A techie, who later studied to become a management professional, Annapurna Saripalli has forever been in search of her true north. Books are her most treasured friends, and they transport her to far-off lands, away from the perils of fussy clients, grumpy bosses, cranky kids, and absconding family members.
Annapurna likes well-made TV shows and movies and is also a music aficionado with eclectic tastes—from South Indian classical music to progressive trance. One sees a reflection of her music choices in her writing. Do plug in your headphones while reading her books and listen to the songs to actually live the character.
A Proof of Truth is Annapurna’s first book, which she wrote during her career break, as she reflected upon the various aspects of human life—judgement, relationships, human conscience, familial bonds, spirituality, and most importantly, the indefatigable desire to win at everything.
TBE: Could you please tell us about your most recent book, A Proof of Truth, its overall plot, and the main characters in it?
Annapurna Saripalli: A Proof of Truth is a roller coaster ride of truth and lies, trust and betrayal and love and deceit through the perspectives of two people, a lawyer and his client, thrown together into a life-altering circumstances through an unexpected twist of fate.
The lawyer, Ajay Bhargav is forced to take up the case to live up to his father’s honor, despite his turbulent relationship with this father. His defendant, Vishal, has been accused of a serious crime and facing a death penalty.
How will the two come out? What is the truth here?
TBE: Your work brings together the genres of legal thriller and mystery. What attracted you to writing in those areas?
Annapurna Saripalli: I love the intensity and grip in a mystery narrative. It keeps us hooked all the time and I wanted to write something that always keeps the readers guessing and contemplating on the “ifs”.
TBE: How this story first came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else?
Annapurna Saripalli: It started as a concept. Of counter-perspectives. Most often than not, what’s right in front of us is not the truth. And what’s the truth is not always in front of us.
So how does one navigate through this?
TBE: A Proof of Truth illustrates your deep understanding of the legal world. Being a techie and a management professional how did you manage this feat?
Annapurna Saripalli: I read a lot and have known many wonderful lawyers in my life. And I immensely respect the profession. I do believe the profession is inherently complex and ironic and there is a struggle at every point. Doing the right thing Vs the correct thing. Profession vs Truth. Responsibility to Client Vs Responsibility to justice.
TBE: Which mystery and suspense writers do you draw inspiration from? What are your favourite books from the same genre?
Annapurna Saripalli: I loved Pelican Brief, mainly because of the detailed sketch of the characters. Same with Game of Thrones.
I love books which have a simple yet rich narrative. The beauty is in lacing together something deep and complex and narrating them in a way everyone can follow.
TBE: You must have done a lot of research on legal procedure and lawyer’s work and learned a great deal about them. Did you learn anything that surprised you?
Annapurna Saripalli: I always thought medicine was complex. But Oh Boy! Law? That’s a different ball game altogether.
TBE: How was your publishing experience with Leadstart?
Annapurna Saripalli: Really nice. I am thankful for the editing support and timely advice from Leadstart on this first-time experience.
TBE: Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
Annapurna Saripalli: Not really ???? but I hope to write more. Your readership will inspire to keep going.
