Unearthing Idyll | Dhara Parekh | Book Review

Unearthing Idyll by Dhara Parekh is a futuristic novel where the two worlds run parallel to each other and open a dialogue about social identity, collectivism, and what it means to never fit into society. The introspective literary fiction pushed one to think harder and question their present as they read about what could possibly be in the future.

Earth has gained its second moon — an asteroid called Zenith. In this harmonious, hollowed-out colony, sunlight radiates from the roof and warmth beams through its citizens. Lyra, a second-generation Zenither and a self-contained individual wants to escape the asteroid and settle on Earth. However, on her way to the blue planet, Lyra’s documents mysteriously disappear, and she is deported back to her homeland. Her only solace is a self-serving Earthler friend, Aryabh — a hacker and a self-serving individual who wishes to escape the totalitarian government of the planet Earth.

Both Lyra and Aryabh wish to exchange places. But how long before they unearth their dystopia and come to face the reality that’s not as grim as they imagine it to be?

Unearthing Idyll took me by surprise. A novel that’s set in the future, where characters reflect upon the morality of their actions, where the grass looks greener on the other side but reality strikes hard once one comes close to baring the dormant within. It is a novel that kept me hooked not just because of how unflinchingly beautiful the plot turned out to be but also because of the brilliant narrative and engaging writing.

The characters were a mix of all shades. And emotions flowed in abundance. While Unearthing Idyll would appear to be science fiction, it deals with human emotions and their idiosyncrasies. It deals with their complexities as it raises pertinent questions as to how humans will be once technology seeps deep into their lives.

I particularly loved how the story brings out the beauty of Lyra’s relationship with her brother and that of Aryabh’s with Kenai, his roommate. It proves — love is the supreme power in the universe. In the guise of sci-fi, Unearthing Idyll nudges for self-discovery and love. Awaiting for the second part of the series!

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