"The Village" is a novel written by Nikita Lalwani, published in 2012. It tells the story of a young woman named Ray Bhullar who is hired to teach English in a remote Indian village. The village, named Jarmuli, is located on the coast of South India. As Ray becomes immersed in the daily life of the village, she forms relationships with the locals, including a charismatic and enigmatic man named Mukundan.
The novel explores themes of identity, culture clash, and the complexities of human relationships. Ray's experiences in Jarmuli lead her to confront her own beliefs and assumptions, as well as the realities of life in a place vastly different from her own.
Throughout the novel, Lalwani paints a vivid picture of the village and its inhabitants, capturing both the beauty and the challenges of life in a remote community. The story is rich with detail and nuance, offering a compelling exploration of the intersection of tradition and modernity, as well as the universal quest for connection and belonging.