The Temple-goers

A gripping tale of friendship and societal contrasts

Aatish Taseer author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:31st Mar '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Temple-goers cover

Two young men from contrasting backgrounds navigate friendship and societal divides in The Temple-goers, leading to a murder mystery that reveals unsettling truths.

In The Temple-goers, the lives of two young men intersect in a vibrant yet starkly contrasting urban landscape. One is immersed in a glamorous world of fashion parties, media moguls, and designer labels, while the other navigates the hidden, squalid underbelly of the city. Their friendship offers a glimpse into the duality of life in a bustling metropolis, where wealth and poverty coexist in stark juxtaposition. As they explore their respective worlds, the allure of success and the harsh realities of life begin to intertwine, leading to unforeseen consequences.

The narrative takes a darker turn when a body is discovered floating in a canal, and one of the friends becomes the prime suspect in the murder. This shocking event acts as a catalyst, unraveling layers of deception and forcing both men to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their society. The tension builds as they navigate the complexities of their friendship, revealing not only the fragility of their bond but also the underlying issues that plague their city.

The Temple-goers is not just a tale of friendship; it is a profound exploration of social divides and the human condition. Through its compelling storytelling, the novel sheds light on the darker aspects of urban life, challenging readers to reflect on the realities faced by those living in the shadows of affluence. It is a gripping narrative that resonates with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for identity in a rapidly changing world.

A gripping tangle of politics, murder, bribery and betrayal * Observer *
A young writer to watch -- V. S. Naipaul
Naipaul's praise is rare enough to be notable; and Taseer lives up to it. Among the sharpest and best-written fictions about contemporary India * Independent *
A coolly accomplished, pulsating account of modern-day Delhi * Guardian *
Scathingly comic, disquieting, ironical. Vicious fun * Spectator *
Part thriller, part investigation of male friendship, part exploration of the tension between traditional values and modern liberalism in Indian society. Assured, engaging, highly readable * Sunday Times *
A subtle, cleverly observed comedy of manners that turns into an altogether edgier and more sinister narrative * Literary Review *
A brooding tale . . . desire, greed and murder all feature * Daily Mail *

  • Short-listed for Costa First Novel Award 2010

ISBN: 9780141045696

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 35mm

Weight: 500g

304 pages