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. The powerful new novel by the internationally acclaimed writer takes listeners on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. In this episode the story continues with the events that took place in 1996 in Kashmir where conflict rages. Looking back across almost twenty years Biplab Dasgupta recalls pulling a few strings for the beautiful and insouciant Tilo, and he also discovers some photos in her apartment that are cause for disquiet. They point to the moment when the lives of Biplab and three old friends were suddenly brought together in the most unlikely and dangerous of circumstances. Emilio Doorgasingh reads.

If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead to all fifteen episodes visit the Radio 4 website to find out how. There is lots more about the celebrated writer on the Book at Bedtime pages on the Radio 4 website including her recent Desert Island Discs as well as newly created features.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Show less