Malavika Kannan’s Gen Z Pandemic Novel “Unprecedented Times ”Takes on COVID-19 with ‘Humor and Curiosity’ (Exclusive)

**Debut Novel Explores Pandemic Life Through the Lens of a College Student**

Malavika Kannan, a promising 25-year-old author, has made her foray into adult fiction with her new novel, *Unprecedented Times*, published by Henry Holt and Co. Blending elements of a campus narrative, a coming-of-age tale, and a pandemic chronicle, the book follows Rishi, a college student whose world is turned upside down by COVID-19. As Rishi navigates her disrupted life, Kannan invites readers to confront the unique pressures faced by her generation.

Set against the backdrop of a paused academic journey at Stanford University, Rishi’s story deviates from the typical college experience, thrust into uncertainty as the pandemic compels students to return home. Having grown up in Florida under the watchful eyes of her Indian immigrant parents, Rishi embodies the restlessness of youth longing for purpose and exploration. After taking a gap year to work on a farm collective, she is prompted to reflect on her aspirations and the future she desires.

Kannan, who calls central Florida her “villain origin story,” credits her upbringing with shaping her perspectives. As a high schooler, she became an active participant in youth-led movements like March for Our Lives and Women’s March, experiences that significantly influenced her worldview. “I had that early radicalizing experience of understanding that young people’s lives are often not protected in the eyes of the state,” she stated, illuminating her deeper motivations for writing.

While Kannan’s previous work includes the young adult novel *The Bookweaver’s Daughter*, she is now diving into themes that resonate with the current Generation Z, a demographic increasingly affected by global events. Her current novel originated as her undergraduate thesis and reflects the sudden transition to online classes and the heightened sense of dislocation faced by students during the pandemic.

“I don’t think I have seen that many people talking about this experience with humour and curiosity, which is what I wanted to bring to it,” she expressed, emphasising the importance of examining these “unprecedented” times from an insightful, rather than overly critical, perspective. The experiences depicted in *Unprecedented Times* touch on a plethora of contemporary struggles—familial expectations, personal identity, and evolving social dynamics among peers.

Gen Z readers may easily identify with the chaotic moments captured in Kannan’s narrative. Rishi’s journey echoes the questions many face during formative years: How do you find love in a world that feels increasingly disconnected? What obligations do we hold towards those around us? Kannan explores these existential inquiries throughout her novel, aiming to forge a connection with readers navigating similar pathways.

Kannan’s talents extend beyond fiction writing. As a keen non-fiction essayist, she has contributed her thoughts to various platforms, tackling subjects related to identity and the nuances of contemporary literature. Her publisher has described her voice as “inimitable,” signifying her unique role in the ongoing literary dialogue surrounding her generation.

In aligning her experiences with those of her protagonist, Kannan does not label *Unprecedented Times* as autofiction, recognising the blurred divide between author’s reality and creative liberties. “That is part of the challenge and fun of writing fiction in the internet age,” she remarked, acknowledging the complexities of personal narrative in an era defined by constant connectivity.

Kannan is not navigating this literary journey alone; she actively fosters relationships with fellow writers and engages in collaborative discussions about their shared experiences. Despite her early success, she acknowledges the challenges of the writing landscape, remarking that being a young author can often be a mix of privilege and hard work rather than a guarantee of a linear career trajectory.

As she looks forward to weaving further complexities of her generation into her work, Kannan is currently crafting an essay collection titled *Rage Bait*, which will offer her personal insights into Gen Z feminism. Echoing sentiments expressed by cultural figures like Lena Dunham, she regards herself as one among many voices representing her generation’s diverse narratives.

Reflecting on her oeuvre, Kannan believes, “The works of my 20s are very concerned with coming of age in 21st century America,” adding that she hopes to continue exploring themes of identity and community in various forms throughout her writing career.

*Unprecedented Times* is now available for readers eager to engage with Kannan’s fresh perspective on the shifting landscape of youth experience during these impactful years, shedding light on the trials and tribulations of growing up amidst uncertainty.