MORNINGSIDE resident, Anira Pather, recently published her debut novel, Trials by Fire.
Speaking about her book, Anira said Trials by Fire is a book of fiction, a saga which sees the lives of three women become entwined by fate.
It is a tale of love, heartache, betrayal and loss and touches on elements of gender based violence and mental health issues.
“Like the phoenix rising out of ashes and conquering their inner demons, these women go through the trials and tribulations of life – trials by fire which fundamentally change them from within. Together they weave a tapestry of friendship, until a dark secret from the past resurfaces and threatens to destroy the safe-haven they have so desperately worked to create,” she said.
Anira said she had always immersed herself in reading and writing.
“Growing up, I was often told that I lived inside my own head, but for me, the joy of reading and ‘seeing’ characters come to life in my head was a joy unto itself,” she said.
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Anira loved writing at school and wrote poems, short stories and her absolute favourite, plays.
“I had always wanted to write a book, but the rat race of life somehow took over and that dream was pushed to a far corner of my mind. A friend of mine convinced me that I should follow my dream, that it was not too late, and that’s how Trials by Fire came to be,” she said.
This is her first book and took her 16 months to write, from start to finish, while holding down her day job as a finance professional.
She said she chose to go the self-publishing route instead of traditional publishing.
“It’s been a phenomenal journey, especially as it was a childhood dream come true. The absolute joy that engulfed me when the book finally went to print is indescribable. I already have ideas floating around in my head for another book, or two! Hopefully soon I’ll be able to start putting pen to paper again,” she said.
On a personal note, Anira is married and is a self-confessed Harry Potter and Game of Thrones addict!
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