WINNER OF THE MILES FRANKLIN AWARD Deftly traversing time culture and continent to weave a
tale of both home and unbelonging this is truly a novel not to be missed. - Maxine Beneba
Clarke author of Foreign Soil and The Hate Race Chandran is an excellent storyteller. - The
Weekend Australian Welcome to Cinnamon Gardens a home for those who are lost and the stories
they treasure. Cinnamon Gardens Nursing Home is nestled in the quiet suburb of Westgrove
Sydney - populated with residents with colourful histories each with their own secrets
triumphs and failings. This is their safe place an oasis of familiar delights - a beautiful
garden a busy kitchen and a bountiful recreation schedule. But this ordinary neighbourhood is
not without its prejudices. The serenity of Cinnamon Gardens is threatened by malignant forces
more interested in what makes this refuge different rather than embracing the calm
companionship that makes this place home to so many. As those who challenge the residents'
existence make their stand against the nursing home with devastating consequences our
characters are forced to reckon with a country divided. Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens is about
family and memory community and race but is ultimately a love letter to storytelling and how
our stories shape who we are.
