30/07/2025
Before I Go: My First Published Book and a Dream Realised
I feel incredibly proud—and just a little overwhelmed—as I share with you something very personal and very special: My first published book: Before I Go.
This book represents not just a story I’ve written, but a journey I’ve walked—one of discovery, reflection, and deep emotional connection. It’s a tribute to voices that were often unheard, stories that were never told, and memories that still linger quietly in the corners of our collective past.
About the Book
Before I Go is the story of Ranjeeta, a young woman who comes of age during the turbulent time of India’s Partition. In a society where women’s voices were often silenced, Ranjeeta’s family gives her the space to dream. But even the most hopeful dreams can be shattered by forces beyond one’s control.
Though fictional, this story draws deeply from real-life events and lived experiences. It is inspired by the stories of people who lived through Partition—those who endured unimaginable loss, trauma, and displacement, and carried its scars quietly for the rest of their lives.
This book is a tribute to them. It seeks to remember the forgotten, honour the survivors, and give voice to the emotional truths that history books often overlook.
My Inspiration
Earlier this year, I felt a strong pull to write something more meaningful than my usual blog posts. I didn’t have a clear topic in mind at first, but I’ve always loved reading historical fiction, and I’ve always felt deeply connected to India’s rich and complex history. That gave me a starting point.
I wanted to write a story that touched on history, women’s lives, and social issues-something intimate yet broad in scope. That’s when the Partition of India caught my attention. As I began reading more about it, I felt drawn into its depth—the heartbreak, the resilience, the silences.
I dove into research: articles online, old newspaper archives, survivor interviews, documentaries, books, and films. Every new piece uncovered more emotion, more insight—and with each step, I became more certain that this was the story I had to tell.
The Journey of Writing
The writing journey began in early 2025. I spent nearly two months immersed in research, after which I started writing the manuscript in earnest. By the end of April, the first draft was ready.
I then shared it with some of my closest friends whose feedback helped me improve the manuscript—correcting factual errors, refining the narrative, and ensuring the emotional arc felt authentic and resonant.
At the end of May, I started looking for a publisher. Once that was in place, a new journey began—editing, refining, designing the cover, typesetting, and preparing the final edition.
And finally, on July 19th, 2025, Before I Go was officially launched in Mumbai, India, alongside the work of six other authors. A moment I will never forget.
What Comes Next
Now begins a new phase: Reaching as many readers as I can.
If this story resonates with you, if you believe in the power of remembering and storytelling—please support me by buying a copy, sharing it with others, and letting me know what you think. Your reviews and feedback mean the world to me, and they’ll help this book reach people who may need to read it.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this journey with me.
Book available on Amazon worldwide:
Amazon India: https://amzn.in/d/1NVmQvV
Amazon UK:
https://amzn.eu/d/hTqVkkt
Amazon Germany:
https://amzn.eu/d/cvk2fyu
Amazon USA:
https://a.co/d/4Mrjgrq
Cheers,
Padmini
