Hema Macherla

Breeze from the River Manjeera tells the story of the engaging Neela who arrives in England from a small village in India as a bride for the brutal Ajay. The life that awaits Neela is a far cry from her hopes and expectations. Treated worse than a servant by her in-laws, and unwanted by her husband, she finally escapes in search of independence and freedom. The novel explores in a personal, moving way the issues around the deep-rooted traditions of arranged marriages and the struggle for young women like Neela to find love and happiness.

A born story-teller, Hema Macherla was short-listed for Richard & Judy with this novel, and has since written the epic Blue Eyes.