A BOOK BRINGING THEMES OF SCI-FI AND SUSTAINABILITY TOGETHER

Chirdeep Malhotra . Updated: 6/9/2020 1:39:51 PM Books and Authors

Book Review: "Lucy and the Train: Tryst With Sustainability" by Anandajit Goswami

Sustainability and Sustainable development is the need of the hour. With the environment and nature bearing the brunt of man’s greedy outlook and lifestyle based on conspicuous consumption, radical changes are needed to preserve the environment for our future generations. The book “Lucy and the Train: Tryst With Sustainability” by Anandajit Goswami is a sci-fi novel, which incorporates the message of sustainable development in its storyline. The author has also been creating awareness on sustainability through his music tracks and projects, and has also written academic books on this topic.

The book has been described as “a journey of the self that leads to sustainability”. The book blurb reads: “Narrating the conflict within self, surroundings, and imagination, it captures the symbolism expressed by René Descartes through his words I think therefore I am. The story takes the reader on a surreal journey of sustainability by weaving a complex yet beautiful tapestry of human mind, relationships, and environment.”

The narrative follows the protagonist Lucy, who boards a train after drinking a magic potion. Little does she know that she is destined for this journey even before her birth. Every compartment poses a new challenge and an impending threat to the survival of life on Earth. Life is possible, only if she successfully reaches the first compartment and overcomes her nemesis. In this journey, Lucy has to surpass innumerable obstacles, and if she accomplishes her task, it is for her to decide the future of humanity!

The first thing that one notices about the book is its innovative way of putting forward the topic of sustainability in an easy-going and compelling narrative. With the theme of Sustainable development being discussed on the global stage, the author’s perspective of foraying into it through a book of the sci-fi genre is a valuable addition to this topic which is in global conversation.

The book has well-crafted characters, with a gripping pace. The denouement also packs a punch. However, more twists and turns could have included in the story. Deft editing also needs to be done, as there are some editing glitches.

Various philosophical and inquisitive discourses also find a reference in the book, as the book is very well-researched and draws on the author’s scientific investigations and analysis. By interrelating them, the analytical approaches of scientific pedagogy have been used to explain philosophical concepts.

This book should be read for its ingenious take on sustainability, which has been intertwined in a sci-fi narrative. As sustainable development is in the news every day as the world copes with climate change, biodiversity loss, conflict, and resource scarcity; this book is a timely read for our present times. At 82 pages, this short read will be loved by readers, while imparting an important social message. Moreover, it will also make us ponder about how to reduce our carbon footprint and lead lives in a more sustainable manner.


Comment on this Story