Hellfire

Hellfire by Leesa Gazi, translated by Shabnam Nadiya, is a psychological literary thriller set in Dhaka that explores control, family secrets and the longing for freedom. The novel follows sisters Lovely and Beauty, whose lives have been dominated by their formidable mother, Farida Khanam. When Lovely ventures out alone for the first time on her fortieth birthday, a single day of unexpected choices begins to unravel the fragile order that has governed their household for years.

Blending the tension of a thriller with emotionally layered storytelling, the novel examines the lasting effects of fear, manipulation and isolation. As long-buried truths surface, the story builds towards an unsettling portrait of a family shaped by hidden wounds and dark secrets.

About This Book

Lovely's first independent trip to Gausia Market marks a turning point in a life lived under constant surveillance. While she experiences a series of personal firsts, the rigid rules imposed by Farida Khanam begin to lose their hold, exposing the precarious balance that has sustained the family for years.

Set against the streets of Dhaka, Hellfire explores the psychological dynamics of an oppressive household and the consequences of lives constrained by fear. Through spare, tightly controlled prose, Leesa Gazi crafts a compelling narrative where family relationships, buried truths and growing tension converge into an unforgettable reading experience.

What You'll Discover

• A psychological literary thriller set in Dhaka.
• The story of two sisters living under an authoritarian mother.
• Themes of family control, isolation and personal freedom.
• A narrative driven by hidden secrets and mounting suspense.
• An intimate exploration of fear and psychological tension.
• A novel translated into English by Shabnam Nadiya.

Perfect For

• Readers of psychological thrillers.
• Fans of literary fiction with suspense.
• Those interested in contemporary Bangladeshi literature.
• Readers who enjoy character-driven family dramas.

Why You'll Love This Book

Hellfire combines psychological suspense with a deeply human family story, creating a novel that is both unsettling and emotionally resonant. Its exploration of power, secrecy and the search for independence makes it a memorable work of contemporary literary fiction.