Exploring alternate realities, emotional depth, and humanity in Gautam Bhatia’s speculative fiction anthology.
‘Between Worlds’, an anthology of speculative fiction edited by Gautam Bhatia, features a collection of 11 short stories that delve into themes of displacement, desire, and the complexities of existence. The anthology invites readers to contemplate alternate modes of sustenance and the implications of futuristic technologies, all while maintaining a thread of hope amidst chaos. Through its narratives, it challenges traditional norms and encourages readers to ponder fundamental questions regarding purpose and identity.
The anthology opens with Ajay Patri’s “The Last Projectionist,” which sets a reflective tone. It tells the story of Jayalakshmi, a projectionist who grapples with relevance and fame while refusing to be captured on camera. This character serves as a metaphor for the creative process, embodying the pain and anguish that often accompany artistic expression. The story’s clean prose explores themes of rebellion, gender politics, and the right to critique societal norms.
Following this, Anushree Nande’s “Heartland” introduces readers to a “memory walker,” a protagonist on a quest to discover her birth parents. This narrative raises poignant questions about the intersection of gift and grief, highlighting the emotional weight of memory and the complexities inherent in human relationships. It is a story that resonates deeply, capturing the reader’s imagination and emotions.
Prashanth Srivatsa’s “Muniyamma” presents a unique perspective through the lens of a robot midwife, showcasing the contrast between a natural world and a futuristic setting. The robot, infused with human memories, embodies the struggle to navigate two disparate realities, thus enriching the anthology’s exploration of life forms and their coexistence.
In “Sudden Self” by Priyamvadha Shivaji, the narrative begins with a powerful image of loss, grounding the reader in a stark reality. Suchitra Sukumar’s “A Rough-Edged Confection” utilizes a second-person point of view to create an immersive experience, introducing readers to a new and unfamiliar reality. Meanwhile, Purnima Bala’s “CMD: Reset” tackles the theme of humanity’s struggle against a capitalistic society, where the protagonist seeks to escape their human identity.
“Tomorrow’s Ancestors” by Srividya offers a humorous yet poignant tale of a fourth-generation woman traveling back in time to meet her ancestors. This story intertwines themes of human rights and climate change, projecting an idealistic vision for the future while also hinting at the need for interpersonal conflict to drive the narrative further.
Shobhita Narayan’s “Of Holo Maa, Without Maa” raises intriguing questions about technology and humanity. When Ira’s mother passes away, she is replaced by a robot designed to resemble her mother. The family’s gradual acceptance of this replacement prompts reflections on what it means to be human and the societal obsession with lifelike representations.
Finally, “We are all Mayflies” by Amal Singh contemplates mortality and the human tendency to resist death. The anthology concludes with LA Nolan’s “Luna Hortus,” where a sentient artificial intelligence grapples with a series of murders attributed to a feared demon, blurring the lines between myth and reality.
Overall, ‘Between Worlds’ presents a rich tapestry of narratives that navigate themes of life, death, purpose, and meaning. Each story contributes a distinct voice, style, and emotional depth, showcasing the burgeoning field of speculative fiction in India and its resonance with contemporary readers.
