Following A Prayer : A Novel | Hardcover

Following a Prayer: A Novel is a literary novel that explores silence, faith, family, and the search for personal agency through the story of a young girl in a village in the Western Ghats. When twelve-year-old Kalpana disappears for three days and returns unable to speak, her family and community are left searching for answers. As questions surrounding her disappearance deepen, the novel examines the emotional impact of trauma, belief, and the power of finding one's own voice.

Set against the backdrop of an approaching Deepavali celebration, the story gradually builds suspense as a rumour spreads that Kalpana will finally speak after the festival. Blending mystery with emotional depth, the novel offers a compelling exploration of family relationships, resilience, and the transformative nature of truth.

About This Book

Following a Prayer: A Novel follows Kalpana, a twelve-year-old girl whose unexplained disappearance leaves her family in turmoil. When she returns, she communicates only through notes and scribbles, refusing—or unable—to speak. Her silence raises questions about what happened during those missing days and why certain people, including her grandmother, evoke such strong reactions.

As preparations for the village's annual Deepavali festival continue, anticipation grows around the belief that Kalpana will break her silence. The novel unfolds through family tensions, community expectations, and unanswered questions, leading readers toward a conclusion that gradually reveals the significance of her silence and the importance of reclaiming voice, agency, and faith.

What You'll Discover

• A literary mystery centred on a young girl's unexplained silence.
• Themes of family, faith, resilience, and personal agency.
• A village setting in the hills of the Western Ghats.
• The emotional impact of an unexplained disappearance.
• Family relationships shaped by secrets and unanswered questions.
• A suspenseful narrative leading to a powerful conclusion.

Perfect For

• Readers of literary fiction.
• Fans of character-driven mystery novels.
• Readers interested in contemporary Indian fiction.
• Book clubs exploring themes of family, faith, and identity.

Why You'll Love This Book

Following a Prayer: A Novel combines emotional storytelling with quiet suspense to explore how silence, faith, and family shape a young girl's journey. Its thoughtful narrative and memorable characters make it a rewarding read for those who appreciate literary fiction with psychological and emotional depth.