Witness the Night - by Kishwar Desai (Paperback)

About the Book

In the heart of India, a young girl is found tied to a bed inside a house where 13 people lie dead. The girl is alive, but has been beaten and abused. A visiting social worker attempts to break through the girl's mute trance to find out what happened that terrible night.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Costa First Novel Award--a dazzling mystery that takes readers into the heart of India

In a small town in northern India, a house still smolders from a devastating fire. Inside a young girl is found severely beaten and barely alive, along with the lifeless bodies of thirteen people. Inexplicably, the local police accuse the girl of the murders. But Simran Singh, an independent-minded, unconventional social worker, is convinced of the girl's innocence. As Simran goes against the authorities to seek out the truth, she discovers a terrifying web of deceit that will change her forever. Seamlessly weaving themes of sexism, police corruption, and infanticide, this captivating mystery plunges readers into the thrilling heart of modern India.

Review Quotes

"A thought-provoking tale." -- The Guardian (UK)

"Riveting, slow-burn murder mystery in which the new and the old India collide head on, as Desai's ballsy, maverick, and thoroughly modern heroine, Simran Singh, reveals a shocking twist on one of India's ugliest traditions." -- M. J. McGrath, author of White Heat

"We were thrilled and exhilarated by this stunning debut. Just like her feisty main character, Desai has fearlessly blown the lid on the problems that simmer under the surface of modern-day India." -- The Costa Award Judges

"Witness the Night is an important novel with a compelling mystery at its heart. Simran Singh, in particular, is a terrific protagonist - the perfect guide on what is a dark and unsettling journey. Desai deserves a wide readership to go with the accolades she has already accumulated. This is a novel of genuine accomplishment." -- Simon Lelic, author of A Thousand Cuts and The Child Who

"Terrific." -- The Telegraph (UK)

About the Author

Kishwar Desai is the author of the nonfiction book Darlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt. She lives in London.