The Keeper of Memories

The novel follows Dharmshila, who, in the later years of her life, shares the memories and history of her Gorkha family with her grandchildren. The story then follows her sons and their very different journeys—from Burma during the Second World War to football clubs in Calcutta and the film world of Bombay.

Madhu Gurung began her career as a journalist and has worked with organisations including Oxfam, UNIFEM and the BBC World Service Trust. She has lived in Myanmar and is based in Dehradun, India. The Keeper of Memories is her first novel.

The story begins with Dharmshila, the keeper of her family's memories. She recounts the history of her Gorkha ancestors, who came from Nepal and fought the British in the Khalanga War in Dehradun. As the family settles in India, the next generation follows very different paths. Ranu goes to Burma and loses his memory while fighting the Japanese in World War II; Biru becomes involved with football in Calcutta; and Kharak travels to Bombay, attracted by the world of cinema. The novel explores how war, migration, ambition and family memories shape several generations.