulf between them and be at peace.

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Click on the Buy Now button to see purchase options, including personally signed copies direct from me.

You can also ask any bookshop or library to order it in by giving the full title and author.

The audiobook is narrated by Indian actress, Shena Gamat, and is available direct from my website or wherever you listen to audio. The accompanying CD sized booklet in a cardboard sleeve is only available directly from me, and can be personally signed.

Reviews & Features here

Book Group questions here

Read about the four different cover designs in my article for Spine Magazine.

Formats available: Hardback, Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook, 1

First published: 01/06/14

Published: Windhover

A House Called Askival: "An epic and raging sweep of history."

Northwords Now

A House Called Askival: "Merryn Glover is quite simply a wonderful writer; honest, perceptive, with humour, a zest for life and a love for people and nature. She knows how to keep her readers turning the pages. At times she writes like an angel."

John Dempster, Highland News

A House Called Askival: "The central themes — about love, parental influence, hidden secrets, loyalty, and the importance of faith — produce a gripping storyline."

Lavinia Byrne, Church Times

"In light of what is happening on the world stage today, A House Called Askival is a book which demands our engagement."

Dr Carol Leon, Wasafiri

A House Called Askival: "What the best historical fiction should be: the individual story from the heart of great events. Excellent."

Jonathan Falla, author of The Craft of Fiction

"Glover understands houses are never just houses. Askival will break your heart."

Cynthia Rogerson, author of I Love You, Goodbye