Dr John D Rutter 🔶

Can you help? We’re launching the emotional rollercoaster and gorgeous literary fiction novel ‘Da’ by Arathi Menon at Queer Lit bookshop, Manchester, on Tuesday 9th of June. Unfortunately, we have been told that if we don’t have 25 attendees by next Friday, the event will be cancelled! We know how last minute event bookings usually are - and unfortunately we won’t have this promotional time now. Do you think you could share the event link to help us reach Manchester readers? socialrefuge.com/event-detai… This is a story of love between a father and a son. Inquisitive 13-year-old Ved’s entire universe is his adoptive father, Da. From cooking him the perfect biryani, to helping him navigate his first school dance and his first girlfriend, Da lets Ved be himself. Fiercely loving and fiercely protective, their relationship harbours a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay at a time when Section 377, a colonial law, makes homosexuality a crime. Beyond the law, vigilante gangs prowl the shadows, targeting those they deem ‘unnatural’ as Da and Ved’s happy existence grows ever more fragile. Set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, Da is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept. Expect an engaging and intimate discussion exploring identity, family, language, and the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic chance to hear directly from the author about the inspirations behind Da, her creative process, and the personal and cultural threads that inform her work. Whether you're a long‑time fan, a lover of queer literature, or simply curious to discover new voices, this event is for you. Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for audience Q&A! Books will be available for purchase and signing. Date: June 9th, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Hosted by: Queer Lit at Social Refuge.