The House Next to the Factory

The House Next to the Factory is a novel by Sonal Kohli that depicts a changing India over three decades through the lens of one family and their house. It explores themes of class, culture, and change, and evokes loves, triumphs, and tragedies of everyday life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Swift Press

The House Next to the Factory is a captivating novel by Sonal Kohli that delves into the evolving landscape of India over three decades, seen through the lens of a family and their home. Life within the house is characterized by a sense of monotony and confinement, but on rare occasions, Kavya embarks on a quest to find a nun, a beloved teacher becomes entangled in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh riots, a loyal servant grapples with his relationship with a woman from a lower caste, and in England, an aunt indulges in reading William Trevor while lamenting the loss of what she has left behind.

As the family's steel utensil business thrives, the household undergoes a transformation from bourgeois to elite, accompanied by the deafening clang of metal and the rhythmic churning of machines. However, at the age of thirty, Kavya finds herself in Paris, seeking solace from the sorrows of her young life.

Through its intricate storytelling and vivid portrayal of characters, The House Next to the Factory offers a profound exploration of class and culture, as well as the challenges and exhilarations of change. It evokes a range of emotions, from love and triumph to the complexities of incongruous desires and the tragedies of everyday existence. Sonal Kohli's debut novel is a testament to her talent as a writer, showcasing her ability to create a rich and immersive narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800751330