Reading and discussion of The Wall by Gautam Bhatia

“Imagine a horizon.”
“I cant.”

Mithila’s world is bound by a Wall enclosing the city of Sumer. Nobody goes out, nothing comes in. The days pass as they have for two thousand years: just enough to eat for just enough people, living by the rules. Within the city, everyone knows their place. But when Mithila tries to cross the Wall, every power in Sumer comes together to stop her. To break the rules is to risk all of civilization collapsing. But to follow them is to never know: who built the Wall? Why? And what would the world look like if it didnt exist?
As Mithila and her friends search for the truth, they must risk losing their families, the ones they love, and even their lives. Is a world they cant imagine worth the only world they have?

Format: The event will take the form of a panel discussion, followed by a discussion with the audience. We will speak about the surge in contemporary Indian SFF over the past couple of years, recent releases, and place The Wall within the contemporary Indian SFF scene. We will go on to talk about The Wall itself, exploring themes around gender and sexuality, philosophical any mythical inspirations, and ideas of freedom. We will close by discussing the way ahead for Indian SFF, and for Indian SFF writers in India.

About Gautam Bhatia: Gautam Bhatia is a science fiction writer, reviewer, and editor with the Strange Horizons magazine. The Wall is his first novel. https://www.amazon.in/dp/9353578353

About the curators/discussants: Vijayalakshmi Harish, Gautham Shenoy, Pranavi A R, and Krishna Udayasankar have conspired and curated this session.

Participation: is via Zoom for registered participants. Alternatively, you watch the livestream here.

Contact details: For queries, write to anthillinside.editorial@hasgeek.com or call 7676332020