Kolkata: Penguin Random House India on Friday announced the acquisition of renowned novelist Kunal Basu’s new work of fiction titled ‘In An Ideal World’.
It is a powerful, gritty and fast-paced literary novel that explores a variety of themes relevant to the current times—college politics, family, crime investigation and fanaticism. It is scheduled to release in early 2022 under the Viking imprint.
The story revolves around the disappearance of a member of the Liberal party of a college in Manhar, who is missing for months. The prime suspect of this abduction is the leader of the Nationalist group of the same college. Thus begins the mission of the parents of the suspect, who find themselves caught between rumours, religions and riots, while they attempt to uncover this mysterious disappearance and absolve the son they raised and believe in. This investigation leads to surprising results.
Commenting on his upcoming book, Kunal Basu says, ‘I am deeply pleased that Penguin Random House will be the custodian of my new novel about a fractured land with a fractured heart.’
Executive Editor at Penguin Random House India, Premanka Goswami, says, ‘Kunal Basu is a brilliant chronicler of our times. His fiction often opens a window to the many issues that influence us every day. Sarojini’s Mother, which we brought out in early 2020, was greatly appreciated by a wide spectrum of readers. We’re thrilled to acquire Kunal’s new book.’
Aparna Kumar, Editor at Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Kunal Basu’s new book is thought-provoking and brilliant, but most importantly, it is very pertinent in today’s world as it reiterates the message that there is only loss and destruction in the face of hatred and fanaticism–something we must remind ourselves every day.’
Kunal Basu is the author of several critically acclaimed novels. His story 'The Japanese Wife', from his collection by the same name, has now been made into an award-winning film. (UNI)