This selection of Rabindranath Tagore's stories exemplifies his remarkable ability to enter the complexities of human relationships. Within seemingly simple plots, Tagore portrays with extraordinary compassion and lyricism the predicament of women in traditional Bengali contexts, moving from the loneliness of an intelligent, beautiful woman neglected by her husband in the Nobel Laureate's acclaimed novella Broken Nest, to the powerlessness of a young girl whose prized possession is taken away in Notebook, from the casual abandonment of an orphan in Postmaster, to a girl robbed of her childhood in The Ghat's Tale. Powerful, brilliant and astute, the novella and three short stories included in this collection - translated here by acclaimed fiction writer Sharmistha Mohanty, who has brought into English the music of Tagore's narratives - are Tagore's finest prose works.
A beggar girl struggling her way out in this big, bad world helplessly hoping for a benevolent hand, a housewife for whom marriage has lost its meaning long back and she is only carrying the habit of it now, a young girl who wishes to bring quality education to her illiterate village folks, an orphan who roots for her true identity in the child she is yet to birth, a village tea seller who wishes to become a famous actor in Bombay. 'Temple Classroom and Other Stories' is a collection of various facets that form our lives and the lives around us. These are the stories that were written over a period of 2 years in buses, trains and metros…on laptop, mobile and computer. Some of these tales were written from the myriads of experiences that life threw at the author and some are figments of her imagination, borne out of its various impressions.
“The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory.” —The New York Times Book Review Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the year, receiving six starred reviews. Illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen. For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered. All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back? Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.
A FREE-FLOWING NARRATIVE IN VERSE AND PROSE THAT MARKED THE DEBUT OF AN ASTONISHING NEW VOICE IN LITERATURE. ‘Reading Sharmistha Mohanty’s Book One, you keep turning the pages, not to follow the story—though there is a story being told in every page, and in every page she tells a different story which is yet part of the fabric of the same telling—but to follow her sentences. They are unflinching, tender, unexpected, aphoristic, violently observant and violently restrained: “to feel pain but never to come to tears”. You read because you want to know where they will take you next. She gives no hint. Whether it is to the unnamed riverine land of her ancestors or, in an unnamed city, to a house whose plaster keeps falling, they invariably lead to a place “as clear and unsentimental and right as life”.’ —Arvind Krishna Mehrotra ‘What she writes about, with great sensitivity and originality, is her life and those of her ancestors, of changing traditions which nevertheless remain radically unchanged, of weather, water and sexual relationships … She tautens and tightens her words around every situation to create it almost visibly in the mind … She seems to me a real discovery. What she has written may be in the tradition of Tagore, but she has made it original and modern.’ —Dom Moraes
Prepare to be captivated by the intricacies of human connections and emotions with "Relationship & Other Stories" by Mamta Mehrotra. Delve into a collection of poignant tales that explore the complexities of relationships, identity, and the human experience. Embark on a journey through the intricacies of human connections as Mehrotra weaves together a tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the tender bonds of love and friendship to the tumultuous dynamics of family and society, these stories offer a rich exploration of the ties that bind us together. Explore the themes and motifs that resonate throughout Mehrotra's narratives, from the search for belonging and acceptance to the quest for self-discovery and fulfillment. Through nuanced storytelling and heartfelt prose, Mehrotra invites readers to reflect on the universal truths that shape our lives and relationships. Delve into character analysis as you encounter a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own hopes, fears, and desires. From the introspective protagonist to the enigmatic supporting cast, Mehrotra's characters come to life with depth and authenticity, offering glimpses into the human condition. Experience the overall tone and mood of the stories, characterized by Mehrotra's evocative imagery, poignant insights, and subtle humor. Whether exploring the complexities of romantic love or the dynamics of interpersonal conflict, each story unfolds with sensitivity and grace, inviting readers to empathize with the characters' joys and sorrows. Since its publication, "Relationship & Other Stories" has garnered praise for its emotional depth, narrative richness, and thematic resonance. Mehrotra's storytelling prowess and keen observations of human nature have earned her acclaim as a masterful chronicler of the human experience. Whether you're a fan of short fiction or simply drawn to stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, "Relationship & Other Stories" offers a compelling journey through the intricacies of the heart. So, don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in these unforgettable tales. Grab your copy today and discover the transformative power of Mamta Mehrotra's storytelling.
A chilling yet redemptive post-apocalyptic debut that examines community, motherhood, faith, and the importance of telling one's own story. When 95 percent of the earth's population disappears for no apparent reason, Mira does what she can to create some semblance of a life: She cobbles together a haphazard community named Zion, scavenges the Piles for supplies they might need, and avoids loving anyone she can't afford to lose. She has everything under control. Almost. Four years after the Rending, Mira's best friend, Lana, announces her pregnancy, the first since everything changed and a new source of hope for Mira. But when Lana gives birth to an inanimate object--and other women of Zion follow suit--the thin veil of normalcy Mira has thrown over her new life begins to fray. As the Zionites wrestle with the presence of these Babies, a confident outsider named Michael appears, proselytizing about the world beyond Zion. He lures Lana away and when she doesn't return, Mira must decide how much she's willing to let go in order to save her friend, her home, and her own fraught pregnancy. Like California by Edan Lepucki and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The Rending and the Nest uses a fantastical, post-apocalyptic landscape to ask decidedly human questions: How well do we know the people we love? What sustains us in the midst of suffering? How do we forgive the brokenness we find within others--and within ourselves?
