“I told you at the outset of our conversation that everyone adored Shirley Lester—and that was a problem. You asked me why. Let me explain: whereas love or adoration brings out the best in some, an all-consuming, twisted obsession has the power to bring out the worst in others.”
This chilling quote, taken directly from Tainted Whispers of Eden, encapsulates the essence of the novel—intriguing and frightening the reader in equal measure.
Renowned barrister and award-winning writer of Victorian Gothic fiction, Sana Pirzada, successfully launched her fifth book, Tainted Whispers of Eden, at the Pakistan American Cultural Centre on Sunday, 16th February 2025. The event was graced by an esteemed panel of intellectuals, including Dr. Nadya Chishty Mujahid, Barrister Zahrah Sehr Vayani, and Tara Uzra Dawood, who attended as guests of honor. The panelists lauded Sana’s exceptional writing skills and distinctive narrative style, celebrating her ability to seamlessly weave intricate storytelling with historical and legal themes.
A masterful fusion of Victorian Gothic fiction and legal thriller, Tainted Whispers of Eden revolves around a gripping criminal libel trial at its core. Set in 1894 at the height of the British Empire, the novel employs a time-traveling narrative that extends to 1934, offering a layered perspective on history. It is told through the eyes of Zarina, an Indian Muslim woman whose father, a prosecutor, was tragically killed at the Bombay High Court—a harrowing event that led her to flee to England. She finds refuge under the aegis of Mrs. Shirley Lester, proprietress of The Lester Chronicle, only to uncover the grim realities hidden beneath the glamorous facade of Victorian aristocracy. While some members of this elite society exhibit genuine kindness and nobility, others possess a chilling duality akin to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
At the heart of the novel lies a high-profile criminal libel trial at the Old Bailey, centering on the malicious allegations spread by Lady Gertrude Robinson against Shirley Lester. Inspired by the infamous Oscar Wilde trial, Pirzada’s fictitious case of R v Lady Gertrude Robinson unfolds with each testimony revealing shocking secrets about the characters and Victorian society itself. Her deep appreciation for Gothic literature is evident throughout the novel—most strikingly in the eerie descriptions of Mr. Reginald Lester’s portrait, which plays a pivotal role in the story, reminiscent of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Likewise, the character of Nathaniel Lester embodies the quintessential Gothic archetype—handsome and charming yet sinister and menacing. A chapter titled The Beast of Whitby directly references Dracula, further paying homage to Bram Stoker’s masterpiece.
From a Pakistani readership perspective, Tainted Whispers of Eden offers a unique lens, narrating history through the eyes of a Muslim woman navigating the challenges of colonial India and a rigidly classist England. The novel vividly portrays pre-Partition India, interspersing moments of its beauty while also shedding light on the struggles of an Indian woman in an era where tolerance for the ‘other’ was far from the norm.
The event commenced with a profound quote from the book itself: “Some connections between souls are rare, like an invisible thread binding two hearts across time and distance. It’s when you can hear them in the quiet stillness of the night, feel their presence across the seven seas, sense their warmth even if they’re not beside you.” Margaret Lobo, a mental health expert and the master of ceremonies for the evening, eloquently introduced this quote, emphasizing how it encapsulates the deep and timeless connections between the characters. She remarked that Tainted Whispers of Eden transcends boundaries, race, and religion, showcasing relationships that defy conventional limits.
The book launch had several esteemed guests in attendance, including the renowned intellectual Amina Sayid, Khursheed Hyder from Hum TV (niece of the famous writer Qurratulain Hyder), Manzar Naqvi, founder of The Financial Daily, Zafar Aziz Osmani, President of Excelerate Pvt Ltd, Dr. Lubna Ayub, Managing Director of NIPA, and other notable figures.
Pirzada commenced her presentation with two dedications—one to her late aunt, Farida Barlas, who passed away thirty years ago from cancer, and another to her late friend, Sasha Lauren, a writer and victim of medical malpractice.
At the book launch, guest of honor Dr. Nadya Chishty Mujahid commended Pirzada’s storytelling, stating, “Pirzada has truly done a marvelous job with her fifth book, bringing to life colonial India and weaving together another Gothic masterpiece.” Having previously reviewed Pirzada’s works, Mujahid, herself an accomplished writer, spoke highly of her literary craftsmanship.
Barrister Zahrah Sehr Vayani offered an insightful legal perspective, noting, “Sana has excellently portrayed the Bombay High Court, which bears striking similarities to modern-day Karachi High Court, and she has vividly captured the essence of the Old Bailey trial.” She further remarked on the novel’s contemporary relevance, adding, “Slander and libel remain pressing issues in society, and Sana has aptly highlighted the legal repercussions of such actions. The character of Lady Gertrude Robinson truly stands out—her sheer malice makes her unique.”
Tara Uzra Dawood, who delivered the closing remarks, was equally effusive in her praise, stating, “I knew Sana was a writer and a lawyer, but I didn’t know she was an actress too,” complimenting Pirzada’s dramatic reading of a pivotal chapter from the book. In a spellbinding performance, the author effortlessly transitioned between multiple voices, demonstrating not only her literary prowess but also her theatrical abilities.
Beyond her literary accomplishments, Sana Pirzada has previously won several awards for her books. The Rose Within—a Gothic romance—garnered widespread acclaim, while her last book, The Raven’s Call, was a nominee in the Best English Fiction category of the UBL Literature & Arts Awards 2024. In addition to writing, she has directed a music video for The Rose Within, available on YouTube, and is an accomplished keyboardist, composing her own music. She has been greatly inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, an influence evident in the theatrical elements of her work.
In addition to being an acclaimed author, Sana Pirzada is also a barrister and a dedicated human rights defender. Through her platform, VLA Virtual Legal Advisory, she actively addresses human rights violations, providing legal assistance and advocating for justice.
With Tainted Whispers of Eden, Sana Pirzada continues to solidify her place as a leading voice in contemporary Gothic literature, captivating audiences with her hauntingly beautiful prose and compelling storytelling. The book is available for purchase directly from the author or via Amazon.
