In a world fragmented by pandemic and prejudice, author Dr. Mukulika Basu pens a story that is deeply personal yet strikingly universal in her new novel Love Before & After Corona. A poignant narrative set across two parallel timelines—before and after the COVID-19 outbreak—the book traces a journey of dreams, relationships, compassion, and inner healing.
Based in Kolkata, Dr. Mukulika Basu hails from a Bengali family. With a background in English literature and a deep-rooted love for writing since childhood, her writing has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines over the years. In the 2012 Kolkata Book Fair, her debut book was launched. Since then, she has authored three more books, with Love Before & After Corona being her fourth. Along the way, she earned recognition as a ‘Best Writer’ for her emotionally rich and socially conscious storytelling.
What sets Dr. Mukulika’s latest work apart is its raw, reflective, and honest exploration of life during the pandemic, intertwined with elements of self-discovery and human connection. The protagonist, much like the author herself, is an artist—an empathetic soul who believes in the healing power of words and visuals. She often says, “My writing is a mirror of my mind.”
At the core of the narrative lies the character’s compassionate support system. In the novel, the character Manjulika shares a close bond with her elder sister, Dr. Madhulika, who is in a same-sex relationship—with full acceptance and pride. Manjulika talks about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity without sensationalism. Similarly, she stands firmly by her friend Kajal, who identifies as third gender, offering both emotional and social support in a society where acceptance is still a struggle. Manjulika’s story acts as a bridge between traditional Indian values and a more inclusive, progressive future.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she steps up to help her friend Sobha, who suffers both economic hardship and later physical abuse. These episodes are not merely fictional devices; they reflect the reality of countless men, women, and marginalized individuals during the lockdown. In telling their stories, Dr. Mukulika raises her voice for those who are often silenced.
But her story is not just one of struggle—it is equally a tale of aspiration. Manjulika nurtures a vivid dream of participating in the reality show Super Boss, symbolizing her desire for visibility, expression, and perhaps, catharsis. As she steps into the world of modeling and social media influence, her journey takes a fascinating turn. One such twist is the digital-age romance with Alberto Magnani, an Italian man she meets through Facebook. Sharing similar spiritual beliefs and passions, their connection symbolizes the cross-cultural relationships that have blossomed in the age of virtual intimacy.
Through these layered arcs, Dr. Mukulika weaves themes of spirituality and occult sciences, a field she is personally engaged in. Her work in this space lends a mystical undercurrent to her writing, but never at the cost of emotional realism. Her novels, including this one, are not mere love stories—they are deeply reflective of society’s shifting values, the fragility of human life, and the resilience of the human spirit.
A self-declared dreamer, Dr. Mukulika states, “I love to think, I love to write. I try to send social messages through my writing. Thanks to God for giving me this life and blessing me always. Thanks to my mother and father for their love, blessings, teachings, support, and encouragement.” Her gratitude extends to relatives, friends, neighbors, well-wishers, readers, and her publisher, Wordphonics Publication. Dr. Mukulika Basu says: “This book is for You.”
Dr. Mukulika is not just a novelist. She is also an accomplished painter, an enthusiastic home chef, and someone who finds joy in chess and badminton. These interests not only add color to her personal life but infuse her characters with depth and detail, making them relatable to a wide audience. Her friends describe her as a “genius” and a person with “a heart like the open sky”—a tribute that matches the tone of her stories.
With Love Before & After Corona, Dr. Mukulika Basu invites readers into a world where love transcends borders, compassion breaks social barriers, and creativity becomes a source of healing. In a time when the world desperately seeks stories of hope, hers is a voice that doesn’t shout—but speaks with calm clarity, understanding, and fierce humanity. As the post-pandemic world reshapes itself, authors like Dr. Mukulika Basu remind us that storytelling isn’t just art—it’s activism, empathy, and memory. Her work will continue to inspire not only readers but fellow writers who wish to reflect the kaleidoscope of human experience—before, during, and after Corona.
