The Heart Radical

Told primarily through the captivating voice of a young girl awakening to a world at war, The Heart Radical is the stunning new novel from the author of the bestselling Amber Road.

Told primarily through the captivating voice of a young girl awakening to a world at war, The Heart Radical is the stunning new novel from the author of the bestselling Amber Road.

Esteemed human rights lawyer Su-Lin Tan barely recognises Professor Paris Thumboo when he delivers a history lecture in London. For the last time she saw him was in a crowded Malayan courtroom more than half a century ago, during the trial that would change her life …

It’s 1951 and Malaya is in the grip of ‘The Emergency’ between the government forces and communist rebels. Yet eight-year-old Su-Lin lives in relative ignorance of the chaos raging around her.

That is until she shadows her beloved father, esteemed defence barrister K. C. Tan, as he embarks on a controversial new case - and into Su-Lin’s life walks war hero Dr Anna Thumboo, her son Paris and her lover, Toh Kei, the enigmatic leader of the jungle rebels.

For Anna and Toh Kei, the trial is a matter of life and death. For Su-Lin it’s the start of a journey of discovery - about love and sacrifice, about truth and lies, and about fighting for what you believe in, whatever the cost…