Super Short Summary

The Village by Nikita Lalwani tells the story of BBC filmmaker Ray Bhullar and her team as they document life in the fictional Indian open prison, Ashwer, exploring themes of prison reform, rehabilitation, and media ethics. As Ray navigates cultural differences and ethical dilemmas, tensions rise, especially with her colleague Serena, who prioritizes sensationalism over authenticity. The narrative follows Ray's interactions with diverse prisoners and the conflicts arising from the intrusive filming process, culminating in a dramatic sequence that tests the ethics and consequences of their work. The novel features topics such as abuse, murder, and HIV/AIDS diagnosis.