The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

The House Of Dreams

20170605

In Arundhati Roy's hotly anticipated new novel Aftab finds a place to belong in the House of Dreams. The reader is Indira Varma

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. Her hotly anticipated new novel takes us on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. The lives of a cast of vivid characters are intimately interwoven. Anjum unrolls a threadbare Persian carpet in a city graveyard that she calls home, and where she meets an incorrigible young man who goes by the moniker of Saddam Hussain. Then there is the unforgettable Tilo and the three men who loved her especially, Musa whose fate is heartbreakingly entwined with hers. And also the two Miss Jebeens: the first born in Srinagar and buried, aged four, in its overcrowded Martyrs' Graveyard; the second found at midnight, in a crib of litter, on the concrete pavement of New Delhi. The corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as Arundhati Roy's characters endure through the darkest of times and still manage to find hope and most of all love.

For more on the acclaimed writer and to download all fifteen episodes visit the Radio 4 website.

Indira Varma is well know to television, radio and theatre audiences. She has appeared in a number of television series including, Game of Thrones (as Ellaria Sand), and Paranoid, as DS Nina Suresh. She narrates Radio 4's landmark series, Tommies. Her many theatre appearances include Treatment at the Almeida Theatre, London.

Emilio Doorgasingh reads later episodes. He has most recently been on stage in The Kite Runner, and also Dara.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's novel, Aftab finds a place to belong in the House of Dreams.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Departures

20170606

In Arundhati Roy's mesmerising new novel, Anjum makes a discovery and finds love, but then she undertakes a journey to Gujarat that turns her world upside down. The reader is Indira Varma.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. In her hotly anticipated new novel listeners will encounter a cast of colourful and unforgettable characters who take us to Old Delhi then to Kashmir and back again.

Visit the Radio 4 website to find out how to listen to all fifteen episodes following the broadcast of episode 1 and to catch up with her Desert Island Discs and more.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

Anjum undertakes a journey that changes everything.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Jannat Guest House

20170607

In Arundhati Roy's mesmerising new novel, Anjum makes a discovery and finds love, but then she undertakes a journey that turns her world upside down. The reader is Indira Varma.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. Her hotly anticipated new novel takes us on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. To find out how to listen to all fifteen episodes from the 5th June; to hear Front Row's interview with the acclaimed author on writing this latest novel, and to catch up with her Desert Island Discs and more visit the Radio 4 website.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's spellbinding novel, Anjum makes a new home among the departed.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

A New Guest

20170607

In Arundhati Roy's captivating new novel there's a new arrival at the Jannat Guest House who shares a story that leaves Anjum with a sense of desolation. The reader is Indira Varma.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. It takes listeners to a graveyard in Old Delhi like no other where those on society's margins find a place to be heard and to heal old wounds. Later on the story moves on to Kashmir before returning once more to Delhi.

Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's captivating novel, Anjum makes a new acquaintance.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

At The Jantar Mantar

20170609

In the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy's entrancing new novel Anjum makes a precious discovery among the political activists at the Jantar Mantar. It isn't long, though, before fate intervenes and once again snatches her joy away. The reader is Indira Varma.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. The inhabitants of an old graveyard in Delhi are among a host of vivid characters whose lives become inextricably linked in the quest for hope, and most of all love, despite the hardest of circumstances. Later the story takes listeners to Kashmir before returning once more to Delhi in the search for happiness.

To hear Front Row's interview with Arundhati Roy about writing The Ministry of Utmost Happiness and for new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

A TV sensation, a new arrival and fight lead to an untimely disappearance.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Landlord, Garson Hobart

20170612

In the hotly anticipated new novel by the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy the story shifts to an apartment in Delhi, and is taken up by the landlord, Biplab Dasgupta who discovers that his tenant is absent. Reminiscences about an enduring love lead to the vivid memory of a coded message, and the moment when the lives of Biplab's college friends catch up with him, setting in train a set of events that none of them will ever forget. Emilio Doorgasingh reads.

This is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness takes the listener on a powerful journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back, introducing listeners to a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters. The corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as each endures through the darkest of times sustained by hope and love.

