Miracle of the Rose

"I'm amazed at how everything in life circles back to its origin to make a new beginning," said Savitri. "Consider these circularities: A street-smart kid named Gopal connects with a holy man who has moved into a burned-out house on Prayer Hill, and helps him perform two miracles; Linda connects with Gopal; the holy man then uses Gopal to connect Linda with Raman and Kumortuli; a train journey to Calcutta to visit Kumortuli connects Linda with my husband; and now, there is the connection to the bookseller's daughter. The center of all these circles, of course, is Mala Nagar. I think we'll soon find out what the new circles are." When will the holy man return to Prayer Hill, and will there be new miracles? What new paths will Linda Steven's life take, and what role will Raman and Gopal play in these transformations? The story offers a window into the charms of Indian life, and points to the profound depths of religion and philosophy that underscore it. This is the second in a trilogy of novels.