In the hotly anticipated new novel by the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy the story shifts to an apartment in Delhi, and is taken up by the landlord, Biplab Dasgupta who discovers that his tenant is absent. Reminiscences about an enduring love lead to the vivid memory of a coded message, and the moment when the lives of Biplab's college friends catch up with him, setting in train a set of events that none of them will ever forget. Emilio Doorgasingh reads.

This is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness takes the listener on a powerful journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back, introducing listeners to a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters. The corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as each endures through the darkest of times sustained by hope and love.

If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes by visiting the iPlayer Radio app or the Book at Bedtime pages at the Radio 4 website. On the website you'll also find new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Show less