If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes by visiting the iPlayer Radio app or the Book at Bedtime pages at the Radio 4 website. On the website you'll also find new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Delhi, landlord Biplab Dasgupta discovers that his tenant is absent.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Photographs

20170613

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The powerful new novel by the internationally acclaimed writer takes listeners on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. In this episode the story continues with the events that took place in 1996 in Kashmir where conflict rages. Looking back across almost twenty years Biplab Dasgupta recalls pulling a few strings for the beautiful and insouciant Tilo, and he also discovers some photos in her apartment that are cause for disquiet. They point to the moment when the lives of Biplab and three old friends were suddenly brought together in the most unlikely and dangerous of circumstances. Emilio Doorgasingh reads.

If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead to all fifteen episodes visit the Radio 4 website to find out how. There is lots more about the celebrated writer on the Book at Bedtime pages on the Radio 4 website including her recent Desert Island Discs as well as newly created features.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

Biplab Dasgupta pulls a few strings and discovers some photos that are cause for disquiet.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Interrogation Centre

20170614

In the new novel by celebrated writer Arundhati Roy events unfold at the Interrogation Centre in war torn Srinigar, Kashmir, which leave Naga and Tilo unnerved. Indira Varma reads.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It takes the listener on a mesmerising journey starting in Delhi and moving to Kashmir which in 1996, when this episode is set, is in the throes of a bitter conflict. As old friends, Biplab, Naga, Musa and Tilo are brought back into one another's orbit, the corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as they endure through the darkest of times sustained by hope and most of all love.

For the recent Front Row interview with Arundhati Roy, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Or you can go to the iPlayer Radio app.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

Events unfold at the interrogation centre that leave Naga and Tilo unnerved.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Sound Sight Stench

20170615

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The story returns listeners to 2014 and the boisterous residents of an old Delhi graveyard., including a young and incorrigible man who goes by the nickname of Saddam Hussein who is busy concocting an innovative escape plan. Indira Varma reads.

Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about the life and work of the acclaimed writer. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

The man who goes by the nickname of Saddam Hussein concocts an innovative escape plan.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Untimely Death Of Miss Jebeen The First

20170616

In the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel it is 1996 and tragedy lies in wait for Musa as martyrdom steals into the Kashmir Valley. Indira Varma reads.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It is set in a graveyard in Old Delhi and also in 1996 in war torn Kashmir where love and hope struggle to survive in the heat of a brutal conflict. As the story undertakes its kaleidoscopic journey through time and space, listeners will encounter a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters.

For new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

A Choice

20170619

Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel is her first since her 1997award winning debut, The God of Small Things. In this episode it is 1996. Set against the backdrop of the raging conflict in Kashmir, Musa is compelled to make an impossible choice. Indira Varma is the reader.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's hotly anticipated second novel, a kaleidoscopic story that will take listeners from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back again and where the lives of a cast of vivid characters are intimately interwoven. There is the unforgettable Tilo and the three men who loved her, especially, Musa whose fate in war torn Kashmir is heartbreakingly entwined with hers. Back in Delhi, in an old graveyard Anjum has found a place to make her voice heard and to heal old wounds. Likewise, her friend, an incorrigible young man who goes by the moniker of Saddam Hussain, has found a space to tell his own strange story, one that continues to haunt him. As the novel unfolds, Roy brings into stark relief the corrupting nature of power as her characters endure through the darkest of times and still manage to find hope and most of all love.

For interviews with the acclaimed writer, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Or you can visit the iPlayer Radio app.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's powerful novel, Musa makes an impossible choice.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Babajaana, My Love

20170620

Arundhati Roy's arresting new novel is her first since her award winning debut in 1997, The God of Small Things. In this episode it is autumn in Srinigar and on a lakeside houseboat there is love and lament. Indira Varma is the reader.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It takes listeners on a powerful journey which starts in Old Delhi before moving to the conflict in Kashmir in 1996, and then returning to Delhi and more recent times. Along the way the lives of a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters become inextricably interwoven, especially those of the insouciant and unknowable Tilo, and Musa, the young Kashmiri man whose life has already been shaped by tragedy.

