I finished reading Unearthing Idyll, debut SciFi novel by Dhara Parekh, and my first question is, when is book two coming out? I cannot wait to read what happens next.
I met the author at a local book event. After hearing about her book, I purchased a signed copy, excited to read a SciFi novel by a fellow desi author.
The story unfolds in the future. About 7,000 human beings live on an asteroid orbiting Earth. One of them, Lyra, wants to escape her home, where she feels caged in the small society.
Aryabh, a man born on Earth who finds no future on the planet, thwarts her efforts to travel there. The author serves a gourmet meal, one that should be savored slowly.
I loved Kenai and Sagan, able sidekicks to our main protagonists. The way Aryabh’s email to Lyra is spread throughout the chapters is a nice touch. Don’t miss the Earthler news sprinkled under the chapter heading.
The author explores what it means to be part of a community and how it shapes us. Most importantly, she has created a fantastic world and realistic characters. Looking forward to spending more time in her world.
Anna Bushi 