What happens when ancient myths resurface in modern India?
Join Somerset Maugham Award-winning author Gurnaik Johal as he presents his highly anticipated debut novel Saraswati, a sweeping epic of family, nationalism, and environmental change centred around a legendary river's mysterious return.
Centuries ago, the myths say, the holy river Saraswati flowed through Northern India. But when Satnam arrives in his ancestral village for his grandmother's funeral, he is astonished to find water in the long-dry well behind her house.
The discovery sets in motion a contentious scheme to unearth the lost river and build a gleaming new city on its banks, and Satnam–adrift from his job, girlfriend and flat back in London–soon finds himself swept up in this ferment of Hindu nationalist pride.
Interviewed by Aube Rey Lescure, Gurnaik will discuss his transition from writing his acclaimed short story collection We Move, to this ambitious debut novel brimming with folklore and contemporary resonance.
Join us for an evening of storytelling that spans continents and generations as Gurnaik discusses the intersection of myth and modernity, environmental change, and the pull of ancestral connections.
"A surging, roaring, deluge of a novel." Jon McGregor Booker Prize winner

The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of Saraswati (RRP £16.99) deliverable to any UK or international address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 11 June at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].