Water Days: A Novel by Sundar Sarukkai

A CAPTIVATING TALE OF MYSTERY, COMMUNITY, AND THE HIDDEN CURRENTS OF LIFE IN BANGALORE.

Set at the dawn of the new millennium in a rapidly transforming Bangalore, Water Days is a poignant and atmospheric novel that begins with a tragedy: the sudden death of a young woman. As speculation ripples through the neighborhood, the incident acts as a catalyst, pulling an entire community into a web of questions, secrets, and unlikely discoveries.

At the heart of the story is Raghavendra, a former security guard with dreams of opening his own grocery store, who finds himself thrust into an investigation at the behest of his wife, Poornima. The narrative unfolds over thirteen days—the traditional period for the soul’s liberation—framed by the daily ritual of women gathering at the water taps before dawn. Amidst the clatter of metal pots and the multilingual hum of a city in flux, stories are exchanged, truths are unearthed, and the complex reality of a neighborhood is laid bare. With his characteristic philosophical depth, Sundar Sarukkai weaves a story that is as much about the mystery of death as it is about the vibrant, messy, and enduring nature of life.

Why Water Days is a must-read:

• Atmospheric Storytelling: Expertly captures the unique energy of Bangalore at the turn of the millennium—a time of transition, ambition, and community ties.

• A Unique Perspective: From the author of Following a Prayer, this novel offers a profound look at how a single event can reveal the hidden layers of society and the "hidden languages" that connect us.

• Rich Narrative Structure: The "thirteen-day" timeline provides a compelling, suspenseful framework that draws the reader deeper into the mystery with every sunrise.

• Compelling Characters: A grounded, human story that balances the weight of tragedy with the sharp wit and daily rhythms of neighborhood life.

Water Days is a beautiful meditation on truth, loss, and the storiewe tell ourselves to make sense of the world. It is an essential read for anyone who appreciates literature that captures the soul of a city.