In Arundhati Roy's captivating new novel there's a new arrival at the Jannat Guest House who shares a story that leaves Anjum with a sense of desolation. The reader is Indira Varma.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. It takes listeners to a graveyard in Old Delhi like no other where those on society's margins find a place to be heard and to heal old wounds. Later on the story moves on to Kashmir before returning once more to Delhi.

Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Show less