“The White Maze” by Arunima G is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark underbelly of a small village by the sea. It’s a story of malevolence draped in the crispest cotton and the richest silk, enough to camouflage into benevolence, relentlessly murdering the unwanted and poisoning the most wanted youths of the village. In accordance with the present time, the book resonates with the dark elements while also keeping the readers on their toes for the predictions of what might happen next.
The story centers around a local doctor who discovers the truth behind the frequent washed-up corpses in the village’s waters. A doctor is a man haunted by his past, and as he delves deeper into the village’s secrets, he is forced to confront his own demons. Arunima G does an excellent job of portraying the doctor’s internal struggle and how his past trauma affects his present. While on the surface, the book is a portrayal of the situations that confront the protagonist, it is also a psychological study of his internal thoughts and how they contribute to the overall character unveiling. Despite being more of a spectator, there are plenty of moments when the readers feel directly involved in the text and start identifying with the protagonist’s situation.
The author’s writing style is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the heart of the village and its dark secrets. The pacing is well-balanced, with the suspense and tension building gradually, leading to a heart-stopping climax that will leave readers gasping for air. The characters are well-developed, each with their unique struggles, secrets, and motivations, making them feel real and relatable. At the same time, the author maintains the distinctness by giving them sufficient space to speak for themselves and eventually evolve.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it highlights the power dynamics in the village. The village is run by a small group of individuals who hold all the power and make all the decisions. They control everything from the fishing industry to the local government, and they do it with an iron fist. The author does an excellent job of portraying the ways in which power can corrupt and how it can be used to justify the most heinous acts. Despite the book touching on a darker theme, the readers remain detached and understand “The White Maze” in a positive light.
Another theme that the book explores is the consequences of our actions. The people in the village have been killing and disposing of the bodies of young men for years, and they have convinced themselves that it’s for the greater good of the village. But as the doctor uncovers the truth, the villagers are forced to confront the fact that their actions have consequences, and they must be held accountable.
Overall, “The White Maze” is a thought-provoking and well-written novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a deep emotional resonance.
