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Da
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.
'A beautifully cut gem of a novel. Ved’s unforgettable voice makes this story come to life in so many funny, moving and unexpected ways.’ - Mahesh Rao, Author of 'Half Light'
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.
'A beautifully cut gem of a novel. Ved’s unforgettable voice makes this story come to life in so many funny, moving and unexpected ways.’ - Mahesh Rao, Author of 'Half Light'
- GenresQueer
194 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Arathi Menon
7 books19 followersHello,
I am an author and a columnist, currently based in London. I have completed my MA in Creative Writing Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia (October 2018).
In 2015, Pan Macmillan, India published my first book Leaving Home With Half A Fridge.
I was longlisted for the Ivan Jurtiz prize (UK) and received a highly commendable mention for the FAB award (UK) in 2018.
In February, 2019, my children’s middle grade novel, A Thud In The Middle Of The Night was published by DC Books, India.
You can write to me at arathimenonauthor@gmail.com
I am an author and a columnist, currently based in London. I have completed my MA in Creative Writing Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia (October 2018).
In 2015, Pan Macmillan, India published my first book Leaving Home With Half A Fridge.
I was longlisted for the Ivan Jurtiz prize (UK) and received a highly commendable mention for the FAB award (UK) in 2018.
In February, 2019, my children’s middle grade novel, A Thud In The Middle Of The Night was published by DC Books, India.
You can write to me at arathimenonauthor@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 21, 2026
Do not read this book unless you are prepared to ruin your life. I have never cried like that before.
June 2, 2026
It has been a long time since I cried this much over a book.
This moving coming-of-age tale follows 13-year-old Ved, a boy living in India with his adoptive father, Da, during a time where an old colonial law means that it is illegal to be gay. Through Ved, we explore what it means to explore your own identity and sexuality while being raised by a loved one who has to hide theirs.
The writing was earnest and convincing; it really struck me how important it is to have great communication with your children, especially at such a pivotal age in their lives. The way Ved processed things was sometimes sad, other times funny, and occasionally I felt annoyed with Da for the way he would act. But as the story deepens, we start to see just how much Da has to live with and we are reminded that he is a parent doing life for the first time too.
The love and devotion between father and son was touching, especially with everything they had to face. The author really drove home what stigma means, not just for those being stigmatised, but for loved ones and wider communities as well. I was absolutely heartbroken. Have tissues at the ready!
A poignant and compelling read.
This moving coming-of-age tale follows 13-year-old Ved, a boy living in India with his adoptive father, Da, during a time where an old colonial law means that it is illegal to be gay. Through Ved, we explore what it means to explore your own identity and sexuality while being raised by a loved one who has to hide theirs.
The writing was earnest and convincing; it really struck me how important it is to have great communication with your children, especially at such a pivotal age in their lives. The way Ved processed things was sometimes sad, other times funny, and occasionally I felt annoyed with Da for the way he would act. But as the story deepens, we start to see just how much Da has to live with and we are reminded that he is a parent doing life for the first time too.
The love and devotion between father and son was touching, especially with everything they had to face. The author really drove home what stigma means, not just for those being stigmatised, but for loved ones and wider communities as well. I was absolutely heartbroken. Have tissues at the ready!
A poignant and compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026Da is a rare kind of book. One that holds tragedy and humour in the same breath without letting either diminish the other. Arathi’s distinctive style has you moved by something deeply sad, and then laughing out loud just a breath later. That lightness doesn’t undercut the emotion and instead makes the harder thoughts easier to process and carry with you as a reader. A beautifully crafted book that feels both personal and universal.
June 23, 2026
I am so glad I picked up this book on a whim after seeing it. This is definitely the best book I have read this year and is in my top 3 of all time.
The relationship of Da and Ved was beautifully written. This book was a rollercoaster of a journey and makes me angry that the world is still like this in certain parts and that the voice of intolerance is still so loud.
The relationship of Da and Ved was beautifully written. This book was a rollercoaster of a journey and makes me angry that the world is still like this in certain parts and that the voice of intolerance is still so loud.
Review of advance copy
I bought this book this weekend in a queer bookshop in London. Though it was rhe final day of the trip, I devoured this short book in a few hours.
The protagonist' voice is hilarious. The characters are rich and loveable.
10/10
The protagonist' voice is hilarious. The characters are rich and loveable.
10/10
June 22, 2026
So sad :(
When the book dedication is for “anyone who has suffered for love” you know you’re in for heartbreak. Despite that, the writing and the nuanced look at past South Asian culture and sexuality was really powerful.
When the book dedication is for “anyone who has suffered for love” you know you’re in for heartbreak. Despite that, the writing and the nuanced look at past South Asian culture and sexuality was really powerful.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i wish it were longer. i wanna see so much more of ved and da and alok and vamsi and...
June 5, 2026
An essential book for all times!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews