Fly on the Wall Press Acquires Debut Novel Da by Arathi Menon

Fly on the Wall Press is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Da, a haunting and tender debut novel by Arathi Menon, set to be published on June 1, 2026. This powerful work of adult fiction explores love, loyalty, and secrecy under the shadow of prejudice in contemporary India.

Da follows the story of thirteen-year-old Ved, whose world revolves around his adoptive father, Da. Their fiercely loving and protective relationship is tested by a secret that could destroy them both: Da is gay, at a time when homosexuality was criminalized under Section 377, a colonial law that was only recently repealed.

Through Ved’s innocent yet perceptive eyes, Da examines the cruelty of societal norms and the precariousness of life lived in hiding. The novel is a poignant political story about the encounter between innocence and a prejudiced society, capturing the resilience of love in the face of intolerance.

Arathi Menon on Da:

"Section 377, the now repealed colonial law that criminalises homosexuality was very much alive when I was growing-up and I have seen friends suffer in the name of love. I have tried to distil that pain and helplessness in my novel, Da, through the voice of thirteen-year-old Ved. Signing with Fly on the Wall press felt absolutely right as they are a political press with a conscience and Da, in its essence is a political story about an encounter of innocence with a prejudiced society and a regressive law."

About the Author:

Arathi Menon is an author and columnist based in London. She holds an MA in Creative Writing (Prose Fiction) from the University of East Anglia. Her previous works include the memoir Leaving Home With Half A Fridge and the middle-grade mystery novel A Thud In The Middle Of The Night. Her writing has been recognized by multiple literary prizes and featured in independent journals. Arathi’s work has also been part of a group installation at Tate Modern, where her text was used experimentally to amplify narratives beyond traditional formats.

Publication Details:

• Title: Da

• Author: Arathi Menon

• Publisher: Fly on the Wall Press

• Publication Date: June 1, 2026

• Rights: Worldwide rights obtained by Managing Director Isabelle Kenyon, Fly on the Wall Press, directly from the author.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact Fly on the Wall Press on isabelle@flyonthewallpress.co.uk

Fly on the Wall Press is an award-winning independent publisher based in Manchester, known for championing political fiction, poetry, and anthologies that amplify underrepresented voices and inspire social change.