Black River is a riveting read, one that captures the very essence of noir. Set in a rural village called Teetarpur, the story follows a man who leads an honest life of a farmer. But soon he is hit by a tragedy that knocks him out. In this quiet village where everyone knows everyone, chances of this type of crime happening is something unthinkable. So understandably the people are shook when this gentle man’s daughter is snatched away so brutally. Chand is now alone and has to mourn his beloved daughter’s death. But behind his calm facade he also keeps fanning the embers of revenge.

Nilanjana Roy is also a journalist and perhaps this is why her book captures a detailed story of how crimes are reported and dealt with in rural areas. She describes the nature of policemen who waver between washing off the cases of their hands to having a moral conscious, the rich who utilise their power to hide their dark secrets and the description of common folk who melt and become one with big cities. The mystery of the small girl’s death is at the very centre of the book but she seamlessly introduces an array of characters and shines an ample amount of light on their past. Several stories come together, like rivulets before finally flowing as a river.

Black River in question is Yamuna and the book revolves in and around it for the most part. In this dark tale of power, dirt and lies, who will win?

The story gets a bit slow in the middle, which made me wonder if all that detailing is necessary. But overall this was a gripping read.

Thanks for the copy @context_books @westland_books ✨