The Web of Twisted Paths

About The Book

The Web of Twisted Paths is a coming-of-age novel that follows Yeni, a young woman born into a poor, marginalized family in the ravine region of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh. Raised amid caste oppression, gender discrimination, poverty, child marriage, and forced labour, she faces relentless social and cultural barriers that threaten to define her future. Yet, driven by courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in justice, Yeni refuses to surrender to these constraints.
A turning point comes when she exposes the covert sexual exploitation of young women in her college library. Her protest provokes a brutal attack intended to silence her, leaving her gravely injured. With resilience, and the support of Ankit, a medical student from a neighbouring village, she survives, and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Yeni must also confront the burden of her childhood marriage. Supported by her family, who reject its legitimacy, she continues pursuing education and independence. Even after
circumstances separate her from Ankit, she remains steadfast in her ambitions. Through perseverance and education, she succeeds in the highly competitive civil services examination and ultimately serves as an officer in the Indian Foreign Service.
Spanning more than a decade, the novel traces Yeni's transformation from adolescence to womanhood. Told in the first person with emotional depth and narrative maturity, it presents a realistic portrait of contemporary Indian society. At its heart, The Web of Twisted Paths is a testament to the resilience of marginalized women and the transformative power of education, courage, and unwavering determination.

About The Author

Gyan Prakash completed his B. Sc. from Lucknow University and subsequently pursued and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee). Thereafter, he joined the Public Works Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh as an Engineer Officer, where his vision and dedication guided successful completion of numerous development projects across the state. Upon his retirement, he turned to the world of literature, channeling his experience and sensibility into writing.