Once Upon a Blue Moon by Dr. Sukanya Datta is a collection of speculative fiction stories that explores the intersections of science, human ambition, and the natural world. Each story is grounded in scientific themes, from genetic engineering to artificial intelligence, but it is the characters and their journeys that provide the emotional and moral core of the narratives. The collection is not just about futuristic possibilities — it is about how humanity confronts and, at times, struggles with the consequences of its own ingenuity.
In Modern Neelkanths, Sukanya Datta presents a dystopian tale where plants, after enduring centuries of exploitation and environmental degradation, evolve spontaneously to defend themselves against humanity. Through natural selection accelerated by the hostile environment humans have created, these trees develop the ability to release neurotoxic compounds that specifically target the human nervous system. The protagonist, a scientist studying the strange phenomena of plant aggression, discovers too late that these “intelligent” plants have developed an advanced biological mechanism to protect themselves. The neurotoxins cause paralysis and even death, forcing humanity to reckon with the consequences of disrupting natural harmony. Unlike artificial interventions, the plants’ evolution is portrayed as nature’s inevitable response to humanity’s relentless overreach, making their retribution feel both organic and terrifying. The story ends on a somber note, with humanity powerless against this newly evolved ecological force. Datta’s tale is a compelling warning about the dangers of pushing ecosystems to their breaking point.
Detective Shome’s stories add a thrilling investigative dimension to the collection. Shome, a scientifically minded sleuth, solves cases by combining logic, deduction, and cutting-edge knowledge of technology and biology. In one standout story, he tackles an environmental crime involving genetically engineered plants wreaking havoc on native ecosystems. The story highlights how scientific advancements can be weaponized when ethics take a back seat, while Shome’s meticulous investigation reinforces the importance of accountability in science. These stories provide intellectual intrigue while underscoring the real-world implications of unchecked innovation.
Environmental themes also feature prominently in Full Circle, a chilling tale that examines the unintended consequences of human manipulation of ecosystems. In this story, a scientist working in a greenhouse cultivates exotic plants with genetic modifications, only to discover that these plants harbor deadly capabilities. What begins as an innocent exploration of biodiversity becomes a terrifying reminder of nature’s unpredictability. The narrative underscores the fine line between scientific curiosity and ecological disruption, leaving readers with a sense of caution about the unintended ripple effects of innovation.
What ties these stories together is their deep human focus. Datta’s writing skillfully probes themes like ethics, identity, and loss, always anchoring the speculative elements in relatable experiences. Her work is precise and clear, eschewing unnecessary embellishment while maintaining emotional weight. The characters’ struggles feel grounded, even in the most fantastical scenarios, making the collection both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
While the collection occasionally leans into the fantastical, its speculative ideas remain rooted in plausibility. Datta consistently explores the cause-and-effect relationships between scientific advancements and their broader societal impacts. Her stories strike a balance between curiosity and caution, showing how innovation can lead to both breakthroughs and unforeseen consequences.
Once Upon a Blue Moon is one of the best science fiction anthologies to emerge from India in recent decades. Its nuanced exploration of humanity and science elevates both the genre and the art of short storytelling. This understated gem deserves a much wider audience, and I hope more readers discover its unique blend of imagination and rigor.
Ultimately, this collection is both a celebration of scientific imagination and a sobering meditation on its consequences. It is a remarkable journey that stays with the reader long after the final page.
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