Review | Between Worlds, Edited by Gautam Bhatia: Exploring the Quirks of Indian Speculative Fiction

Why It Matters

By foregrounding Indian speculative fiction, the anthology expands the global SFF market and signals rising demand for diverse, culturally hybrid narratives. Its modest price and critical attention could catalyze more publishing investment in Indian genre writers.

Key Takeaways

• First Indian SFF anthology challenges Western‑centric speculation myth
• 11 stories blend hybridity, eco‑feminism, and techno‑mythology
• Price ₹599 (~$7.30) makes collection affordable for readers
• Stories feature robot mothers, time‑travel poetry, corporate‑ruled Delhi
• Critics note need for deeper innovation in future volumes

Pulse Analysis

The perception that speculative fiction is a Western export has long limited the visibility of Indian writers in the genre. Historically, Indian pulp magazines and early science‑fiction short stories circulated in niche circles, but mainstream publishing rarely invested in them. Recent years have seen a surge of digital platforms and literary festivals that champion genre experimentation, creating a fertile ground for anthologies like "Between Worlds." By positioning itself as the first volume of the IF Anthology of New Indian SFF, the book taps into a growing appetite for stories that reflect the subcontinent’s unique cultural and technological crossroads.

Across its eleven entries, "Between Worlds" weaves a tapestry of hybrid narratives that blend mythic motifs with futuristic concerns. Ajay Patri’s opening tale uses an oral‑history frame to explore artistic resistance in colonial India, while Prashanth Srivatsa’s "Muniyamma" and Shobita Narayan’s "Of Holo Maa, Without Maa" reimagine motherhood through robot protagonists, echoing eco‑feminist discourse. Poems become time‑travel portals in Srividya’s work, and Shubham Mamgain paints a dystopic Delhi under corporate rule. The collection’s eclectic influences—from Ted Chiang to Ursula K. Le Guin—demonstrate a willingness to adapt global ideas to an Indian sensibility.

The anthology’s modest price tag of ₹599 (roughly $7.30) lowers the barrier for readers and signals confidence in the commercial viability of Indian SFF. Critical reception acknowledges the promise of fresh voices while urging deeper narrative innovation for future volumes. As publishers recognize the market potential, we can expect increased investment in regional speculative fiction, translation rights, and cross‑media adaptations. For industry observers, "Between Worlds" serves as both a barometer of emerging talent and a catalyst for expanding the genre’s global ecosystem.