Book Details
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Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
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Language: English
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Pages: 338
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Edition: 2014
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Cover: Paperback
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Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm
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Weight: 430 gm
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ISBN: 9798126018079
About the Book
This volume is a rich and representative anthology of Indian short stories translated into English from twenty-two Indian languages. Bringing together diverse literary traditions, the collection reflects the pluralistic cultural ethos of India, where multiple literary heritages coexist within a shared civilizational framework.
The stories included in this anthology explore recurring pan-Indian themes such as a woman’s predicament in a rapidly changing society, moral and social corruption, tensions within rural life, and the dynamics of the joint family system. These themes emerge across languages and regions, revealing both unity and diversity in Indian creative expression. The portrayal of modern womanhood, in particular, stands out for its psychological depth and sociological insight.
From a stylistic and technical perspective, the collection showcases a wide range of narrative modes. Traditional storytelling techniques coexist with modern and experimental forms such as magic realism, surrealism, and stream-of-consciousness narration. The effective use of point-of-view across several stories highlights the sophistication and maturity of contemporary Indian short fiction.
Overall, the anthology offers a substantial and exciting overview of modern Indian short stories. It not only celebrates the astounding variety of themes and styles found in Indian literature but also affirms its global relevance, with several stories worthy of inclusion in international anthologies of short fiction.
