The Village: A Novel
Ray Bhullar, a young television director for the BBC, knows that the remote Indian village of Ashwer is the ideal setting for her new documentary. Ashwer is the home of a revolutionary open-plan prison, an entire village made up of convicted murderers and the family members who have chosen to live with them. Joined by two of her BBC colleagues, Ray is the only one with a real grasp of the language and quickly becomes immersed in the unique culture of Ashwer. As Ray and her colleagues gradually gain the trust of their subjects, and the stories behind their imprisonment come to light, Ray finds it increasingly difficult to maintain an air of professional detachment. A deeply intimate character study, The Village combines the motives behind the inmates’ convictions and Ray’s personal journey. Lalwani skillfully portrays Ray’s tentative navigation of the local terrain as her initial unfamiliarity with the local dialect gives way to a deeper understanding of the inmates’ stories. An emotionally gripping story of personal growth, morality, and tolerance, The Village will inspire fans of Augusten Burroughs, Jack Abbott, and Jon Krakauer. --Stephanie Turza