For interviews with Arundhati Roy, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. You can also visit the iPlayer Radio app.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's arresting novel, it is autumn and there is love and lament.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Haircut

20170621

In Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel it is 1996 and Tilo is on a houseboat in war torn Kashmir when she is woken suddenly and a primordial punishment is called down. Indira Varma is the reader.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is the acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy's first novel since her 1997 award winning debut, The God of Small Things. Twenty years in the writing her new novel takes listeners on a powerful journey which starts in Old Delhi before moving to the conflict in Kashmir in 1996, and then returning to Delhi and more recent times. In Srinigar, Kashmir, the lives of Musa and Tilo are tested and the corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as the two set out to endure through the darkest of times sustained by hope and love.

For more about the celebrated writer visit the Book at Bedtime pages at the Radio 4 website where you can find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you want to listen ahead you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

The abridger is Richard Hamilton

The producer is Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's powerful novel, a primordial punishment is called down.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

The Streets Of Delhi

20170622

In Arundhati Roy's kaleidoscopic new novel the residents of the Jannat Guest House undertake a boisterous journey through Delhi's streets. Indira Varma is the reader.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

In Arundhati Roy's kaleidoscopic novel, a boisterous car journey gets started.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Revathy

20170623

In the final episode of Arundhati Roy's new novel the residents of the graveyard's guest house receive a letter that brings unexpected news from the forest. Meanwhile, across the city there's a reckoning of sorts. Indira Varma and Emilio Doorgasingh read.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her 1997 award winning debut,The God of Small Things. As the novel concludes, listeners are returned to the old graveyard in Delhi. As the lives of Arundhati Roy's characters come together one last time, there are new truths, heartbreak and a settling of accounts, and there is also Miss Jebeen the Second.

Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work including . While you're there, if you've missed an episode you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Produced by Elizabeth Allard.

