Unlocking 2020 by Kalpana Prasad arrives as a deeply moving literary tribute to one of the most unforgettable chapters of recent history. At a time when the world stood still and humanity collectively held its breath, countless untold emotions surfaced—many too delicate, too raw, or too overwhelming to articulate. This book captures those very emotions, preserving them through a collection of short stories that reflect both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
The narratives in this collection are not simply tales; they are emotional imprints of lockdown life. With each story, the author brings to life those fleeting yet powerful moments we all lived—moments filled with loss, gratitude, uncertainty, longing, and unexpected joy. These stories move with a gentle rhythm, allowing readers to slip into the shoes of each character while simultaneously encountering reflections of their own experiences. In many ways, Unlocking 2020 becomes a mirror, showing us how the pandemic transformed not just our routines, but also our inner worlds.
Kalpana Prasad’s writing stands out for its simplicity and sincerity. Rather than relying on elaborate language or dramatic twists, she focuses on emotional truth. Her characters—the solitary worker missing home, the mother struggling to stay hopeful, the young dreamer halted mid-journey—feel achingly familiar. Through them, the author offers glimpses into universal emotions that crossed boundaries of age, profession, and geography during the lockdown.
What makes the book particularly compelling is its ability to find beauty in stillness. While the world shut down, internal worlds opened up. Ordinary acts—brewing tea, calling a loved one, watering a dying plant—became profound. Kalpana captures this shift with remarkable clarity, reminding readers that even in isolation, humanity found connection, purpose, and hope.
The book also marks a significant milestone in the author’s personal journey. A B.Tech graduate working at a prestigious Indian bank, Kalpana balances a demanding career with her devotion to writing. Her stories spring from a quiet inner world built during moments stolen from the routine of daily life. Unlocking 2020 is not just her debut work—it is a testament to her determination to transform her passion into a meaningful literary pursuit.
With this release, readers are invited to revisit a global moment in time, but not through the lens of statistics or news headlines. Instead, they encounter it through the shared language of emotion. The stories offer solace, understanding, and a reminder that even the smallest human experiences carry immense power.
Unlocking 2020 is a collection that lingers long after the final page. It is a book for anyone who lived through the silence of lockdowns, felt the struggle of uncertainty, or rediscovered themselves in unexpected ways. Kalpana Prasad’s debut promises not just storytelling, but a heartfelt connection that resonates deeply with every reader.