3D (Dreams, Dystopia, Destiny)

Anandajit Goswami stands among the most compelling contemporary voices in Indian literature today. Known for his genre-defying imagination and intellectual depth, Goswami has carved a distinct niche in science fiction, sustainability literature, and speculative narratives for both young readers and adults. His critically acclaimed Lucy series has been recognised by Indian Literary Review as one of the most original contributions to children’s science fiction.

Goswami’s works have been widely covered by leading media houses, earning him multiple Best Fiction Author awards. His scholarship and sustained engagement with ecological consciousness have also led to his recognition by prestigious platforms such as the Manorama Lit Fest and Green Lit Fest. In a recent in-depth conversation with Shiv Sethi, the author spoke about his evolving creative universe. Excerpts…

Literature seems to occupy a deeply personal space in your life. How do you define literature?

Literature, for me, is not a static product but an ongoing process of observing, shaping, and reshaping the reality that surrounds us. While engaging with reality, the human heart simultaneously dreams of alternative worlds. Literature is born from this tension between what exists and what could exist. It becomes a bridge between the real and the imagined, the present and the futuristic, the known and the unknown. Through literature, multiple worlds intersect, converse, and sometimes collide, enabling us to reimagine humanity and our collective future.

Your body of work spans multiple genres. Could you tell us about your books and recurring themes?

My writing moves across diverse genres and emotional landscapes—science fiction, dystopia, sustainability, climate fiction, court drama, violence, culture, identity, and crime thrillers. Rather than writing isolated narratives, I create what I call a “matrix of narratives.” Within this matrix, characters such as Lucy, Hema, Madhyam, Shopno, Siddharth, Esha, Rasul, Jacob, and Dr. Ghosh are born and reborn across texts.

The Lucy Series, comprising three English and two Bengali books—from Lucy and the Train to Lucy and the Rise of Parabola—explores dystopian realities shaped by environmental collapse, survival instincts, and socio-political violence. These characters inhabit fragile worlds such as Pink Gender Extended, where fate, chance, magic, and catastrophe intersect. As the narratives progress, the characters evolve from beings driven by survival into seekers of meaning and self-realisation, particularly in The Rise of the Club of Central Tendency and Siddharth – The Soul Seeker. Future works will further expand this matrix, offering new perspectives on interconnected realities.

Your latest book Siddharth – The Soul Seeker is receiving wide acclaim. What is the essence of this book?

Siddharth – The Soul Seeker is fundamentally a journey—across time, space, and consciousness. It traces the life of an individual navigating a rapidly transforming society while negotiating the complexities of his inner psycho-social world. The narrative unfolds through episodic drama, interwoven with moments of introspection and lived experience.

The protagonist’s journey is marked by love and loss, violence and compassion, hatred and healing. Through these experiences, Siddharth seeks an identity that transcends social labels and historical constraints. What begins as an ordinary life gradually transforms into something extraordinary, as the individual rises to stand for humanity itself. Ultimately, the book suggests that personal salvation is inseparable from historical memory and collective revival.

Many authors explore similar themes. How do your books differ?

My books are not limited to plots, characters, or themes—they move beyond conventional narrative structures. In many ways, they function as a mirror and a catharsis for the reader. Each narrative invites multiple interpretations, encouraging readers to explore their own inner selves.

Rather than offering definitive answers, my books open philosophical pathways. They allow readers to confront different versions of reality, truth, and possibility. Characters and chapters do not merely tell a story; they reveal layered truths—some comforting, others unsettling—gently yet persistently pushing readers to engage with life’s ambiguities.

You are also an accomplished musician. How does music influence your creative life?

Music has been an inseparable part of my life since the age of four. Melodies, notes, and sounds come to me instinctively and help me understand aspects of myself that words alone cannot express. My nearly forty musical compositions, available across various streaming platforms, influence the rhythm, emotional tone, and flow of my writing. For me, literature and music are not separate arts; they are parallel expressions of the same inner search.