The Tiger by the River

Meer over het boek

Wealthy and content, Swati leads a privileged life in modern Delhi with his wife, Nina. However, tragedy strikes when a road accident claims the lives of both Nina and their unborn child, shattering his world. In his grief, he retreats to his birthplace in the small southern Indian state of Panayur to honor her memory and scatter her ashes in the sacred Papanisi river. Back in this rural setting, he reconnects with Antara, a childhood friend and the unofficial caretaker of a decaying palace. Together, they explore Swati's family history, uncovering the myths and legends surrounding his lineage. He discovers that Panayur was once a kingdom and that he is a direct descendant of its last king, learning about his ancestors and the first European invaders who arrived nearly 400 years ago. Meanwhile, a cousin he never knew exists embarks on his own journey to uncover their shared past, leading him from the USA to Berlin and ultimately back to India. This quest for identity culminates in a powerful and shocking climax. With its captivating narrative and rhythmic prose, this story weaves together themes of loss, love, and the search for redemption, creating a spellbinding tale rich in drama and mystery.