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Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses
When reality becomes unimaginable, the unimaginable becomes real. Iterum is a collection of eight magical short stories and seven little somethings. The tales come to life, when everyday characters stuck in quagmires of life, make the acquaintance of eccentric beings including a jury of spectacled Albino Pigeons, a man who claims to be a dinosaur, a distressed little soul, a maid’s inquisitive son, a bossy turquoise tortoise, a virtuoso in the window across the street, a ghost with a lisp, and a chatty dying puppeteer.
242 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 13, 2023
"The touchstone of creation was for the souls to be an unbiased grey."
Unbelievably intense, terribly thrilling and truly magical, "Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses" by writer Yashaswini Balasubramanyam promises to take the readers on an altogether different plane, where the unimaginable becomes real!
With 8 short stories and 7 little tales, the book comes alive with its eccentric beings and awe-inspiring narratives that entralls the readers and screams out the creative talent of the writer.
Some stories are melancholy, some stories are cheerful while some are romantic, some are funny and some bizarre, but all comes with a hint of mystery attached to them. While some stories breathe in the air of fantasy, some embraced the struggles of reality. Certain stories are so high on its uncanny quotient that they pass chills down the spine and hold the readers captive in their mystic grip till the end. And swiping through the pages of each, the readers are bound to feel a range of emotions clinging onto their heart.
The book also tugs along one story that's a subtle replica of a frame tale where there is stories within stories. Then there is one story that blends into another as if they know each other without being a part of one another. The writer truly has done a commendable job with this book that showcases some astounding innovation in the art of storytelling.
Music and Poetry seep into the book too and fills its pages with tune and rhythm and passion. Tiny artworks also adorn the book and add a mild beauty to it. The cover too showcases a great artistic excellence while the striking title grabs the readers attention at once.
With a lifelike portrayal of characters, the stories make an intimate connection with the readers in a way that they can relate to every aspects of it and understand the characters as if they were an inseparable part of their own selves.
Tiny tales with high moral values are sandwiched between the short stories that gives a taste of raw emotions felt deeply within. Metaphorical in nature, these tales bring out the truths of life in the most fascinating way that leaves one enthralled. As soon as the connotation behind these tales begins to dawn upon the readers, they start to relate it to their own life and experiences and they get connected in a way that's simply incredible.
Behind the veil of fantasy, each story has a deeper meaning attached to it, whose source lies within the realm of realities. So, even in their mystic existence, they compel the readers to think intensely and grasp the true message that the tales seek to convey.
A tense suspense embrace each of the stories which doesn't end until the last page and provokes the readers to continue reading, rendering the book completely unputdownable. And then comes the amazing twist at the end of each tale that leaves the readers spellbound and pondering for a long, long time.
Impregnated with novel perception and hidden meanings, "Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses" is one of those books that create a deep impact on our heart with stories which refuse to leave us even after we finish reading. The stories exert a deep influence upon us which ensues that no one ever stays the same once they flip the last page.
With mystical stories and inspiring tales that blends reality with the surreal, the writer Yashaswini Balasubramanyam invites the readers to journey into a world of endless possibilities and win a chance to look at life through a completely different lens.
"What you want, you don't always need... Life will give you beautiful things that will find its way to you, and stay."
Unbelievably intense, terribly thrilling and truly magical, "Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses" by writer Yashaswini Balasubramanyam promises to take the readers on an altogether different plane, where the unimaginable becomes real!
With 8 short stories and 7 little tales, the book comes alive with its eccentric beings and awe-inspiring narratives that entralls the readers and screams out the creative talent of the writer.
Some stories are melancholy, some stories are cheerful while some are romantic, some are funny and some bizarre, but all comes with a hint of mystery attached to them. While some stories breathe in the air of fantasy, some embraced the struggles of reality. Certain stories are so high on its uncanny quotient that they pass chills down the spine and hold the readers captive in their mystic grip till the end. And swiping through the pages of each, the readers are bound to feel a range of emotions clinging onto their heart.
The book also tugs along one story that's a subtle replica of a frame tale where there is stories within stories. Then there is one story that blends into another as if they know each other without being a part of one another. The writer truly has done a commendable job with this book that showcases some astounding innovation in the art of storytelling.
Music and Poetry seep into the book too and fills its pages with tune and rhythm and passion. Tiny artworks also adorn the book and add a mild beauty to it. The cover too showcases a great artistic excellence while the striking title grabs the readers attention at once.
With a lifelike portrayal of characters, the stories make an intimate connection with the readers in a way that they can relate to every aspects of it and understand the characters as if they were an inseparable part of their own selves.
Tiny tales with high moral values are sandwiched between the short stories that gives a taste of raw emotions felt deeply within. Metaphorical in nature, these tales bring out the truths of life in the most fascinating way that leaves one enthralled. As soon as the connotation behind these tales begins to dawn upon the readers, they start to relate it to their own life and experiences and they get connected in a way that's simply incredible.
Behind the veil of fantasy, each story has a deeper meaning attached to it, whose source lies within the realm of realities. So, even in their mystic existence, they compel the readers to think intensely and grasp the true message that the tales seek to convey.
A tense suspense embrace each of the stories which doesn't end until the last page and provokes the readers to continue reading, rendering the book completely unputdownable. And then comes the amazing twist at the end of each tale that leaves the readers spellbound and pondering for a long, long time.
Impregnated with novel perception and hidden meanings, "Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses" is one of those books that create a deep impact on our heart with stories which refuse to leave us even after we finish reading. The stories exert a deep influence upon us which ensues that no one ever stays the same once they flip the last page.
With mystical stories and inspiring tales that blends reality with the surreal, the writer Yashaswini Balasubramanyam invites the readers to journey into a world of endless possibilities and win a chance to look at life through a completely different lens.
"What you want, you don't always need... Life will give you beautiful things that will find its way to you, and stay."
April 23, 2023
“If one were to make their move only after knowing fully well where they would land, I wonder how they would land in a thorny bush…”
🐾
Iterum is a book that takes readers on a journey through eight magical short stories and seven little somethings written by Yashaswini Balasubramanyam. The stories in this collection cover a wide range of topics, including family relationships, personal struggles, and the magic that can be found in the everyday world. Each story has its unique twist, which makes them an enjoyable and unpredictable read.
What sets this book apart from others is the way the author weaves magic into the stories while still managing to make them relatable to readers. The book's ability to keep the reader on their toes is one of its strongest points.
One of the most impressive things about Iterum is that it manages to pack so much emotion into each story, often with just a few words. The book explores the complex relationship between mother and child, as well as themes of loss and acceptance.
Despite its many strengths, Iterum isn't perfect. The narration can be wordy at times, which can make it feel like the author is trying to force a point. However, the stories' morals are clear, and the book leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
In conclusion, Iterum is an entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on the magical and mysterious world around us. While it may have some flaws, it's still a worthwhile book to read, and readers will be glad they gave it a chance.
🐾
Rated 7.5/10
Melina L.
🐾
Iterum is a book that takes readers on a journey through eight magical short stories and seven little somethings written by Yashaswini Balasubramanyam. The stories in this collection cover a wide range of topics, including family relationships, personal struggles, and the magic that can be found in the everyday world. Each story has its unique twist, which makes them an enjoyable and unpredictable read.
What sets this book apart from others is the way the author weaves magic into the stories while still managing to make them relatable to readers. The book's ability to keep the reader on their toes is one of its strongest points.
One of the most impressive things about Iterum is that it manages to pack so much emotion into each story, often with just a few words. The book explores the complex relationship between mother and child, as well as themes of loss and acceptance.
Despite its many strengths, Iterum isn't perfect. The narration can be wordy at times, which can make it feel like the author is trying to force a point. However, the stories' morals are clear, and the book leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
In conclusion, Iterum is an entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on the magical and mysterious world around us. While it may have some flaws, it's still a worthwhile book to read, and readers will be glad they gave it a chance.
🐾
Rated 7.5/10
Melina L.
April 13, 2023
Book 42 of 2023 - Iterum by Yashaswini BalaSubramanyam - A novelty of stories which take you to a different realm
Rating: 5 stars
I have always been curious about short stories and poem-based books, rarely venturing into too creative works but something about the blurb pulled me in.
This book was something I will tell you. It was my first time being speechless when thinking about what to write about it. It was an experience so uncanny that, you don't realize it's right in your face without even realising it. Each story kept weaving deep roots within me to pull out experiences I forgot I had due to life, in a way settling me in places which were still raw, due to them being swept under the rug.
I am not saying I am healed completely because I am work in progress, but I feel empowered a bit more than yesterday. Some healing was felt on the sub-conscious level, as some of the messages were very deep and subtle.
Now coming to the writing, I humbly can't comment as I don't feel like it, but the stories were really beautiful, each capturing messages pivotal to a person, mystical elements were a really nice touch, also the short stories were stunning - so beautiful that they hooked me line and sinker. I would recommend this book to everyone - its once in a lifetime experience *wink*.
Rating: 5 stars
I have always been curious about short stories and poem-based books, rarely venturing into too creative works but something about the blurb pulled me in.
This book was something I will tell you. It was my first time being speechless when thinking about what to write about it. It was an experience so uncanny that, you don't realize it's right in your face without even realising it. Each story kept weaving deep roots within me to pull out experiences I forgot I had due to life, in a way settling me in places which were still raw, due to them being swept under the rug.
I am not saying I am healed completely because I am work in progress, but I feel empowered a bit more than yesterday. Some healing was felt on the sub-conscious level, as some of the messages were very deep and subtle.
Now coming to the writing, I humbly can't comment as I don't feel like it, but the stories were really beautiful, each capturing messages pivotal to a person, mystical elements were a really nice touch, also the short stories were stunning - so beautiful that they hooked me line and sinker. I would recommend this book to everyone - its once in a lifetime experience *wink*.
April 18, 2023
The book is beautifully penned, consists of a collection of short stories, each one unique and distinct from the other. As a reader, I was captivated from the very beginning, as with each turning page, the vivid descriptions an intricately woven narratives brought the stories to life in my head. The author's ability to paint a vivid picture with words is truly commendable.What sets this book apart is the unexpected climaxes and twists that take the characters' lives in unimaginable directions. Just when I thought I had figured out the outcome, the very next page turned the tables, leaving me stunned and eager to read on.
The stories in the collection cover a wide range of human experiences, and one common theme is the complexity of emotions and relationships. They explore deep emotions like love, sacrifice, longing, and loneliness, as well as the importance of communication in human connections. These stories highlight that human relationships are multifaceted and can be challenging, but also meaningful and impactful in our lives.
One of the stories in the collection portrays the selfless and unwavering love that a mother has for her children, emphasizing the strong bond between a parent and child. The story shows that a mother's love is selfless and devoted, going beyond any limits to ensure the well-being of her kids.
It also depicted the importance of human connections and the impact they can have on our lives,sheds light on the intricacies of relationships and the difficulties that can arise when love is not mutually understood or valued. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the frustration that arises when one's thoughts and feelings are not understood by others. This story underscores the significance of self-expression as a crucial aspect of human connection and fulfillment.The last story reinforces the belief in an afterlife and challenges preconceived notions about ghosts, exploring the theme of exploring the unknown and breaking stereotypes and one of my favourite micro tale Portrayed the pressure and expectations faced by students in managing tasks and deadlines, highlighting the challenges of academic expectations.
Ranging from the Feeling of suppressed desires to the voice that are not heard, the desires that didn't sees day's light or the emotion that fails to make a place in other's heart, and Having a plastered smile that might seem genuine but fails to be the real.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes simple stories with deep meaning and lots of twists and turns.
The stories in the collection cover a wide range of human experiences, and one common theme is the complexity of emotions and relationships. They explore deep emotions like love, sacrifice, longing, and loneliness, as well as the importance of communication in human connections. These stories highlight that human relationships are multifaceted and can be challenging, but also meaningful and impactful in our lives.
One of the stories in the collection portrays the selfless and unwavering love that a mother has for her children, emphasizing the strong bond between a parent and child. The story shows that a mother's love is selfless and devoted, going beyond any limits to ensure the well-being of her kids.
It also depicted the importance of human connections and the impact they can have on our lives,sheds light on the intricacies of relationships and the difficulties that can arise when love is not mutually understood or valued. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the frustration that arises when one's thoughts and feelings are not understood by others. This story underscores the significance of self-expression as a crucial aspect of human connection and fulfillment.The last story reinforces the belief in an afterlife and challenges preconceived notions about ghosts, exploring the theme of exploring the unknown and breaking stereotypes and one of my favourite micro tale Portrayed the pressure and expectations faced by students in managing tasks and deadlines, highlighting the challenges of academic expectations.
Ranging from the Feeling of suppressed desires to the voice that are not heard, the desires that didn't sees day's light or the emotion that fails to make a place in other's heart, and Having a plastered smile that might seem genuine but fails to be the real.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes simple stories with deep meaning and lots of twists and turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
Iterum is a collection of captivating short stories that explores various aspects of life and takes into account various viewpoints. Each story was unique just like Murakami's and I feel that a story collection is meant to be as diverse as possible. Filled with absurdity, enchanting prose and ambiguous settings. Some very captivating, some lengthy, and some really evoked the right emotions which is to say that the text works, at least for me it did.
Short stories in this collection are simple to read. This novel enabled me to experience the following emotions, all mystical and enchanting. I felt the spirit and the overall connection of each short story as I read it.
In terms of literary style, the stories that had themes of love or life lessons were penned in a simple, comprehensible syntax. I found the narrative of the story "Hiraeth" & "Bubbles" to be the most memorable from the collection. The author has discussed all of the human emotions, including handling grief, stress and worries, wrath, anger, agression and guilt, alluding to the mind of humans as a spiral or a prison that is brimming with these emotions. I found this to be an excellent concise read.
Short stories in this collection are simple to read. This novel enabled me to experience the following emotions, all mystical and enchanting. I felt the spirit and the overall connection of each short story as I read it.
In terms of literary style, the stories that had themes of love or life lessons were penned in a simple, comprehensible syntax. I found the narrative of the story "Hiraeth" & "Bubbles" to be the most memorable from the collection. The author has discussed all of the human emotions, including handling grief, stress and worries, wrath, anger, agression and guilt, alluding to the mind of humans as a spiral or a prison that is brimming with these emotions. I found this to be an excellent concise read.
April 17, 2023
Iterum is a collection of stories, some short, others shorter, that are going to stay rent-free in my brain from now. Multiple emotions all packed into these 15 tales amazed me. You know the stories where you begin but you understand nothing until a few more mysteries unravel and you see how realistic the story is to your own life. How good are they, right? I almost didn't want them to finish. Real life characters were expressed in such a complex manner, yet seemed relatable. The storytelling was almost poetic. I applaud the creativity. The ability of the author to write vivid topics in such a complex and layered manner is what held everything together. The last story, the brother-sister hate tale, has all my heart.
April 10, 2023
Cannot believe this is the authors first book!! A few stories were so beautifully written that I was sort of left in a sort of existential crisis. The flow of events, in each story, were very vividly captured by the author, through her own style of writing. A well spent 5 hours to read this book!
November 23, 2024
This book was recommended in my book club and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Each of the short stories resonated with me and kept me going for the next. It was written so beautifully and brilliantly.
April 22, 2023
'Selfishness. Greed. Hopeless hopefulness. They got the better of me. Was I right to do what I did? I did not have the time to think then. Now I have plenty of time but no answers.'
Book - Iterum
Author - Yashaswini Balasubramanyam
Pages - 242
Published - March 7 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I have read a few short story collections in the recent year but none of them come closer to Iterum. Iterum is a collection of 15 stories, about love, despair, beauty, vision, and life. The realm of magical realism spurts out in the most majestic manner from Balasubramanyam's pen as she writes about pigeons who grant you wishes, bridges made of purple light, dinosaurs who love to read and friends who live beneath your bed.
I picked up this book with a blank slate of a brain because I was reading 5 books at that time. One story in and I put a halt to every other book I was reading so I could focus exclusively on this. Having read less to no magical realism, Iterum has opened doors for me that I earlier thought were walls.
The writing is in cyphers, and yet simple enough that you can understand it. The plot setting has been done with devotion and it shows. The stories feel normal a minute and they have a sudden 180°, as if a switch is flipped and everything you believed while reading the story doesn't matter anymore, and this happens in almost all the eight regular length short stories. To add to this, the couple pages long stories followed only enhance the experience of the previous one. I personally loved In A Purple Universe the most and absolutely fell in love with this collection of short stories.
I'd suggest this book to everyone who likes reading fiction, magical realism, and in general, stories that make you think. Iterum by Yashaswini Balasubramanyam deserves some major hype and I cannot stress on this enough. Absolutely a contendor for my Book Bracket 2023.
Book - Iterum
Author - Yashaswini Balasubramanyam
Pages - 242
Published - March 7 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I have read a few short story collections in the recent year but none of them come closer to Iterum. Iterum is a collection of 15 stories, about love, despair, beauty, vision, and life. The realm of magical realism spurts out in the most majestic manner from Balasubramanyam's pen as she writes about pigeons who grant you wishes, bridges made of purple light, dinosaurs who love to read and friends who live beneath your bed.
I picked up this book with a blank slate of a brain because I was reading 5 books at that time. One story in and I put a halt to every other book I was reading so I could focus exclusively on this. Having read less to no magical realism, Iterum has opened doors for me that I earlier thought were walls.
The writing is in cyphers, and yet simple enough that you can understand it. The plot setting has been done with devotion and it shows. The stories feel normal a minute and they have a sudden 180°, as if a switch is flipped and everything you believed while reading the story doesn't matter anymore, and this happens in almost all the eight regular length short stories. To add to this, the couple pages long stories followed only enhance the experience of the previous one. I personally loved In A Purple Universe the most and absolutely fell in love with this collection of short stories.
I'd suggest this book to everyone who likes reading fiction, magical realism, and in general, stories that make you think. Iterum by Yashaswini Balasubramanyam deserves some major hype and I cannot stress on this enough. Absolutely a contendor for my Book Bracket 2023.
May 5, 2023
Iterum is a diverse collection of captivating short stories that explore various aspects of life from different viewpoints. The stories are simple to read and filled with absurdity, enchanting prose, and ambiguous settings that evoke mystical and enchanting emotions in the reader. The author's literary style is straightforward and comprehensible, especially in the stories that deal with themes of love and life lessons. "Hiraeth" and "Bubbles" were the most memorable stories from the collection, delving into the complex human emotions of grief, stress, guilt, anger, and aggression. The author alludes to the human mind as a spiral or a prison brimming with these emotions, making this an excellent concise read.
February 25, 2025
Magical realism with a touch of slice-of-life
My rating: 4.7/5
A collection of stories (some one-pagers and some lengthy ones, and some poems too in between) that make you look at human emotions, every day occurrences, and conversations with the self and the world, in a manner that elicits you to look within, and appreciate the many things, whether big or small. Right from letting go of that monster under the bed that feeds on our insecurities, to wanting our loved to lead a long and healthy life at any cost, or how Fate and Destiny come together to shape our stories, to why or whether or not spirits hover around, these stories are bound to leave behind an impression for a long time and hold the potential to change the way you look at and lead your life.
Quotable quotes:
-> You could call this a futile habit. But when there’s nothing else to look forward to in life, only routines like these can keep you going.
-> When I became capable of reading sentences, books became my companions. The only ones. Time flew when I read them. I went to bed every night anticipating a good story.
-> If not for Fate, You and I would not be where they are now. Thus, despite effortlessly fitting in, You and I remained an unfinished story. A story beautifully incomplete.
-> For every emotion was good, and every emotion was bad. There was fear that was good, that led one to do things that led to joy: the white. There was also fear that was bad, that led one to do things that led to grief: the black.
-> Little did she realize then that she did not have to give up on anything, at all, if she really wanted it.
-> The problems in her life never rose because someone was not being nice. They came because of her own inability to be anything but nice to anyone at all, at any hour of the day. She did everything to please everyone she was associated with. Then she began to dislike them for failing to understand something she could not, and did not convey.
-> Married or unmarried, don’t give up on your dreams. They can wait, yes, owing to changing priorities. But they are not meant to be forgotten. They are our only chance at carving an identity for ourselves!
My rating: 4.7/5
A collection of stories (some one-pagers and some lengthy ones, and some poems too in between) that make you look at human emotions, every day occurrences, and conversations with the self and the world, in a manner that elicits you to look within, and appreciate the many things, whether big or small. Right from letting go of that monster under the bed that feeds on our insecurities, to wanting our loved to lead a long and healthy life at any cost, or how Fate and Destiny come together to shape our stories, to why or whether or not spirits hover around, these stories are bound to leave behind an impression for a long time and hold the potential to change the way you look at and lead your life.
Quotable quotes:
-> You could call this a futile habit. But when there’s nothing else to look forward to in life, only routines like these can keep you going.
-> When I became capable of reading sentences, books became my companions. The only ones. Time flew when I read them. I went to bed every night anticipating a good story.
-> If not for Fate, You and I would not be where they are now. Thus, despite effortlessly fitting in, You and I remained an unfinished story. A story beautifully incomplete.
-> For every emotion was good, and every emotion was bad. There was fear that was good, that led one to do things that led to joy: the white. There was also fear that was bad, that led one to do things that led to grief: the black.
-> Little did she realize then that she did not have to give up on anything, at all, if she really wanted it.
-> The problems in her life never rose because someone was not being nice. They came because of her own inability to be anything but nice to anyone at all, at any hour of the day. She did everything to please everyone she was associated with. Then she began to dislike them for failing to understand something she could not, and did not convey.
-> Married or unmarried, don’t give up on your dreams. They can wait, yes, owing to changing priorities. But they are not meant to be forgotten. They are our only chance at carving an identity for ourselves!
April 11, 2023
Book: Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphoses
Author: Yashaswini Balasubramanyam
Gentre: Short Stories Collection
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐬, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧, 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞.
This is the kind of book that makes you fall in love with reading; words come together to form heartwarming sentences, and you only blink when it ends.
To sum up: Wow! This was intense and beautiful.
I feel Yashaswini Balasubramanyam writes prose with piercing imagination; her short stories evoke a range of emotions like sadness, anger, nervousness, loss, hope, wonder, peace, and much more.
So many of the pieces and lines stood out to me that I reread it multiple times. I applaud the author for writing such real and raw characters who are equally haunting, captivating, and liberating.
I loved the uncertainty of what each story would bring; I adored that some stories were long with rich narrative, while others were so short yet hard hitting.
Each and every page was a ride brimming with melancholy, but somehow it felt empowering after the end.
Some stories will leave you happy and content; some will make you question what happens next; some will leave you feeling better; but there is not one moment where you don't feel something.
I have never read a book like this; it is so personal, and it has been a shocking read for me.
There were in total 15 stories, and my favourite was about Monkey, the perpetual traveller, and You and I.
I simply can't get over it.
4.5 stars for this brilliant piece of work.
Author: Yashaswini Balasubramanyam
Gentre: Short Stories Collection
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐬, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧, 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞.
This is the kind of book that makes you fall in love with reading; words come together to form heartwarming sentences, and you only blink when it ends.
To sum up: Wow! This was intense and beautiful.
I feel Yashaswini Balasubramanyam writes prose with piercing imagination; her short stories evoke a range of emotions like sadness, anger, nervousness, loss, hope, wonder, peace, and much more.
So many of the pieces and lines stood out to me that I reread it multiple times. I applaud the author for writing such real and raw characters who are equally haunting, captivating, and liberating.
I loved the uncertainty of what each story would bring; I adored that some stories were long with rich narrative, while others were so short yet hard hitting.
Each and every page was a ride brimming with melancholy, but somehow it felt empowering after the end.
Some stories will leave you happy and content; some will make you question what happens next; some will leave you feeling better; but there is not one moment where you don't feel something.
I have never read a book like this; it is so personal, and it has been a shocking read for me.
There were in total 15 stories, and my favourite was about Monkey, the perpetual traveller, and You and I.
I simply can't get over it.
4.5 stars for this brilliant piece of work.
January 15, 2024
Iterum, a treasure trove of engaging short stories, is a first book by Yashaswini Balasubramanyam (the gatefold reveals this information). The eight short stories in it vary from absurdism to realism to factualism to fantasy and engaged me compellingly while the seven short, short italicised stories were almost physical in their impact. I generally like to read stories with linear plots that have surprises and constantly trigger the “What’s next?” question in my mind. But this book was different. Some of the stories time-travelled back and forth thus keeping my attention constantly. Changes in the point of view likewise took me from one character to another. The time jumps and the point of view hops should have been jarring but somehow were not. I struggled between the urge to devour the book speedily and the desire to read it one story at a time so that I could ruminate over each story at leisure. The short, short stories were equally thought provoking. I especially liked the short story ‘Hiraeth’ and the short, short story ‘The Prisoners’.
The title of the book ‘Iterum” means again and again; once you reach the end of the book, the title seems to beckon you to read it again.
The title of the book ‘Iterum” means again and again; once you reach the end of the book, the title seems to beckon you to read it again.
April 6, 2024
Short stories are usually a very tricky proposition for me, specially when I am reading a debut book. Yasha’s writing is quite fresh and the manner in which the eight stories have been written is quite exceptional. The each of the story is unique and the concept that she has explored comes out very nicely. The storytelling keeps you engaged through and through. Another aspect which I liked about the stories was that they have a subtle message that shines out in the end, and that is something that was truly a surprise for me as I read the very first story, and then it became fun to guess what would happen next in the subsequent stories. The stories have interesting twists that keep you guessing till the very end. Talking about each of the stories in the review would reveal spoilers, hence not detailing them out, but keep an eye out on subtle cues that she leaves between the lines to make the journey fun. The microtales between the stories are an added bonus and show the power of good writing, how so much can be said in such few words
January 6, 2024
"Iterum: Tales of Mystic Metamorphosis" is an enchanting anthology that captivated me from the first page. The stories, especially 'Dyad,' 'A Deal with an Albino Pigeon,' and 'The Prisoners,' are masterpieces woven with exquisite beauty.
The mystical essence effortlessly embraces human emotions, creating a tapestry of wonder. The brilliant writing showcases a truly classy and captivating collection, leaving me in awe of the author's talent.
A literary gem that lingers in the heart and mind.
The mystical essence effortlessly embraces human emotions, creating a tapestry of wonder. The brilliant writing showcases a truly classy and captivating collection, leaving me in awe of the author's talent.
A literary gem that lingers in the heart and mind.
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