A vibrant fable of marriage, caste and social convention from one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Indian fiction

'Unexpected and moving' Amitava Kumar, author of Immigrant, Montana

'A major Indian writer' New York Times

'A captivating story of love and desire' Vivek Shanbhag, author of Ghachar, Ghochar

Kali and Ponna are perfectly content in their marriage, apart from one thing. They are unable to conceive. With local gossip and family disapproval mounting, the increasingly desperate couple consider a more drastic plan. They will attend the annual chariot festival, a celebration of the half-male, half-female god Maadhorubaagan.

For one night, the rules of marriage are relaxed, and consensual sex between unmarried men and women is overlooked, for all men are considered gods.Could this be the opportunity that they've been searching for?