Picture a British-Indian storyteller who spun a space opera infused with Indian mythology—meet Sangu Mandanna! From a childhood chase with an elephant to crafting beloved novels like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Mandanna’s journey is as enchanting as her stories. Her work, blending speculative fiction with heartfelt themes, has captivated readers worldwide.
Now living in Norwich, England, with her husband and three kids, Mandanna’s tales of magic, identity, and belonging resonate deeply. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author whose imagination knows no bounds.
The Making of Sangu Mandanna
Born in India, Sangu Mandanna’s storytelling spark ignited at age four when an elephant chased her down a forest road—an adventure she promptly turned into her first story. This early brush with danger set the stage for a lifelong passion for writing. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Mandanna began crafting tales of identity and humanity, eventually penning her debut novel, The Lost Girl, after seventeen years of persistence and countless manuscripts. Now settled in Norwich, her multicultural background shapes her vibrant narratives.
Sangu Mandanna’s Unforgettable Stories
Mandanna’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction, from young adult to adult and middle-grade novels. Her debut, The Lost Girl (2012), explores identity through Eva, a created being grappling with her purpose—a dazzling tale inspired by Frankenstein. The Celestial Trilogy, starting with A Spark of White Fire (2018), reimagines the Mahabharata in a galactic setting, weaving war, family feuds, and a fierce heroine, Esmae, into a gripping space opera.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (2022), a cozy adult fantasy, follows Mika Moon, an isolated witch finding family and love, earning praise for its warmth and charm. For younger readers, Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom (2021) blends South Indian folklore with a magical sketchbook world, showcasing Mandanna’s knack for relatable, neurodivergent characters. Her style—rich world-building, emotional depth, and diverse representation—makes every story unforgettable.
Recently, Mandanna ventured into graphic novels with Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic (2024), a heartwarming tale of a girl finding her place in a magical world, proving her versatility across mediums.
Why Sangu Mandanna Matters
Sangu Mandanna’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that reflect the world’s diversity while exploring universal themes of belonging and resilience. Her inclusive narratives, often featuring South Asian characters and neurodivergent perspectives, fill gaps she felt as a young reader searching for representation. Posts on X reveal her drive to write for the girl who “yearned to see herself in stories,” making her work a beacon for underrepresented voices in speculative fiction.
Her cozy fantasies and epic trilogies have earned critical acclaim and a devoted readership, inspiring new authors to blend cultural heritage with imaginative storytelling. Mandanna’s legacy is one of hope, magic, and the power of seeing oneself in a story.
- Born: India, date unavailable
- Key Works: The Lost Girl, A Spark of White Fire, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom
- Notable: Her work spans adult, YA, middle-grade, and graphic novels
Snag The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and dive into Sangu Mandanna’s cozy, magical world today!