In the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel it is 1996 and tragedy lies in wait for Musa as martyrdom steals into the Kashmir Valley. Indira Varma reads.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It is set in a graveyard in Old Delhi and also in 1996 in war torn Kashmir where love and hope struggle to survive in the heat of a brutal conflict. As the story undertakes its kaleidoscopic journey through time and space, listeners will encounter a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters.

For new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work visit the Radio 4 website. 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