LOST. LEAP. LOOP.: Does Anything Matter Anymore?

by Preethi Saravanakumar

In the vibrant cityscape of Bangalore, where art and tradition collide, freelance artist Driti finds herself entwined in a temporal tapestry that defies the very fabric of reality. She leaps through time perplexed and grappling with questions. "Lost. Leap. Loop." is a captivating science fiction novel that transcends the conventional notions of time and space. As she navigates through alternate timelines, the tagline echoes "Does anything matter anymore?"

142 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Preethi Saravanakumar is a Software Developer by profession. Writing poetry remains her major passion while she reads books and writes Children’s stories/poems. She blogs and writes poetry on Instagram. She has written hundreds of poems. Some of her poems have been published in a few magazines. Her first poetry book was published in 2011 and her first Children’s Picture Book was published recently.

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost. Leap. Loop. is a compelling science fiction novel that journeys through time, relationships, and the vibrant complexities of human emotion. Following the life of Driti Raj, a freelance artist based in Bengaluru, the narrative begins with her mundane yet intricate life filled with art, family, and the challenges of love. As Driti becomes entangled in a mysterious painting that transcends time and reality, the story spirals into an engaging exploration of alternate timelines, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.

The writing is rich with evocative imagery. Take, for instance, the vivid description of Driti’s painting, “The Woman in the Lush Art,” where the lush backdrop and enigmatic female figure pulse with life and mystery. The author captures the artist’s process beautifully, drawing readers into the emotional and technical intensity of creation. The prose occasionally becomes overwrought, leaning on descriptions that, while poetic, slow the pace. Still, these moments are offset by the story’s emotional depth and its heartfelt portrayal of relationships.

The central theme of navigating life’s unpredictabilities is handled with grace. The scenes where Driti confronts rejection from a client, only to turn the “blurred” artwork into a personal masterpiece, are particularly touching. It is a metaphorical nod to life’s imperfections being part of its beauty. These moments of resilience and self-acceptance resonated deeply with me, as did the interactions between Driti and her loving yet traditional parents. Their generational and cultural clash over marriage choices adds a layer of realism and relatability to an otherwise fantastical plot.

Lost. Leap. Loop. is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of love across timelines, and the universal longing for belonging and purpose. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven science fiction with a touch of family drama. It’s a novel for those who find beauty in life’s imperfections and who believe in the transformative power of art and love.