Silence can be the loudest scream

Aparna’s novel “The Labyrinth of Silence” is a very immersive and profound novel that meanders through the complicated maze of silence that envelops the primary characters Girish, Narmadha, Muki, Kashi and also Kusum. Silence also seems to be the common thread connecting most characters.

The story is set in Tilakwadi, Belgaum in the 90s and the author has taken every effort possible to describe the place to perfection –be it the appearance of houses, people and their attire or the cultural nuances associated with the place. The vernacular words added so much authenticity to the prose.

Here is a short introduction to the main characters in the story;

Girish–an architect carrying ghosts from his past.

Muki– the mute girl for whom the Kulkarni mansion and Girish are a fascination but eventually is imprisoned by responsibilities thrust upon her along with grave secrets that she was not prepared to. 

Narmada–when expectations turn bitter, and love is not reciprocated, life can be a living hellhole. 

Kashi– the innocent girl who is overwhelmed by the secrets that everyone carries and is searching for answers.

The story touches upon sensitive issues like child abuse, the ancient practice of Niyog, childhood traumas and repurcussions.

Aparna’s writing style and language is exceptional. Though it was prose I felt that as though it was poetry in motion. While some readers may find the heavy metaphors and vivid, lengthy descriptions to have slackened the pace, the poet in me savored every word in the book. I read and reread a few lines several times. I also loved the diary entries of Narmada –it gave the readers a glimpse of her thoughts and grievances. I sincerely wished things had turned out better for her.

The multiple perspectives were deftly handled. Though the story is predominantly poignant, the ending offered a ray of hope making it a satisfactory read.

Also, the 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 is apt. It symbolically represents all the main characters in the story, the turmoil in their minds and how cocooned they seem with their silent secrets.

I will definitely recommend the book to everyone. “Labyrinth of Silence” is a unique read and the characters stay with us long after having finished the book.

Here is a quote from the book that I absolutely loved;

“Stories are healers, they are menders.Stories are stitches that knit the torn edges and broken hearts.They are ointments on abrasions and ice on burns.Stories are the angels that scare the demons of grief.They heal the storyteller and the listener,the hero and the villain,the god and his human.”

The book is available both as a paperback and in kindle.

Here’s the link to order.