An anthology of quite audacious and contentious short stories written by one of the first female Muslim authors from the Indian subcontinent, especialAn anthology of quite audacious and contentious short stories written by one of the first female Muslim authors from the Indian subcontinent, especially considering the time period in which they were written. In addition to discussing the politics and society of her era, Chughtai also writes about the average people in her town. Chughtai's writing style is intriguing in every manner. Like all translations from Urdu, I did felt like much of the meaning was lost in English, but Chughtai's sardonic humor and candid observations on society made these stories a pleasure to read.
1. Gainda - 3/5 2. The quilt - 4.5/5 3. Wedding suit - 3.5/5 4. Kafir - 3/5 5. Childhood - 3/5 6. The net - 3.5/5 7. The mole - 4/5 8. The homemaker - 4.5/5 9. Touch me not - 2.5/5 10. Quit India - 3/5 11. The survivor - 2/5 12. Sacred duty -4.5/5 13. Tiny's granny -2/5 14. The vocation - 4/5 15. All alone - 2.5/5 16. The invalid - 1.5/5 17. Mother-in-law - 2.5/5 18. Roots - 2.5/5 19. Hell-bound - 2.5/5 20. My Friend, My Enemy - 3/5 21. In the name of those married women - 3/5 ...more
I'm not impressed with this book at all. I thought it would be less about what it was and more about murder and mystery. For example, the title is decI'm not impressed with this book at all. I thought it would be less about what it was and more about murder and mystery. For example, the title is deceptive right away. The first 200 pages I felt like where this book is headed? Why is the book named that way when the title is merely a setup for what happens in the book?
Going forward, the mystery was obvious from the outset; this book is more historical fiction than murder mystery. Given that the plot centered on movies and theaters, if that is the case, I would have anticipated it to be more flamboyant and dramatic.
The one character in this novel that truly captured my attention from start to finish was Romola Devi, and I particularly liked her outspoken persona.
I love reading movies and movies as a subgenre of writing, but I'm the kind of person who likes to read about wealthy people and their lives from a distance because it makes me want to walk in their shoes and see the unvarnished truth. This book, with our psychopath director at the center of everything, excelled in that regard. ...more
Reading Lihaaf felt like being promised a bonfire on a winter night and getting a damp matchstick instead. The “scandal” it’s famous for is about as sReading Lihaaf felt like being promised a bonfire on a winter night and getting a damp matchstick instead. The “scandal” it’s famous for is about as shocking as lukewarm tea, and the plot—if you can even call it that—wanders around like it’s looking for a purpose and never finds one. The narrator stares, hints, and dances around the point so much that by the end I was ready to throw the quilt over my own head and nap.
If the goal was subtlety, it overshot into boredom. If the goal was provocation, it aged out decades ago. One star, because minus stars aren’t allowed and the paper could at least be recycled into something more useful—like an actually interesting story....more
Supporting this book for pointing out Gandhi's hypocrisy, the rest was uninteresting.Supporting this book for pointing out Gandhi's hypocrisy, the rest was uninteresting....more
A disturbing and depressing story involving two sad individuals, as well as numerous floating bodies. This was a good story that was masterfully writtA disturbing and depressing story involving two sad individuals, as well as numerous floating bodies. This was a good story that was masterfully written, totally sad, and quite captivating. The story was occasionally quite boring and repetitive, but the feels and feelings were all present....more
There appears to be a problem with Mr. Manto's worldview and manner of thinking. And his work, which is incredibly contemptuous toward women and frequThere appears to be a problem with Mr. Manto's worldview and manner of thinking. And his work, which is incredibly contemptuous toward women and frequently makes comments about their nature, reflects this. In his writing, he denigrates his characters, which is usually a big turnoff for me. I suppose I'm not the target audience for his novels....more
What a wonderful collection of short stories, as usual topped by sudha Murty's incredible writing.What a wonderful collection of short stories, as usual topped by sudha Murty's incredible writing....more
A very subtle and straightforward book with many morals and good values, which I found to be uninteresting. They were incredibly dull and reminded me A very subtle and straightforward book with many morals and good values, which I found to be uninteresting. They were incredibly dull and reminded me of readings from "value education" course in class 7....more
This story did not appeal to me too much. Furthermore, it's challenging to put into words what is missing. My main complaint was that there were no liThis story did not appeal to me too much. Furthermore, it's challenging to put into words what is missing. My main complaint was that there were no likeable characters. Even though this is a very short narrative, I don't like it since the characters are underdeveloped and the plot is still too hazy. Many things are alluded to yet are left in the dark. What does the narrative intend to convey?...more
Sadly, the clichéd plot and disappointing conclusion couldn't overcome the strong writing.Sadly, the clichéd plot and disappointing conclusion couldn't overcome the strong writing....more
This tale is an examination of one's own sexuality, erotica, religion, poverty, and a host of other underlying, complicated issues that are rarely ackThis tale is an examination of one's own sexuality, erotica, religion, poverty, and a host of other underlying, complicated issues that are rarely acknowledged in Indian society.
But because the chapters are interspersed—or rather, there is no connection between them—the reader is left wondering exactly what the book's goal or even its plot is. Sexuality or self-discovery? the common human emotions? Or merely modern, abstract narratives that have a deeper artistic significance?
