Deviants

Bhattacharya has crafted a compelling narrative that speaks to the South Asian queer community's longing for representation. Sarvat Hasin, known for "The Giant Dark," describes it as both compulsive and deeply moving. Samira Ahmed praises Bhattacharya’s writing as having a grand, assured quality. James Cahill, author of "Tiepolo Blue," found it to be a magnificent blend of humor and melancholy, with a depth that took him by surprise.From the celebrated author of "One Small Voice" comes a daring and dynamic tale that captures the struggles of three generations of gay men in India striving for love and dignity amidst societal challenges. The story follows Vivaan, a young Indian teenager living in the tech hub known as the silicon plateau, who experiences a profound and boundary-defying romance through his smartphone. While he enjoys the support of his parents who are aware of his sexuality, they remain unaware of his online escapades. In contrast, Vivaan’s uncle, Mambro, faced a harsher reality thirty years prior. Falling in love with a male classmate during a period dominated by a colonial-era law that criminalized homosexuality dramatically altered Mambro's life. Before Mambro, there was Sukumar, Mambro's uncle, who was also deeply in love with another man. Unfortunately, prevailing social taboos forced them to hide their love, denying Sukumar the life he desired. However, his story would later inspire and fuel the aspirations of his nephew and grand-nephew.In "Deviants," Bhattacharya presents a bold and stirring examination of the complexities of family legacies and inherited histories. Nikesh Shukla and Max Porter have both acclaimed Bhattacharya’s ability to weave a profound and emotionally resonant story, highlighting him as a natural storyteller and praising his gift for creating immersive and heartfelt narratives.