Chronicle Of An Hour And A Half | Hardcover

Chronicle of an Hour and a Half by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari is a literary novel that examines how rumours, misinformation and collective fear can rapidly transform an ordinary community. Set in the village of Vaiga in the foothills of the Western Ghats, the story unfolds over a brief but intense period as relentless rain and rising tensions give way to violence triggered by a single rumour. Winner of the Atta Galata Award for Best Fiction 2024 and the Crossword Book Award for Best Fiction 2024, this novel offers a gripping exploration of human behaviour under pressure.

Against the backdrop of severe weather and widespread disruption, the narrative follows a community as suspicion spreads through conversations and WhatsApp messages, revealing how quickly fear can escalate into mass hysteria. With its tightly paced storytelling, the novel explores the fragile boundaries between truth, perception and mob action.

About This Book

As storms batter Vaiga with flooding, fallen trees and prolonged power cuts, a rumour of an illicit affair draws Saud and his sons to the village in search of Burhan. What begins as a personal matter soon grows beyond anyone's control as speculation spreads and tensions intensify.

The novel examines the influence of rumours and digital communication on communities, showing how misinformation can shape public sentiment and provoke violence. Through its compact timeframe and atmospheric setting, the story creates an immersive portrait of fear, conflict and the consequences of unchecked hysteria.

What You'll Discover

• A literary novel set in a village near the Western Ghats.
• A suspenseful story driven by rumours and misinformation.
• The role of WhatsApp messages in escalating public fear.
• The impact of mass hysteria on individuals and communities.
• An atmospheric setting shaped by relentless storms and flooding.
• Themes of truth, perception and collective behaviour.

Perfect For

• Readers of literary fiction.
• Fans of psychological and social dramas.
• Readers interested in contemporary Indian fiction.
• Those who enjoy fast-paced, character-driven novels.

Why You'll Love This Book

Chronicle of an Hour and a Half combines an evocative setting with an intense, tightly woven narrative that explores the consequences of rumours and mass panic. Its thoughtful examination of human behaviour and contemporary communication makes it a compelling work of modern literary fiction.