Hence despite my enjoyment i am gonna give it 2 stars....more
Speaking in Anuja Chauhan's language "what a whole lot of bakwaas this was!"Speaking in Anuja Chauhan's language "what a whole lot of bakwaas this was!"...more
I have failed to finish two books this week, both collections of short stories and are very disappointing. I was very looking forward t DNF @ STORY 4
I have failed to finish two books this week, both collections of short stories and are very disappointing. I was very looking forward to reading this because it was described as having macabre and twisted stories, and that it was written by an Indian woman, which made me even more enthusiastic. But every story I've read up to this point hasn't been well-narrated, hasn't piqued my interest, and has left me wanting more. Although the ideas and way of thinking were sound, the narration and way they were put into practise were terrible.
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When I made the decision to begin this collection, I was really sceptical. It was likened to "Dangers of Smoking in Bed," which I didn't really like. But they also claimed that it was graphic and quite dissimilar to what one may anticipate from Malayalam writers? I'm not sure what that means. Anyhow, I wanted to give it a shot.
Creature :- 2.5 stars -Based on this story, I can kind of guess what the full book will be like. A story of retribution that ended in blood.
Chaklian :- 2 stars
Ahem. I didn't understand what was going on for about half the story. An insane old man fashions his dead or alive daughter's shoes from human skin.
D :- 2 stars
-Ah, I didn't quite understand it.
Bloodthirsty kali :- 3 stars
-Sweet vengeance story with Hindu goddess as inspiration....more
Why I Killed Gandhi offers a provocative and chilling insight into one of modern history’s most infamous assassinations. The author attempts to peel bWhy I Killed Gandhi offers a provocative and chilling insight into one of modern history’s most infamous assassinations. The author attempts to peel back layers of political ideology, personal conviction, and societal tensions that culminated in this tragic event. The book sheds light on the assassin’s mindset, offering a perspective that is rarely explored in mainstream narratives.
While the political context is compelling and the exploration of ideological clashes is thought-provoking, the book sometimes struggles to balance factual analysis with the emotional weight of the subject. Certain sections feel overly biased or lack sufficient historical nuance, which might leave readers craving a more balanced and in-depth examination.
Despite these flaws, Why I Killed Gandhi stimulates important conversations about political extremism, nationalism, and the complex forces that drive such acts. I’m giving it 3 stars for its bold approach and relevance, though it doesn’t fully satisfy as a comprehensive political study...more
I'd been wanting to read a book by Perumal Murugan for a long time, so the chance event of finding this book at a low price at a bookstore was ideal. I'd been wanting to read a book by Perumal Murugan for a long time, so the chance event of finding this book at a low price at a bookstore was ideal. In my opinion, it was very average. It began well, with some amazing stories, but quickly deteriorated. Mr. Murugan's portrayal of human emotions and sentiments, sometimes motivated by vengeance and grief, is excellent. Personifying them with the strangest things possible.
Overall, I give it three stars and am eager to read more of his work.
The Well ( 3.75 stars)
- Okay, so I'm already addicted; who would have guessed that a normal summer day could turn deadly? I'm really impressed with the use of personification.
The Wailing of toilet bowl (4 stars)
-So, what the hell! I knew this was going to happen as soon as I read the title, but being swallowed up by a toilet bowl is my new nightmare. Send help and support!
And, once again, Mr. Murugan nailed the use of personification; the way he described the *cough* plight of the toilet bowl and his hunger was beyond my imagination. So I personally enjoyed this writing style.
Musical chairs (4 stars)
-The endings of these short stories piqued my interest the most. I like open endings, and these stories fit the bill.
I'll say it again: the way human emotions are personified using lifeless objects is incredible. I've never read anything about power being represented as a chair. And I really like the title because it fits the story so well.
The night owl stopped crying (3 stars)
-In comparison to others, a slightly medicore story could have been more emotional and less substantial. Nonetheless, Mr. Murugan's writing continues to work its magic.
An unexpected visitor (3.15 stars)
- A touching story about a grandmother and her great-grandchildren. How an unexpected visitor or person can change the course of our lives. It's beautifully crafted here.
Mirror of innocence (2.5 stars)
-Happy father's day, father! Now you can fucking go to sleep peacefully.
The goat thief (3 stars)
-It was adequate in my opinion, as it described the plight of the goat thief, who was eventually apprehended in the morning after enduring the night's hardship.
These stories, I believe, are more dependent on narration and writing style than on storyline. For example, if you come here looking for a compelling plot line, you will not find one. However, these stories will assist you in comprehending human emotions.
Shit (3.5 stars)
-A story about how a meaningless object became significant in the most unusual way possible.
The way we view septic tank cleaners is still taboo in Indian society. I witnessed it myself several years ago. Some people who are unfamiliar with Indian culture may find it strange, but it is what it is. Despite the fact that the government has passed several laws to protect sanitary workers, there is still a stigma in society.
Sanctuary (2.5 stars)
-Ahh sorry, getting younger with the well ??? and what was the last reference? Couldn't understand this one.
daph pink ♡
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