Introduction
ISBN: 978-93-86215-34-5
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| Source: Amazon.in |
Genre: Fiction
Publishers: Pan Macmillan
Price: Rs. 399/- ( I got the book for review from the publisher)
Behind the Book
A bag travels the universe looking for evil, bigoted civilizations to consume. The machinations of a dark and terrible goddess lead to unexpected outcomes. A girl child is married off in a technologically advanced dystopic world steeped in prejudice and intolerance. A desperate mother tries to bring her children back to nature from a digital existence.
In each of these stories and more, Ashok Banker assaults the senses through shock and awe. Exploring overarching themes of love, feminism, equality and social justice, these eleven refreshingly original works of imagination are powerful, dark and haunting.
Published in a collection for the first time in India, the tales are macabre yet stunning, honest parables of our world.
One of the things I admire the most about the author Ashok Banker is his ability to write across genres with equal elan. He writes mythology, sci-fi, dystopian fiction, historical fiction and the list is endless. I have always loved reading his work and this collection of stories was not different. If anything, it made me fall in love with his writing style, albeit a bit more than before.
Each and every story in this collection is one that leaves an unforgettable impression on the reader's mind. When I saw the beautiful cover and the intriguing title I was captivated and intrigued at the same time. It is interesting to see how beautifully the author has played along with words and made this collection of short stories an perfect page turner.
It comes as no surprise that the author knows the art of teasing the reader well enough before divulging them with the surprises in store to create a wow element in each of his stories and he succeeds in every single story of his. Starting with characters which are richly layered with emotions to a plot that is surprisingly taut and crisp, these stories are profound and poignant at the same time. Covering various themes like feminism, love, relationships and social injustice these eleven stories are a stark revelation of the human psyche.
Recommended, for all fantasy and sci-fi lovers for this is a pure treat.
An eclectic collection of short stories inspired by mythology, fantasy, sci-fi and the paranormal.
A bag travels the universe looking for evil, bigoted civilizations to consume. The machinations of a dark and terrible goddess lead to unexpected outcomes. A girl child is married off in a technologically advanced dystopic world steeped in prejudice and intolerance. A desperate mother tries to bring her children back to nature from a digital existence.
In each of these stories and more, Ashok Banker assaults the senses through shock and awe. Exploring overarching themes of love, feminism, equality and social justice, these eleven refreshingly original works of imagination are powerful, dark and haunting.
Published in a collection for the first time in India, the tales are macabre yet stunning, honest parables of our world.
About the Author
Ashok K. Banker is the internationally acclaimed author of over 60 books that have sold over 3 million copies in 21 languages and 61 countries. His hugely successful Ramayana Series is credited with having launched the genre of English-language mythological retellings and influenced an entire generation of authors.
As a journalist, he broke front-page news stories for the Times of India and Outlook. As a screenwriter, he created and wrote India’s First TV Series in English, and co-created and co-wrote Malaysia’s First TV Series in English, as well as several other hit shows. Born in Mumbai, Ashok is of Irish-Portuguese-Sri Lankan-Indian parentage, and lived in India for over 51 years before migrating with his family to the United States, where he now lives. Ashok can be found online at www.ashokkbanker.com.
As a journalist, he broke front-page news stories for the Times of India and Outlook. As a screenwriter, he created and wrote India’s First TV Series in English, and co-created and co-wrote Malaysia’s First TV Series in English, as well as several other hit shows. Born in Mumbai, Ashok is of Irish-Portuguese-Sri Lankan-Indian parentage, and lived in India for over 51 years before migrating with his family to the United States, where he now lives. Ashok can be found online at www.ashokkbanker.com.
One of the things I admire the most about the author Ashok Banker is his ability to write across genres with equal elan. He writes mythology, sci-fi, dystopian fiction, historical fiction and the list is endless. I have always loved reading his work and this collection of stories was not different. If anything, it made me fall in love with his writing style, albeit a bit more than before.
Each and every story in this collection is one that leaves an unforgettable impression on the reader's mind. When I saw the beautiful cover and the intriguing title I was captivated and intrigued at the same time. It is interesting to see how beautifully the author has played along with words and made this collection of short stories an perfect page turner.
It comes as no surprise that the author knows the art of teasing the reader well enough before divulging them with the surprises in store to create a wow element in each of his stories and he succeeds in every single story of his. Starting with characters which are richly layered with emotions to a plot that is surprisingly taut and crisp, these stories are profound and poignant at the same time. Covering various themes like feminism, love, relationships and social injustice these eleven stories are a stark revelation of the human psyche.
Recommended, for all fantasy and sci-fi lovers for this is a pure treat.
Foodie Verdict
This book is like Cucumber Bhakri - Looks common, but is a dish that can only be tasted, not defined in words!
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| Source: Sify Bawarchi |