The Smoke is Rising

A subtle, tender and withering portrait of a society in confused transition. This is an exceptionally accomplished novel.' -Siddhartha Deb 'Wonderful - acute, observant, great (dry and biting) sense of humour, really penetrating about Indian society and the gap between the public face and what really is.' -Neel Mukherjee India has just launched its first mission to the moon. Meanwhile, the city of Mysore is also hurtling toward the future with the construction of HeritageLand – Asia's largest theme park. From the grand living rooms of Mahalakshmi Gardens to the shanty houses on the edge of town, the people of Mysore watch their city change on the nightly news – some anticipate a cultural triumph, others are wary of a catastrophe. As the protests mount, Mysore's residents find themselves swept up in the chaos. Susheela, a recent widow, is forced to reconsider her isolation. Uma, trying to escape her painful past, learns the power of local gossip. And Mala, whose...