A Matter Of Time

A Matter of Time is a multi-generational story set in present-day Karnataka that delves into the intricate relationships within an extended family. The novel unfolds through the individual voices of its characters, beginning when Sumi’s husband, Gopal, suddenly walks out on her and their three daughters without offering any explanation. Strangely, Sumi does not ask him for a reason, a silence that deeply unsettles her daughters—Aru, Charu, and Seema. Seeking refuge, Sumi takes them to her ancestral home, where her parents, Kalyani and Shripati, live together yet have not spoken to each other for over three decades. As the story progresses, the mystery behind their long silence is gradually revealed, and Kalyani begins to open up as her bond with her daughter and granddaughters grows stronger. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Aru, burdened by guilt, believes she is the cause of her father’s departure and struggles to comprehend her mother’s calm acceptance. Over time, her emotional journey leads to unexpected and transformative relationships. Through its simple yet profound prose, A Matter of Time beautifully intertwines elements of Hindu philosophy with the realities of modern India, exploring themes of silence, suffering, gender, and resilience. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that invites readers to reflect deeply on family, faith, and the complexities of human emotion.