Hardie Grant lands Sharan Dhaliwal's 'queer British Indian' memoir

Hardie Grant will publish the debut book from British Indian writer and founder of South Asian magazine Burnt Roti, Sharan Dhaliwal, in the autumn.

The publisher acquired  world rights to Burning My Roti: Breaking Barriers as a Queer Indian Woman from Abi Fellows at The Good Literary Agency. It will publish in September 2021.

Part memoir, part guide, this book sees Dhaliwal speak "boldly and fiercely" about her life as a queer Indian woman, while questioning everything she has been taught about loving herself.

Publisher Kajal Mistry said: “As a British Indian woman, myself, I have been desperate to see books that represent the South Asian experience and so I feel particularly close to this project and hugely honoured to be working with Sharan on this.”

As well as Dhaliwal's own story, the book will feature interviews from other South Asian women as well as recognising and celebrating the strides they have already made.

Commenting on the book, Dhaliwal said: “I’ve always wanted to read a book about a queer British Indian, her life, the issues she went through and the way she lives unashamedly. And now, I’m writing the book I’ve always wanted to read, and I’m honoured to be doing it. I hope it reaches those who wanted this book too.”