NIGHT OF THE DARK TREES
A biochemist turned artist, Zeruba rebels against the oppressive confines of his disintegrating ancestral home in Kerala and, harried by inner demons, flees to lead a reclusive life in a secluded cottage on the beach in suburban Madras. Three remarkable women counterpoint Zeruba's tormented life. . . Lakshmi, a beautiful and gifted but illiterate slum girl, who becomes his mistress and companion; Aditi, a tempestuous heiress with whom he plunges into a vortex of marital chaos; and Anjali, who finally brings a semblance of stability and contentment into his life.