Cambridge author Vidya Math explores fantasy and adventure in ‘The Book of Gems’

Cambridge author Vidya Math delves into fantasy in her fourth book, The Book of Gems, which was published by Olympia Publishers last month.

In the story, Othelia is haunted by memories of her childhood. When she is gifted the Book of Gems, the colourful crystals in it magically spiral her into an array of intertwining events.

These events link Othelia’s life to the legendary Kingdom of Zohor and a love that has played in her heart from as far back as she can remember.

This enchanting story from the past continues, journeying into adventures of magical fantasy.

“Essentially it [The Book of Gems] is a sequel, but it is also a standalone book,” explains Vidya, who was born and raised in Glasgow, speaking to the Cambridge Independent from her home in Chesterton.

“It was written to follow The Book of Stamps, which came out a few years ago. The sequel was long overdue, so I started writing it during the pandemic.

“It’s an enchanting, magical fantasy-type book. It’s magical realism; it has a lot of reality in it, but then it dips over into fantasy and magic.”

Vidya, who at present is working on her next book, The Ring, continues: “It’s about a girl who comes across these books that transport her into magical things that link up her life to a kingdom from long ago.

“So the first book [in this series], The Book of Stamps, is like that, and then that continues into when she comes across this other book – the Book of Gems.”

Vidya says the book was written for adults but believes “children would love it as well” but notes: “I think very young children probably wouldn’t be able to handle the complexity of the language”.

The hardworking author, who also has a passion for dancing, says she read a lot as a child – “a lot of fiction, a lot of reality and fantasy”.

She adds: “I think the book that stood out the most for me was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which is in the realms of fantasy and magic.

“So I think that maybe appealed to me greatly. But I do love everything else, I do also write fiction. I think my tastes are quite broad when it comes to stories and books.”

Vidya moved to Cambridge in 2001.

“I came for work, I work in the scientific arena,” she recalls. “There was an attractive job here at the time. It was a very unexpected move, but I took up that job and ended up in Cambridge long-term.”

Vidya started off as a science teacher at a school. She did her first degree and her teaching diploma in Scotland – “one at the University of Edinburgh, the second one at the University of Glasgow” – and went on to do an MSE (Master of Science in Engineering) at the University of Westminster.

She later worked as a lab scientist involved in new medicine discovery and now works in clinical trials – “where they trial devices and drugs in hospitals”.

“I’ve always had several jobs,” notes Vidya, “so before the writing became everything that I do outside of work, I taught dancing.

“In Cambridge, I’ve taught dancing at many of the colleges; I used to teach evening classes and then at the weekend – and we used to do lots of performances.

“So it seems that I’m always going from one workplace to another!”

Vidya describes The Book of Gems as “extremely moving” and that “the emotions get you from page one”.

She also says that being a scientist and being an author of fantasy novels is not as vastly different as people might think.

“I’m a biologist, and to be honest biology is very fantasy-like!” she laughs.

The Book of Gems, priced £11.99, is available now.