The guest house residents receive a letter that brings unexpected news from the forest.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
01	The House Of Dreams	20170605	In Arundhati Roy's hotly anticipated new novel Aftab finds a place to belong in the House of Dreams. The reader is Indira Varma The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. Her hotly anticipated new novel takes us on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. The lives of a cast of vivid characters are intimately interwoven. Anjum unrolls a threadbare Persian carpet in a city graveyard that she calls home, and where she meets an incorrigible young man who goes by the moniker of Saddam Hussain. Then there is the unforgettable Tilo and the three men who loved her especially, Musa whose fate is heartbreakingly entwined with hers. And also the two Miss Jebeens: the first born in Srinagar and buried, aged four, in its overcrowded Martyrs' Graveyard; the second found at midnight, in a crib of litter, on the concrete pavement of New Delhi. The corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as Arundhati Roy's characters endure through the darkest of times and still manage to find hope and most of all love. For more on the acclaimed writer and to download all fifteen episodes visit the Radio 4 website. Indira Varma is well know to television, radio and theatre audiences. She has appeared in a number of television series including, Game of Thrones (as Ellaria Sand), and Paranoid, as DS Nina Suresh. She narrates Radio 4's landmark series, Tommies. Her many theatre appearances include Treatment at the Almeida Theatre, London. Emilio Doorgasingh reads later episodes. He has most recently been on stage in The Kite Runner, and also Dara. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's novel, Aftab finds a place to belong in the House of Dreams. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
02	Departures	20170606	In Arundhati Roy's mesmerising new novel, Anjum makes a discovery and finds love, but then she undertakes a journey to Gujarat that turns her world upside down. The reader is Indira Varma. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. In her hotly anticipated new novel listeners will encounter a cast of colourful and unforgettable characters who take us to Old Delhi then to Kashmir and back again. Visit the Radio 4 website to find out how to listen to all fifteen episodes following the broadcast of episode 1 and to catch up with her Desert Island Discs and more. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Anjum undertakes a journey that changes everything. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
03	The Jannat Guest House	20170607	In Arundhati Roy's mesmerising new novel, Anjum makes a discovery and finds love, but then she undertakes a journey that turns her world upside down. The reader is Indira Varma. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. Her hotly anticipated new novel takes us on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. To find out how to listen to all fifteen episodes from the 5th June; to hear Front Row's interview with the acclaimed author on writing this latest novel, and to catch up with her Desert Island Discs and more visit the Radio 4 website. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's spellbinding novel, Anjum makes a new home among the departed. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
04	A New Guest	20170607	In Arundhati Roy's captivating new novel there's a new arrival at the Jannat Guest House who shares a story that leaves Anjum with a sense of desolation. The reader is Indira Varma. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. It takes listeners to a graveyard in Old Delhi like no other where those on society's margins find a place to be heard and to heal old wounds. Later on the story moves on to Kashmir before returning once more to Delhi. Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's captivating novel, Anjum makes a new acquaintance. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
05	At The Jantar Mantar	20170609	In the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy's entrancing new novel Anjum makes a precious discovery among the political activists at the Jantar Mantar. It isn't long, though, before fate intervenes and once again snatches her joy away. The reader is Indira Varma. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. The inhabitants of an old graveyard in Delhi are among a host of vivid characters whose lives become inextricably linked in the quest for hope, and most of all love, despite the hardest of circumstances. Later the story takes listeners to Kashmir before returning once more to Delhi in the search for happiness. To hear Front Row's interview with Arundhati Roy about writing The Ministry of Utmost Happiness and for new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. A TV sensation, a new arrival and fight lead to an untimely disappearance. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
06	The Landlord, Garson Hobart	20170612	In the hotly anticipated new novel by the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy the story shifts to an apartment in Delhi, and is taken up by the landlord, Biplab Dasgupta who discovers that his tenant is absent. Reminiscences about an enduring love lead to the vivid memory of a coded message, and the moment when the lives of Biplab's college friends catch up with him, setting in train a set of events that none of them will ever forget. Emilio Doorgasingh reads. This is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness takes the listener on a powerful journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back, introducing listeners to a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters. The corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as each endures through the darkest of times sustained by hope and love. If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes by visiting the iPlayer Radio app or the Book at Bedtime pages at the Radio 4 website. On the website you'll also find new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Delhi, landlord Biplab Dasgupta discovers that his tenant is absent. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
07	The Photographs	20170613	The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The powerful new novel by the internationally acclaimed writer takes listeners on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. In this episode the story continues with the events that took place in 1996 in Kashmir where conflict rages. Looking back across almost twenty years Biplab Dasgupta recalls pulling a few strings for the beautiful and insouciant Tilo, and he also discovers some photos in her apartment that are cause for disquiet. They point to the moment when the lives of Biplab and three old friends were suddenly brought together in the most unlikely and dangerous of circumstances. Emilio Doorgasingh reads. If you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead to all fifteen episodes visit the Radio 4 website to find out how. There is lots more about the celebrated writer on the Book at Bedtime pages on the Radio 4 website including her recent Desert Island Discs as well as newly created features. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Biplab Dasgupta pulls a few strings and discovers some photos that are cause for disquiet. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
