Supriya's Banter
The Labyrinth of Silence
Author: Aparna Salvi Nagda
Publisher: Vishwakarma Publications (14 April 2024); Vishwakarma Publications-9168682204
Language: English
Paperback: 204 pages.
At its core, the novel analyses how silence moulds lives. Set in the culturally rich town of Tilakwadi in the 1990s, Belgaum, this book weaves silence through trauma, tradition, and tangled relationships—until it becomes deafening.
Old-world alleys, ghats soaked in rituals, mango orchards humming with secrets, and a household where silence speaks louder than words make the setting against which the story unfolds. A web of caste hierarchies, generational trauma, ancient practices, gender norms and a mix of Marathi‑Kannada culture play in a hauntingly beautiful South Indian backdrop.
The plot weaves between timelines and perspectives—sometimes diary entries, sometimes third-person voices. Gradually, past wounds are unearthed. Yet, at its heart, the story is about voice—who gets to speak, who remains unheard, and what happens when silence becomes a legacy.
Girish is a brooding architect burdened by his past and struggling with his inner turmoil. In contrast, Muki, the mute caretaker, embodies unspoken love and quiet rebellion. Kusum, the matriarch, represents tradition, fear, and suppressed rage. She connects the characters through generational ties.
Each character hides behind their own walls of silence—imposed, chosen, or inherited—and as their stories unfold, readers feel their deep pains and longings.
Nagda’s writing is poetic. Her metaphors are rich, and her storytelling is steeped in empathy. She captures the cultural essence in every scene, bravely dealing with heavier themes, all while avoiding a preachy tone.
If you enjoy slow-burning narratives with emotional complexity, cultural richness, and quiet revolutions, this one’s for you. It demands patience but rewards you with a haunting echo that replays in your head long after you’ve finished the book.
