In Orko’s world, things aren’t what they seem—a rusty old car is willed into existence by an absent-minded conjurer; on a sunny afternoon, the Titanic sinks in the waters of the Dhakuria Lake; when he swims, he becomes a baby whale; with his best friend Urmi he transforms into runaway princess or guardian fairy.

When he was little, Orko thought that he was going to grow up to be exactly like his mother. After she disappears, Orko struggles with the realisation that he is a boy, and boys grow up to be men. His father signs him up for football camp, and it is there that things begin to go horribly wrong…

Set in 1980s’ Calcutta, Fern Road portrays with quiet sensitivity a beautiful young boy’s journey through conflict, confusion, and self-acceptance.