08	The Interrogation Centre	20170614	In the new novel by celebrated writer Arundhati Roy events unfold at the Interrogation Centre in war torn Srinigar, Kashmir, which leave Naga and Tilo unnerved. Indira Varma reads. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It takes the listener on a mesmerising journey starting in Delhi and moving to Kashmir which in 1996, when this episode is set, is in the throes of a bitter conflict. As old friends, Biplab, Naga, Musa and Tilo are brought back into one another's orbit, the corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as they endure through the darkest of times sustained by hope and most of all love. For the recent Front Row interview with Arundhati Roy, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Or you can go to the iPlayer Radio app. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Events unfold at the interrogation centre that leave Naga and Tilo unnerved. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
09	Sound Sight Stench	20170615	The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her award winning debut The God of Small Things which was published in 1997. The story returns listeners to 2014 and the boisterous residents of an old Delhi graveyard., including a young and incorrigible man who goes by the nickname of Saddam Hussein who is busy concocting an innovative escape plan. Indira Varma reads. Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about the life and work of the acclaimed writer. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. The man who goes by the nickname of Saddam Hussein concocts an innovative escape plan. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
10	The Untimely Death Of Miss Jebeen The First	20170616	In the celebrated writer Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel it is 1996 and tragedy lies in wait for Musa as martyrdom steals into the Kashmir Valley. Indira Varma reads. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It is set in a graveyard in Old Delhi and also in 1996 in war torn Kashmir where love and hope struggle to survive in the heat of a brutal conflict. As the story undertakes its kaleidoscopic journey through time and space, listeners will encounter a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters. For new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
11	A Choice	20170619	Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel is her first since her 1997award winning debut, The God of Small Things. In this episode it is 1996. Set against the backdrop of the raging conflict in Kashmir, Musa is compelled to make an impossible choice. Indira Varma is the reader. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's hotly anticipated second novel, a kaleidoscopic story that will take listeners from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back again and where the lives of a cast of vivid characters are intimately interwoven. There is the unforgettable Tilo and the three men who loved her, especially, Musa whose fate in war torn Kashmir is heartbreakingly entwined with hers. Back in Delhi, in an old graveyard Anjum has found a place to make her voice heard and to heal old wounds. Likewise, her friend, an incorrigible young man who goes by the moniker of Saddam Hussain, has found a space to tell his own strange story, one that continues to haunt him. As the novel unfolds, Roy brings into stark relief the corrupting nature of power as her characters endure through the darkest of times and still manage to find hope and most of all love. For interviews with the acclaimed writer, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Or you can visit the iPlayer Radio app. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's powerful novel, Musa makes an impossible choice. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
12	Babajaana, My Love	20170620	Arundhati Roy's arresting new novel is her first since her award winning debut in 1997, The God of Small Things. In this episode it is autumn in Srinigar and on a lakeside houseboat there is love and lament. Indira Varma is the reader. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. It takes listeners on a powerful journey which starts in Old Delhi before moving to the conflict in Kashmir in 1996, and then returning to Delhi and more recent times. Along the way the lives of a cast of vivid and unforgettable characters become inextricably interwoven, especially those of the insouciant and unknowable Tilo, and Musa, the young Kashmiri man whose life has already been shaped by tragedy. For interviews with Arundhati Roy, new features and archive programmes about her life and work visit the Radio 4 website. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. You can also visit the iPlayer Radio app. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's arresting novel, it is autumn and there is love and lament. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
13	The Haircut	20170621	In Arundhati Roy's powerful new novel it is 1996 and Tilo is on a houseboat in war torn Kashmir when she is woken suddenly and a primordial punishment is called down. Indira Varma is the reader. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is the acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy's first novel since her 1997 award winning debut, The God of Small Things. Twenty years in the writing her new novel takes listeners on a powerful journey which starts in Old Delhi before moving to the conflict in Kashmir in 1996, and then returning to Delhi and more recent times. In Srinigar, Kashmir, the lives of Musa and Tilo are tested and the corrupting nature of power is brought into stark relief as the two set out to endure through the darkest of times sustained by hope and love. For more about the celebrated writer visit the Book at Bedtime pages at the Radio 4 website where you can find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you want to listen ahead you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes. The abridger is Richard Hamilton The producer is Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's powerful novel, a primordial punishment is called down. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
14	The Streets Of Delhi	20170622	In Arundhati Roy's kaleidoscopic new novel the residents of the Jannat Guest House undertake a boisterous journey through Delhi's streets. Indira Varma is the reader. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her celebrated debut The God of Small Things which won the Booker Prize in 1997. Her hotly anticipated new novel takes us on a mesmerising journey from Old Delhi to Kashmir and back. In this episode, the story returns to more recent times and the old graveyard where the rowdy cast of vivid and unforgettable characters are all brought together. They're in celebratory mood as they set old wounds and heartbreak to one side, for a short while at least, and find new ways to deal with painful pasts. Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work. While you're there, if you've missed an episode or you would like to listen ahead you can also find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton Produced by Elizabeth Allard. In Arundhati Roy's kaleidoscopic novel, a boisterous car journey gets started. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
15	Revathy	20170623	In the final episode of Arundhati Roy's new novel the residents of the graveyard's guest house receive a letter that brings unexpected news from the forest. Meanwhile, across the city there's a reckoning of sorts. Indira Varma and Emilio Doorgasingh read. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is Arundhati Roy's first novel since her 1997 award winning debut,The God of Small Things. As the novel concludes, listeners are returned to the old graveyard in Delhi. As the lives of Arundhati Roy's characters come together one last time, there are new truths, heartbreak and a settling of accounts, and there is also Miss Jebeen the Second. Visit the Radio 4 website to find links to new features and archive programmes about Arundhati Roy's life and work including . While you're there, if you've missed an episode you can find out how to download all fifteen episodes. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Produced by Elizabeth Allard. The guest house residents receive a letter that brings unexpected news from the forest. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature