Stranger Beside Me: Short Stories From Kashmir

by Neerja Mattoo (editor)

English (translation)

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

Reviews

[Karina]

Picked this up at Srinagar airport, and is perhaps the best short story collection I have read in a while. This is a collection of short stories from Kashmiri authors, almost all live and/or teach in the state and are thus very much connected. I initially expected to read a collection of stories that spoke about the pain of partition, the Indian army and injustice, however i was pleasantly surprised by the broad range of themes - family, spirituality, kindness - themes that resonated with human beings on every walk of life. My favourite two until now are 'The Enemy' and 'I am still alive.'

The more I read this book, the more impressed I am of the high standard of writing. A triumph that must be celebrated. I highly recommend this book to any fan of short stories, or good writing.