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About the author
Mahesh Rao was born and grew up in Nairobi, Kenya. He has worked as a lawyer, academic researcher, and bookseller. His work was shortlisted for the 2013 Bridport Prize, the 2012 Commonwealth Short Story Prize and the 2010 Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction Contest. He lives in Mysore, India. This is his first novel. www.maheshrao.info @mraozing
Summary
The future is here. India has just sent its first spacecraft to the moon, and the placid city of Mysore is gearing up for its own global recognition with the construction of HeritageLand - Asia's largest theme park. As government officials make plans for the expected tourism extravaganza, Mysore's many residents find themselves swept up in the ferment.
The Smoke is Rising is a riveting portrait of a city hurtling toward an epic clash of modernity and tradition, and all the wandering souls - some hopeful, some broken, and a few somewhere in between - who find themselves caught in the middle.
Foreword
A fascinating drama of Mysore's halting journey into an uncertain future . . . It left me wanting more.' Guardian
