Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published May 2012
256 pages
Genre: Mysteries
Publication Information
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.
Paperback original
Winner of the Costa First Novel Award
"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
"Terrific." - The Telegraph (UK)
"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
"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
This information about Witness the Night was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kishwar Desai is the author of the nonfiction book Darlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt. She lives in London. You can read her blog at http://kishwardesai.blogspot.com.
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