Malavika Kannan on Her Debut Novel 'Unprecedented Times'
At just 25 years old, Malavika Kannan is set to debut her novel 'Unprecedented Times' in August 2026. The story centers on a disillusioned youth climate activist who, upon entering college, encounters Covid-related shutdowns and seeks solace in a farm collective, where themes of political disillusionment, sex, responsibility, and family emerge. Residing in New York, Kannan views writing as both a privilege and a joy, attributing her determination to her teenage activism against gun violence in Florida during Trump’s first term. A pivotal moment for her was a visit from Nikole Hannah-Jones, which inspired her writing journey. Kannan's creative routine includes treating writing days like dates and exploring new neighborhoods while listening to male manipulator rap. She aspires for her generation to engage more with voices from the Global South, particularly women in translation and climate change narratives. This interview is featured in CULTURED's first Young Writers list, in partnership with Montblanc.
Key facts
- Malavika Kannan is 25 years old and based in New York.
- Her debut novel 'Unprecedented Times' is published in August 2026.
- The novel features a burnt-out youth climate activist facing Covid shutdowns at college.
- Characters form a farm collective to learn about political disillusionment, sex, responsibility, and family.
- Kannan was a teenage activist against gun violence in Florida during the first Trump presidency.
- Nikole Hannah-Jones's campus visit in her freshman year influenced her writing career.
- Kannan treats writing days like dates and uses 'Free Will Fridays' in new neighborhoods.
- The interview is part of CULTURED's Young Writers list in collaboration with Montblanc.
Entities
Artists
- Malavika Kannan
- Nikole Hannah-Jones
Institutions
- CULTURED
- Montblanc
Locations
- New York
- Florida