Spanning the years from the late 1870s through the end of World War II, this multi-generational epic novel unfolds in Southern India. The first girl born into the Nachimanda family in over six decades, Devi is a special and spoiled child. Spirited and strong-willed, Devi befriends shy Devanna, a young boy whose mother died under tragic circumstances.

The two are inseparable, and as they grow up the reader learns more about their extended families. Although Devanna falls hopelessly in love with Devi, a wedge is driven into their relationship when Devi meets and becomes infatuated with Machu, a young man who is considered a local hero for killing a tiger.

This triangle and the changes that follow over the years in the three young people’s relationship is chronicled in this sweeping debut. The author grew up in Coorg, the setting for her story, and her family roots go deep in this part of India.

Tiger Hills has already been long-listed for the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize. The novel is being translated into 14 languages worldwide.