The Price of Our Silence

The Price of Our Silence is the debut novel of an Aligarh-based young novelist Hanadi Falki. The novel falls in the category of ‘Indian English Novel’ and is set in contemporary India, where the youth is going through a phase of metamorphosis. Written in 2015 and published in 2017 by Prabhat Prakashan, the novel examines what it is to be a young Indian in this century through the characters of Zubeida (Zuby), Tanya and Aditya (Adi) who are a part of the 3D Stereoscopic Production Industry in India. The novel traces the lives of these young stereo-compositing artists who come from diverse backgrounds, have different dreams and their own distinct characteristics. They meet in an intense work environment and are bound together in the sacred bond of friendship. It is about the aspirations of a young generation in urban India and the price they pay for keeping silent on issues that matter most to them.

Introduction
‘The Price of Our Silence’ balances a love story along with depicting the serious topic of the increasing capitalist nature of the contemporary Indian society. It is a
fictionalized critique of the global companies entering India and the struggles the young Indians go through, both personally and professionally. Setting the story in the modern Indian corporate environment also gives the novel a contemporary and very much up-to-date feel. The hopes and fears of this new generation are examined in some detail, as are the pressures under which they work and live.

Plotline
The novel begins with the introduction of the protagonists Zubeida (Zuby) and Aditya (Adi) as they wait in the HR cabin on their first day at the Digiworld Studio, a leading 3D stereo conversion company in India. In the proceeding chapters, the friendship between Adi and Zuby is developed, along with subtle hints at the other plotlines of the changing rules at the workplace, of Zuby and her rakhi brother, Tarun’s bonding, and of Saachi, Zuby’s roommate devious schemes spun on jealousy of the growing friendship between Adi and Zuby. The first part of the book ends with the exit of Saachi from their lives when Zuby puts her foot down finally. The next part begins with the introduction of Tanya as she makes her place in the hearts of everyone by her bubbly nature. The next chapters deal with a series of issues ranging from Adi’s father’s illness, Zuby’s arranged marriage proposals and Tanya’s abortion. The friends support each other through these problems and end up falling in love. A kiss on Diwali night brings upon an ugly crack in the friendship later on. Along with their personal issues, the characters tackle the professional problems as well. Some choose to leave the industry while others stand up and bring about a change in their working conditions. The novel ends on a positive note as the characters break the silence on the issues they face, and fulfill their destiny.
Praise for The Book
“It did grip me to a great extent. It is at times quirky and at times philosophical and supported well by Hanadi’s crisp writing. Some of the imagery created by her is pretty stellar for a debutante.”- Neil D’Silva, Author and Editor.

'The Price of Our Silence' is a very interesting book with good, engaging content, and talks about an industry you don't hear much of: 3D stereoscopy.- Zehra
Naqvi, a journalist, Book critic.

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