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Once Upon a Blue Moon
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91 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 25, 2018
Indian Science Fiction has languished under lots of misconceptions, most of which had sprang up due to lies sprouted by certain limelight-seeking fake activists, and ignorance. To remedy the situation, and to restore the focus on science as well as fiction, let me write about a literally wonderful book penned by one of the most senior scientists in India. I had read the book long-long ago. Revisiting the stories brought back some pleasant memories, and a renewed hope about Indian Science Fiction.
‘Once Upon A Blue Moon’ contains 12 stories written by Dr. Sukanya Datta. She has written several informative, lucid, and interesting books on various subjects under the broad category of Popular Science. Unlike a Bengali writer who has developed a cult following thanks to a tendency of dumping emotional junk in place of actual science, she doesn’t try to ‘protect’ the readers from hard science. This honesty and brevity shone through the stories under discussion as well.
But let me go one-by-one.
1. When the Tide Turns: The under-privileged and ostracised are vilified and attacked everywhere, especially in this era of post-truth and Trump. But, what happens when nature tends to ‘get back’ at her abusers? This story reminded me of Nancy Kress’ ‘Beggars in Spain’, but was more humane and relatable, in a way.
2. The Scientist and The Star: Herr Lucky Shome, the literary descendant of Sherlock Holmes and Byomkesh Bakshi, makes entry in this darkly humorous murder mystery. Yes, the criminal was obvious. But the crime… scientific indeed!
3. The Real Princess: If you ever wish to find out a story in the vein of ‘The Case of the Missing Patriarchs’ by Logan Clendening (immortalised in Ellery Queen’s “The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes”), look no further. Herr Luck Shome shines again!
4. Technology Transfer: A maudlin piece, this one relies too much on emotion, perhaps to negate its ‘human’ characters.
5. Well Begun is Half Done: This fable-like story is predictable, but it indeed showcases a nice message.
6. Modern Neelkanths: This story is so realistically apocalyptic, that it should have been picked up for a web-series by now. Seriously!
7. Borrowed Death: Herr Lucky Shome finds the truth about a death, while unearthing the darkness beneath.
8. Full Circle: If you own a greenhouse harbouring various plants and orchids, and if I tend to avoid your invitations, blame it on this story. As a person who had found Ray’s ‘Septopus-er Khide’ charmingly unscientific, this one was a real eye-opener.
9. Death on Command: Long-long ago I had read a Lawrence Block story about a terrorist, and a secret service officer. This one was not THAT unpleasantly pleasant, but it was a solid one, indeed.
10. Completely Catwoman: Once you have read this story, you would never, I mean NEVER look at the models and heroines with the same lust or envy, I guarantee.
11. A Tale Retold: Fable, or truth? It’s a story about science alright, but classification… I leave it to you.
12. Page From The Past: This story is bound to leave you with a shock, as you realise how the pages of history and myth reveal a millennia of injustice, which is going on, and would perhaps go on.
Overall, this collection of stories, sometimes dry, sometimes over-informative, and yet perpetually thought-provoking, are truly and properly what science fiction stands for. Not laser gun, space ships, or time travel, but stories with science embedded into a body of life.
Recommended.
‘Once Upon A Blue Moon’ contains 12 stories written by Dr. Sukanya Datta. She has written several informative, lucid, and interesting books on various subjects under the broad category of Popular Science. Unlike a Bengali writer who has developed a cult following thanks to a tendency of dumping emotional junk in place of actual science, she doesn’t try to ‘protect’ the readers from hard science. This honesty and brevity shone through the stories under discussion as well.
But let me go one-by-one.
1. When the Tide Turns: The under-privileged and ostracised are vilified and attacked everywhere, especially in this era of post-truth and Trump. But, what happens when nature tends to ‘get back’ at her abusers? This story reminded me of Nancy Kress’ ‘Beggars in Spain’, but was more humane and relatable, in a way.
2. The Scientist and The Star: Herr Lucky Shome, the literary descendant of Sherlock Holmes and Byomkesh Bakshi, makes entry in this darkly humorous murder mystery. Yes, the criminal was obvious. But the crime… scientific indeed!
3. The Real Princess: If you ever wish to find out a story in the vein of ‘The Case of the Missing Patriarchs’ by Logan Clendening (immortalised in Ellery Queen’s “The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes”), look no further. Herr Luck Shome shines again!
4. Technology Transfer: A maudlin piece, this one relies too much on emotion, perhaps to negate its ‘human’ characters.
5. Well Begun is Half Done: This fable-like story is predictable, but it indeed showcases a nice message.
6. Modern Neelkanths: This story is so realistically apocalyptic, that it should have been picked up for a web-series by now. Seriously!
