Kolkata-based urban sociologist and writer Rahul Singh’s debut novel, Unfolding (HarperCollins India), is an example of sophisticated character study. It traces the lives of two gay protagonists Ralph and Ojas, who set out to explore an open relationship.  It also observes the life of their domestic help, Zubina. While Ralph, a chef at a major Kolkata hotel, struggles with the non-monogamous set-up and holds on to the memories of his mother, Zubina considers love and its various manifestations.

Singh began writing the book in 2020, amidst reading novels featuring queer characters; he wanted to read one where the character’s narrative arc was not confined to their coming-out. “I wanted to see that if there are two men who are already together, how are they making it? And I saw Ralph and Ojas in this sort of a relationship which is appealing to one and not to the other.” This nudged him to tap into these novel dynamics that can be witnessed more visibly today, especially among the queer communities.