About the Book

Sayoni, the protagonist of this poignant narrative, is a 12-year young girl navigating a world that neither understands nor embraces her. Born with autism, Sayoni’s life unfolds in isolation, her existence a stark contrast to the vibrant life of those around her. From her earliest memories, love and warmth seem elusive, save for her grandmother’s tender care. Yet even this sanctuary is shadowed by society’s inability to comprehend or accept her uniqueness. Sayoni’s connection with the natural world offers a glimpse of hope and belonging. She finds solace in observing insects, marvelling at their tiny lives and intricate behaviours. Fireflies illuminate her darkness, while ants teach her lessons in perseverance. Even the lizards, with their colour-changing wonder, evoke in her a sense of magical camaraderie. These creatures become her companions, bridging the chasm of loneliness that humans around her fail to fill.

The novel delves deep into Saionee’s internal world, illustrating her struggles in school, family, and society. It portrays the pain of being labelled “”different”” and the silent cries for acceptance and understanding. The narrative serves as a mirror to the societal ignorance surrounding autism in Bangladesh, shedding light on the prejudices and challenges faced by autistic children and their families.

Through Sayoni’s story, the book advocates for a compassionate and inclusive society. It urges readers to embrace neurodiversity, challenging misconceptions about autism, and fostering empathy. Sayoni’s journey is not just hers, it is the story of countless children yearning for acceptance, love, and a chance to thrive.

About the Author

Dr. Datta received his bachelor’s degree in plasma physics from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, an MSc in marketing from Glamorgan University, and a PhD in marketing from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Fellow of Advance HE, Fellow of Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, member of Certified Management & Business Educator, and other organisations. Currently, Dr. Datta serves as a Senior Lecturer and Scholarship Lead at the School of Business and Enterprise, Regent College London. He is also the Executive Chair of the Centre for Business & Economic Research, UK, and Chief Editor of both the Journal of Business and Retail Management Research and the International Journal of Higher Education Management.

Dr. Datta has authored several books, including We’re Doomed! Brexit Revisited (2020), The Art of Entrepreneurship: The Path to Success and Wealth Creation (2022), and Relationship Marketing for Enhancing Customer Retention (2018). He has also authored several books, including novels and poetry written in Bengali. With over 27 years of teaching experience in the UK’s Further and Higher Education sectors, he brings a wealth of expertise to his academic and professional endeavors.

Dr. Datta is an active participant in international academic conferences as a keynote speaker or session chair and a regular contributor to leading English-language daily newspapers in Bangladesh, where he writes on business and higher education. His expertise and insights have earned him several appearances on television in both the UK and Bangladesh. In 2019, Dr. Datta and the Centre for Business & Economic Research, UK, the organisation he is affiliated with, were honored in the United States for their contributions to research. They received recognition from the US Congress, the New York State Assembly, and the NYC Small Business Service. An avid traveler, he has explored over 75 countries, further enriching his global perspective.