Gurnaik Johal’s debut novel, Saraswati takes the reader on a long voyage through the lives of an extended Punjabi family. The title refers to a mythical river that holds deep meaning in the collective lives of the Punjabi community.
In what seems an impossible task, Gurnaik weaves water to create an intricate, ever-flowing tapestry of family, community, politics and religion across several generations.
The story begins with water returning to a dry well. Deeply symbolic but also scientifically perplexing, this event and the interpretation of its reappearance resonate throughout the narrative. Blending romance, politics, religion and family connections, this passionate wide- reaching tale has already garnered wide critical acclaim both in the UK and beyond, marking the arrival of an exciting new literary talent. Watch this space!