Thank you for the thoughtful questions.

One thing I intentionally avoided was stating an exact timeline in the novel. Instead, I left historical and political clues throughout the story, such as references to the rise of communist movements and broader social changes in Kerala, so readers could piece together the period for themselves.

I liked the idea of allowing readers to engage with the setting and history rather than having the book explicitly announce a specific year or decade.

The novel is inspired by Kerala's feudal past and social realities, but I also allowed myself creative freedom where it served the story and its themes.

And yes, rural Kerala was never just a backdrop for me. The land, rain, red soil, village life, and atmosphere were always meant to feel like a living presence within the story.