Monica Singh’s Pronounced Guilty is an intense and captivating exploration of justice, redemption, and human resilience. The novel is set against the backdrop of Bandi Mukti Morcha, India’s first open-prison experiment, and delves deep into the psyche of its richly crafted characters. Does the world really believe in second chances or is that another wool over eyes tactic of the society?
The strength of this novel lies in its characters, who are drawn with incredible depth and nuance. Dushyant Dave, the idealistic yet weary advocate, is a compelling protagonist. His vision of an open prison is bold, but his personal disillusionment makes him relatable and flawed. His personal loss is heartbreakingly real and makes him a loveable character. Vijendar Singh, a former convict, adds another layer of complexity. His reluctance and the weight of his past create a powerful arc of redemption that resonates deeply. What I personally liked about the character was his resolve for change. He was unwilling to accept that there is no breakthrough and so he gives his all to the mission despite himself. Dr. Anusuya Savarkar, a psychologist with her own struggles, is an equally impactful character, as she brings both empathy and realism to the narrative. Her relationship with her husband and the conversations with their past are so achingly beautiful, they make you crave for such a fairytale relationship yourself. Maitreyi is another character that brings further depth to the story. Her personal trauma and subsequent absolution seems deeply personal and closer to home. Her confrontation with her past was goosebump worthy, and it take immense courage to write a scene like that.
Further, the author's writing portrays the intricate relationships between these four character, highlighting their shared burdens and individual battles. The tensions within the prison, the resistance from inmates, and the external political pressures feel real. Some of the descriptions are so authentic, as if the author has real time experience of the ongoing activities. All of this helped me fold myself into the chaos and uncertainty of the characters' mission. What stands out is the way the author unpacks the idea of second chances. And mind you here we are not just talking about second chances for the convicts but also for the protagonists, which I think is such a win for this story.
The book’s courtroom scenes and ethical dilemmas are gripping. In fact the arguments played out tantalise your morality while you are reading through the pros and cons of 'second chances'. This further questions our societal definitions of justice and forgiveness. The author does not provide any easy answers, instead she leaves you with a lingering sense of introspection about guilt and redemption.
Pronounced Guilty is a must-read if you enjoy character-driven stories that challenge societal norms while exploring the emotional landscapes of its protagonists. The author's ability to weave a narrative that is both personal and universal ensures this novel leaves a lasting impact.
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The book was one of the winners at the Penmancy PitchFest 2.0.