Ministry of Utmost Happiness, The

This novel of modern India tells the stories of Anjum, a transgender woman who lives in a cemetery in a hostel she built on top of the graves, and Tilo, an architect who goes to Kashmir to reunite with her love, Musa, a freedom fighter, and how their lives eventually intertwine. The novel is filled with complex conflicts, richly developed characters, and multiple points of view. The many themes, including social justice, religious intolerance, political corruption, racial violence, LGBTQ issues in India, and poor ethical choices, help create a believable and engaging story. Suitable as a classroom or independent novel for grades 11-12.