The Lives of Others

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize
Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award
Winner of the Encore Award
Shortlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature
Longlisted for the IMPAC Prize

Calcutta, 1967. Unnoticed by his family, Supratik has become dangerously involved in extremist political activism. Compelled by an idealistic desire to change his life and the world around him, all he leaves behind before disappearing is a note.

At home, his family slowly begins to unravel. Poisonous rivalries grow, the once-thriving family business implodes and destructive secrets are unearthed. And all around them the sands are shifting as society fractures, for this is a moment of turbulence, of inevitable and unstoppable change.

‘Deeply moving’ - Amitav Ghosh 

‘Terrifies and delights’ - A S Byatt, Guardian 

‘Unforgettable’ - Daily Telegraph