Mirror of the Darkest Night

Set in the mid-to-late 1800s, the narrative unfolds with Wajid Ali Shah's exile to Calcutta, intertwining the lives of the enchanting courtesan Laayl-e Aasman and her lovers, Bajrangi and Kundan. Their entangled relationships are marked by love, loyalty, and betrayal against a backdrop of crime and complex characters. This novel deviates from Mahasweta Devi's usual themes, showcasing her storytelling prowess in a richly detailed narrative that explores the human condition amidst historical upheaval.