Manbeena Bhullar Sandhu's debut novel, Layla in the Sky with Diamonds

Manbeena Bhullar Sandhu's debut novel, Layla in the Sky with Diamonds (published by Archway Publishing), weaves 1960s and '70s-style hedonism, Indian culture, drug use, family and spirituality in a tale that illuminates how indulgence leads to suffering and suffering leads to wisdom and how generations can shape generations in that respect.

According to Manbeena, "We are far from the age of the flower power generation. Although the swinging 60’s were heady and exciting, nevertheless that generation made many mistakes due to over indulgence and by possessing unrealistic expectations.”  "Generations shape the following generations," she believes.

While writing her novel, Manbeena wanted to create Layla, her primary character as realistic as possible, including her flaws. Her most glaring flaw happened to be drug addiction and in the novel she’s a mother with children which also serves to put an added strain on her family life. The author is no stranger to the drug culture as she is an addictions counselor. She readily recognizes the many pitfalls of drug addiction.

While the book offers readers a sense of nostalgia for a long-lost era, the destruction Layla's addiction creates serves as the literary hangover of a generation's carelessness. Weaving various cultures with characters who keep trying to make sense of the often chaotic world around them, Layla in the Sky with Diamonds, offers a cautionary glimpse into the human condition.

About the author:

Manbeena Bhullar Sandhu holds a degree in substance abuse and addictions and a Master’s degree in English literature. She is Oakville based and of South Asian descent which therefore brings a unique perspective to her writing. Since this is her first novel she is very excited about promoting her book and meeting people at her upcoming book signings, in and around the Greater Toronto Area.

Layla in the Sky with Diamonds -
By Manbeena Bhullar Sandhu
Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 194 pages | ISBN 9781480841925
Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5 in | 194 pages | ISBN 9781480841918
E-Book | 184 pages | ISBN 9781480841901 

Available at:

Indigo.ca (available in stores at Oakville and Milton Indigo/Chapters locations)

Amazon.com

Barnes&Noble

StarBuzzOnline