UNLOVE STORY

A gay novel in which the rural landscapes of Bengal set the stage for a story that transcends the boundaries of tradition and love.Mallar a shy and introspective sixteen-year-old finds himself drawn to Srijan his classmate’s enigmatic elder cousin during a fateful summer in a small-town family home. At first Mallar’s fantasies take shape in secret sketches of Srijan. But soon their connection becomes a complex play of mutual desire and dominance which leads to the forging of a unique pact-a promise never to fall in love with each other.As their lives take them from the serene landscapes of Bengal to the vibrant beaches of Chennai the mysterious alleys of Paris and the buzzing streets of Bangalore the two men’s unconventional companionship deepens. With each meeting comes a new revelation a fresh twist to their agreement and a surprising facet of their identities. Mallar reviving his childhood passion embarks on a journey to establish himself as an artist. Collaborating on an art project Mallar transforms Srijan’s body into a living canvas. But what begins as a creative endeavor quickly becomes a voyage into uncharted depths as the canvas asks questions challenges their resolve and unravels hidden truths culminating in new beginnings.Delving into the intricate layers of two men’s lives their fears insecurities hopes and the mosaic of experiences that shape them this novel is a testament to the complexities of human connection. One of the first openly gay novels written in Bengali and the first to be translated into English Sudipto Pal’s Unlove Story is a groundbreaking addition to the canon of queer literature from around the world.