Nikhil Melnechuk

Set in New York City, The Elegant Clockwork of the Universe chronicles the immediate days following a young woman, Mala Adou’s disappearance, and her boyfriend, Muhammad’s dogged drive to find her. Muhammad Masood is a middle school teacher whose life is turned upside down when he awakens one morning to find his lover, Mala Adou, of six years gone—leaving behind everything.

Lisa Spinelli is a Staten Island teacher who is unusually devoted to her students. When she discovers one of her five-year-olds is a prodigy, she becomes fascinated with the boy, ultimately risking her family and freedom to nurture his talent.