"In Custody" is a novel by Anita Desai, first published in 1984. The story is set in India and follows the life of Deven, a middle-aged man who is a college lecturer and poet. Deven becomes obsessed with the work of a famous Urdu poet, Nur, and decides to make a documentary about him. However, when Deven finally meets Nur, he discovers that the poet is now a shadow of his former self, living in poverty and obscurity. Despite this, Deven is still determined to capture Nur's essence on film and becomes increasingly drawn into the world of Urdu poetry and culture. Along the way, he must confront the realities of his own life, including his strained relationship with his wife and his disillusionment with the academic world. "In Custody" is a powerful exploration of identity, cultural heritage, and the intersection between art and life.
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