7. Borrowed Death: Herr Lucky Shome finds the truth about a death, while unearthing the darkness beneath.
8. Full Circle: If you own a greenhouse harbouring various plants and orchids, and if I tend to avoid your invitations, blame it on this story. As a person who had found Ray’s ‘Septopus-er Khide’ charmingly unscientific, this one was a real eye-opener.
9. Death on Command: Long-long ago I had read a Lawrence Block story about a terrorist, and a secret service officer. This one was not THAT unpleasantly pleasant, but it was a solid one, indeed.
10. Completely Catwoman: Once you have read this story, you would never, I mean NEVER look at the models and heroines with the same lust or envy, I guarantee.
11. A Tale Retold: Fable, or truth? It’s a story about science alright, but classification… I leave it to you.
12. Page From The Past: This story is bound to leave you with a shock, as you realise how the pages of history and myth reveal a millennia of injustice, which is going on, and would perhaps go on.
Overall, this collection of stories, sometimes dry, sometimes over-informative, and yet perpetually thought-provoking, are truly and properly what science fiction stands for. Not laser gun, space ships, or time travel, but stories with science embedded into a body of life.
Recommended.
December 4, 2019
Completely blown by Sukanya Datta's Once Upon A Blue Moon. It's a gripping page-turner, which makes you think hard and pay attention to both plot and science. Datta's doctorate in zoology gives her the necessary scientific edge as she weaves grand worlds in each story! ✨💚
January 11, 2020
Woven around vivid characters and innovative themes this remarkable collection of twelve sci-fi stories by Dr Dutta is sumptuous yet educative pieces of fiction, and is by no means merely a scientist’s “flights of fancy”. Apart from their engaging storylines, witty humour and hearty conversations it is the scientific tempo of these stories that I find most valuable. “Hows” are so lucidly explained that even teenagers would not find them too esoteric to imbibe, it is these “Hows” that differentiate a sci-fi from a fantasy. Scientific ways and methods of exploration are treated with great care. Be it evolutionary biology or AI psychology, learned so much of new science from her stories. Her stories definitely deserve to be told on a big screen. Thanks to my previous reviewers for this recommendation.
January 12, 2024
Most of the stories are from the realm of biology. It is discernible from most of the stories that the author is from Zoology background.
Stories are interesting with good twists in some of them. Some are predictable. Character development is moderate.
Could have been better written. However, a smooth and pleasant read.
The book was first published in 2006. Now, in 2024, some of the technology mentioned are already reality or near reality.
A 3.5 star ⭐ book. Since Goodreads don't allow partial star, giving 3 star. But not 4 star.
Stories are interesting with good twists in some of them. Some are predictable. Character development is moderate.
Could have been better written. However, a smooth and pleasant read.
The book was first published in 2006. Now, in 2024, some of the technology mentioned are already reality or near reality.
A 3.5 star ⭐ book. Since Goodreads don't allow partial star, giving 3 star. But not 4 star.
December 31, 2024
Once Upon a Blue Moon by Dr. Sukanya Datta is an understated gem that brings together science and storytelling in one of the most unique anthologies of speculative fiction to come out of India in recent decades. The collection weaves human emotions and scientific possibilities into stories that are imaginative, thought-provoking, and deeply grounded in reality. Whether exploring artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or environmental collapse, Datta crafts narratives that balance scientific depth with emotional weight, making the complexities of science relatable and meaningful.
The stories are more than theoretical explorations—they are deeply human and also reflect on emotional and societal implications of scientific progress and innovation.
This collection is a rare blend of imagination and rigor. Datta’s writing is precise and clear, focusing on the characters’ struggles and moral dilemmas while staying rooted in scientific plausibility. Whether grappling with loneliness in interstellar travel or the unintended effects of genetic perfection, the stories are emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.
Once Upon a Blue Moon is a testament to how speculative fiction can illuminate the complexities of humanity and science alike. Its nuanced exploration of these themes deserves a much wider audience, and readers seeking thought-provoking, character-driven science fiction will find this collection a remarkable journey.
The stories are more than theoretical explorations—they are deeply human and also reflect on emotional and societal implications of scientific progress and innovation.
This collection is a rare blend of imagination and rigor. Datta’s writing is precise and clear, focusing on the characters’ struggles and moral dilemmas while staying rooted in scientific plausibility. Whether grappling with loneliness in interstellar travel or the unintended effects of genetic perfection, the stories are emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.
Once Upon a Blue Moon is a testament to how speculative fiction can illuminate the complexities of humanity and science alike. Its nuanced exploration of these themes deserves a much wider audience, and readers seeking thought-provoking, character-driven science fiction will find this collection a remarkable journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews