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Ma Is Scared, and Other Stories
An anxious mother waits for her daughter to return from work, while deflecting comments from judgmental neighbours. A chance encounter with an old college friend triggers the memory of a cruel trap once set for a young student, just because of her caste. In the middle of a lecture on the legacies of sexual abuse, a woman feels the weight of a whole lifetime suddenly pressing down on her.
The stories in Anjali Kajal’s debut collection draw us into the lives of ordinary women in Northern India, making us realise quite how rarely we witness these experiences from Dalit points of view.
Whether combating the caste-based disdain of colleagues at work or in the classroom or enduring the new blows that the pandemic landed on Dalit communities, Anjali’s characters find a resilience and a dignity that we can all learn from.
The stories in Anjali Kajal’s debut collection draw us into the lives of ordinary women in Northern India, making us realise quite how rarely we witness these experiences from Dalit points of view.
Whether combating the caste-based disdain of colleagues at work or in the classroom or enduring the new blows that the pandemic landed on Dalit communities, Anjali’s characters find a resilience and a dignity that we can all learn from.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2023
6 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2023
Some of the stories were quite interesting but the writing/translation was very blunt so not really for me
April 14, 2024
I reviewed this for Scroll. You can read the full review here: https://scroll.in/article/1066168/ma-...
"In her works, the Hindi writer Anjali Kajal has consistently explored how women both resist as well as reaffirm patriarchy and casteism. Originally from Ludhiana, she is now based in Delhi. Ma is Scared is her first book to be translated into English. The stories, selected and translated by Kavita Bhanot, reflect a writing career spanning two and a half decades. While her prose is largely unadorned, it paints evocative, true-to-life portraits of womanhood and motherhood at the intersections of various identities in a modern India that is still holding on to outdated notions and ideas in the name of tradition."
"In her works, the Hindi writer Anjali Kajal has consistently explored how women both resist as well as reaffirm patriarchy and casteism. Originally from Ludhiana, she is now based in Delhi. Ma is Scared is her first book to be translated into English. The stories, selected and translated by Kavita Bhanot, reflect a writing career spanning two and a half decades. While her prose is largely unadorned, it paints evocative, true-to-life portraits of womanhood and motherhood at the intersections of various identities in a modern India that is still holding on to outdated notions and ideas in the name of tradition."
December 3, 2024
Anjali Kajal's book, Ma is Scared and other stories, is a collection of ten short tales that tell us about some of the issues that women face in their lives and also the discrimination that the people experience due to their caste in schools, colleges, and the workplace. Each story of this book carries a message in itself about the society of which we all are a part. If you are interested in reading about meaningful short stories, then you can surely go for this book.
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June 17, 2023What is a Dalit perspective in literature? How does it differ from the phrase 'Dalit literature'? These were some of the questions I have been musing upon since reading Anjali Kajal's "Ma is Scared, and other stories," translated by Kavita Bhanot.
The book is unusual for three reasons. Firstly, it is not just a translation but also an original compilation. Kajal has been writing and publishing in various Hindi literary journals for several years, but her stories have not been collected into a book in Hindi. The translated book is therefore also the only book, and it has been published in the U.K. rather than in India. It is also unusual in that it does not offer readers any formal or thematic stereotypes that might inform their reading of these stories. Thirdly, it is unusual in its quiet exploration of feminine experience, foregrounding their thoughts and their relationships with each other rather than the drama of what has gone, or could go, wrong.
Kajal's stories often highlight the intersectionality of exploitative processes such as caste and patriarchy. They are told mainly from a female character's perspective and serve as sensitive portraits of reflections on caste, disability, love and careers. In 'To Be Recognised,' a teacher is forced to 'sign for the full salary' even though she gets paid only a fraction of the salary due to her. In 'Pathways', a bright student refuses to take help from a sympathetic upper caste woman, who nevertheless can't help saying: "What would Sanjay have done with himself as a software engineer?... The system in our society was created for a reason." As Bhanot points out in her translator's note, a lot of Savarna hostility is directed towards 'reservations' or affirmative action in education or jobs. Kajal weaves this enduring hostility into many of her stories, including one set in the recent pandemic when many students from marginalized backgrounds had been forced out learning altogether because of lack of equipment and wifi networks.
Resentment and exploitation plays out in a very different way in another story, 'Suffocation', where an older woman has to learn how to live with her husband after a lifetime spent apart because of his job. Women's social isolation and their unstated fears feed into 'The Newspaper' where a mother begins to develop a phobia of the world outside after reading negative reports everyday. These are stories that do not leave you easy, but they also tend to surprise you with their refusal to go too far down the dark road.
The book is not published in India yet but I do hope that it will be, soon.
The book is unusual for three reasons. Firstly, it is not just a translation but also an original compilation. Kajal has been writing and publishing in various Hindi literary journals for several years, but her stories have not been collected into a book in Hindi. The translated book is therefore also the only book, and it has been published in the U.K. rather than in India. It is also unusual in that it does not offer readers any formal or thematic stereotypes that might inform their reading of these stories. Thirdly, it is unusual in its quiet exploration of feminine experience, foregrounding their thoughts and their relationships with each other rather than the drama of what has gone, or could go, wrong.
Kajal's stories often highlight the intersectionality of exploitative processes such as caste and patriarchy. They are told mainly from a female character's perspective and serve as sensitive portraits of reflections on caste, disability, love and careers. In 'To Be Recognised,' a teacher is forced to 'sign for the full salary' even though she gets paid only a fraction of the salary due to her. In 'Pathways', a bright student refuses to take help from a sympathetic upper caste woman, who nevertheless can't help saying: "What would Sanjay have done with himself as a software engineer?... The system in our society was created for a reason." As Bhanot points out in her translator's note, a lot of Savarna hostility is directed towards 'reservations' or affirmative action in education or jobs. Kajal weaves this enduring hostility into many of her stories, including one set in the recent pandemic when many students from marginalized backgrounds had been forced out learning altogether because of lack of equipment and wifi networks.
Resentment and exploitation plays out in a very different way in another story, 'Suffocation', where an older woman has to learn how to live with her husband after a lifetime spent apart because of his job. Women's social isolation and their unstated fears feed into 'The Newspaper' where a mother begins to develop a phobia of the world outside after reading negative reports everyday. These are stories that do not leave you easy, but they also tend to surprise you with their refusal to go too far down the dark road.
The book is not published in India yet but I do hope that it will be, soon.
June 10, 2023
Ma Is Scared is a collection of wonderful short stories, centralising the experiences of Indian women. Each of the stories have similar themes but are all different in their execution and completely unique. I enjoyed reading every single one and would highly recommend the collection.
Whilst I was reading, I went through a roller coaster of emotions with some stories hitting especially hard and others seeming more hopeful.
Kajal wrote each story with so much thought and with a clear intention, evident through her writing. The translation by Bhanot seems just as purposeful and reads incredibly well. Sometimes, the translation could be quite literal or simple, which is why it's not a full 5 stars.
I only wish I could've been able to read the collection in its mother tongue and truly appreciate the beauty, especially with the poetry that was included in To Be Recognised.
The stories themselves are such eye openers, and they hit especially hard. Coming from a South Asian background, I could see me and the women in my family in some of the stories, and it hit incredibly hard for me.
There are things that I feel as though we take for granted living in the West, the freedom of choosing to work or to stay at home, the right to an education regardless of class or background. Sure, we have our problems, and I don't want to invalidate that. But we truly are so lucky. I have parents who support my education and family members who are nothing but good to me. This collection made me realise how lucky I am and made me even more grateful towards my immigrant parents.
It truly was an eye-opener, and I couldn't recommend it enough. Thank you so so much to Tandem Collective, Anjali Kajal, and Comma Press for allowing me to read this book and for gifting me the copy. It was such a great experience, and thank you for introducing me to Anjali Kajal.
Whilst I was reading, I went through a roller coaster of emotions with some stories hitting especially hard and others seeming more hopeful.
Kajal wrote each story with so much thought and with a clear intention, evident through her writing. The translation by Bhanot seems just as purposeful and reads incredibly well. Sometimes, the translation could be quite literal or simple, which is why it's not a full 5 stars.
I only wish I could've been able to read the collection in its mother tongue and truly appreciate the beauty, especially with the poetry that was included in To Be Recognised.
The stories themselves are such eye openers, and they hit especially hard. Coming from a South Asian background, I could see me and the women in my family in some of the stories, and it hit incredibly hard for me.
There are things that I feel as though we take for granted living in the West, the freedom of choosing to work or to stay at home, the right to an education regardless of class or background. Sure, we have our problems, and I don't want to invalidate that. But we truly are so lucky. I have parents who support my education and family members who are nothing but good to me. This collection made me realise how lucky I am and made me even more grateful towards my immigrant parents.
It truly was an eye-opener, and I couldn't recommend it enough. Thank you so so much to Tandem Collective, Anjali Kajal, and Comma Press for allowing me to read this book and for gifting me the copy. It was such a great experience, and thank you for introducing me to Anjali Kajal.
January 4, 2025
MA is Scared and Other Stories, a collection of 10 short stories, show us the dark side of society from the purview of the oppressed castes in India, more specifically from a woman’s life, irrespective of age. Young girls tired of ogling eyes, mothers scared of their daughters' safety, students and employees facing snarky remarks for studying and working under reserved category, married women brooding over their youthful years which they have dedicated to marriage and the plight of people labelled as Dalits in India in everyday life speaks of the hardships they face in trying to live an ordinary life just like every other person.
Dreaming of a normal life is asking too much. The desire to do well in a career is a sin. The hope of having enough wealth to make lives better is almost looting. We often see people questioning the government as to why their kids should pay for the mistakes of their ancestors. But no one asks why a kid should have the pleasures of their ancestor's hard work.
The plague of discrimination is never-ending in India and the author narrates the societal treatment towards the oppressed plainly in a way that the reader sees beyond the naked eye. The resilience displayed by the characters to lead a happy and dignified life in these stories proclaims their thriving nature for the generations to come while learning the bitter truths.
Also, people hate it when others do better than them. That’s the sole and foremost reason for discrimination is what I feel. In short, this book has a gripping narrative glueing the readers with the compelling soul of the stories. It reflects the mindset of people and pushes us to the extent of questioning our morale. Sadly, what is preached in studies isn’t executed in life!
Dreaming of a normal life is asking too much. The desire to do well in a career is a sin. The hope of having enough wealth to make lives better is almost looting. We often see people questioning the government as to why their kids should pay for the mistakes of their ancestors. But no one asks why a kid should have the pleasures of their ancestor's hard work.
The plague of discrimination is never-ending in India and the author narrates the societal treatment towards the oppressed plainly in a way that the reader sees beyond the naked eye. The resilience displayed by the characters to lead a happy and dignified life in these stories proclaims their thriving nature for the generations to come while learning the bitter truths.
Also, people hate it when others do better than them. That’s the sole and foremost reason for discrimination is what I feel. In short, this book has a gripping narrative glueing the readers with the compelling soul of the stories. It reflects the mindset of people and pushes us to the extent of questioning our morale. Sadly, what is preached in studies isn’t executed in life!
June 22, 2023
I absolutely adored this short story collection. I learned so much from it and was made to think.
All the stories are very different but have the similar undertone of inequality and discrimination and the many forms they can take.
I read these stories one at a time taking a pause after each as I wanted to let them sit with me. There was so much to take in and digest and that was part of the experience I had whilst enjoying the stories.
The stories take are set in many different times even as recently as the pandemic. However, the inequality and discrimination is ever present. This made me question how far society has really come.
I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite story as they were all so interesting and captivating.
I would recommend everyone to read this collection as there is something for so much we can all learn from it. Everyone will read it and pick up on different things and have a different experience.
An amazing and important collection!
All the stories are very different but have the similar undertone of inequality and discrimination and the many forms they can take.
I read these stories one at a time taking a pause after each as I wanted to let them sit with me. There was so much to take in and digest and that was part of the experience I had whilst enjoying the stories.
The stories take are set in many different times even as recently as the pandemic. However, the inequality and discrimination is ever present. This made me question how far society has really come.
I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite story as they were all so interesting and captivating.
I would recommend everyone to read this collection as there is something for so much we can all learn from it. Everyone will read it and pick up on different things and have a different experience.
An amazing and important collection!
June 24, 2023
✨Book Review ✨
Ma is Scared - Anjali Kajal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful collection of translated short stories depicting the struggles many Indian women face. The themes were similar but each story had its own unique struggle and that’s what I loved about it! The stories were highly emotive and relatable to an extent!
I particularly enjoyed learning about the caste system in India. It was an eye opener and allowed me to reflect on just how much we take for granted! Education, parent support and equality in relationships are just some of the themes that came up in the book and reminded me how grateful I should be for each of them!
My only wish was that I could have read this in its own language. At times, I do think the stories were a little to the point: I believe something was lost during the translation. However, saying that, I’m glad I was able to read it regardless!
Thank you so much @tandemcollectiveuk and @commapress for my copy of this wonderful book! It will be cherished! 🥰🫶🏼
Ma is Scared - Anjali Kajal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful collection of translated short stories depicting the struggles many Indian women face. The themes were similar but each story had its own unique struggle and that’s what I loved about it! The stories were highly emotive and relatable to an extent!
I particularly enjoyed learning about the caste system in India. It was an eye opener and allowed me to reflect on just how much we take for granted! Education, parent support and equality in relationships are just some of the themes that came up in the book and reminded me how grateful I should be for each of them!
My only wish was that I could have read this in its own language. At times, I do think the stories were a little to the point: I believe something was lost during the translation. However, saying that, I’m glad I was able to read it regardless!
Thank you so much @tandemcollectiveuk and @commapress for my copy of this wonderful book! It will be cherished! 🥰🫶🏼
July 10, 2023
Anjali has authentically captured the very real, vulnerable and 'messy' experiences of women, showcasing their resilience even in the midst of life's constant challenges in a way that surpasses performative or simplistic portrayals. Despite having grown up in the UK, as an Indian woman I found a deep connection to many themes in this book. It also opened my eyes to the experiences of Dalit women, shedding light on stories that, to my knowledge, are often left untold, thus allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of how they navigate both patriarchy and caste discrimination. It's been particularly thought-provoking to witness the conversations that unfold for Dalits, whether it be in their work environments, homes, or within their communities. Anjali's writing, along with Kavita's translation, is a testament to the skill and sensitivity both of them possess!
January 11, 2024
(3,5 stars)
‼️ The only reason I’m not giving this collection more stars is that currently, I’m much more into speculative fiction than so-called ”regular” fiction (fiction happening in our real world). This has nothing to do with the quality of this book, just personal taste.
I’ve been wanting to read more Indian literature for a while now and when I found this book at my local book store, I decided to snatch it up.
The writing and the translation was extremely well done. I started with not knowing much about contemporary Indian society and the stories really widened my understanding of it. I especially liked the stories where we got to see the same scenes from multiple points of view, showing the opposite ways people from different backgrounds can experience the situation. My favorite stories were ’Deluge’, ’The Newspaper’ and ’Pathways’.
‼️ The only reason I’m not giving this collection more stars is that currently, I’m much more into speculative fiction than so-called ”regular” fiction (fiction happening in our real world). This has nothing to do with the quality of this book, just personal taste.
I’ve been wanting to read more Indian literature for a while now and when I found this book at my local book store, I decided to snatch it up.
The writing and the translation was extremely well done. I started with not knowing much about contemporary Indian society and the stories really widened my understanding of it. I especially liked the stories where we got to see the same scenes from multiple points of view, showing the opposite ways people from different backgrounds can experience the situation. My favorite stories were ’Deluge’, ’The Newspaper’ and ’Pathways’.
July 15, 2024
Ma is scared, and other stories is a collection based on women's lives in India.
Each short story touches up on different daily occurrences of India's women. From married life to education, Anjali Kajal has created empowering women throughout every story.
The story 'Ma is scares' is about a mother and her concerns for her daughter as she ventures out into the harsh world.
I particularly liked the story 'To be recognised'. It addresses not only girls/women's education in India but the upsetting views that people have of caste.
The last story in this collection is one that covers the heart ache that covid brought to India.
It was surreal reading and somewhat reliving the pain that the pandemic had brought the world.
If you like short stories, powerful women and day to day problems, then this collection is definitely for you.
Each short story touches up on different daily occurrences of India's women. From married life to education, Anjali Kajal has created empowering women throughout every story.
The story 'Ma is scares' is about a mother and her concerns for her daughter as she ventures out into the harsh world.
I particularly liked the story 'To be recognised'. It addresses not only girls/women's education in India but the upsetting views that people have of caste.
The last story in this collection is one that covers the heart ache that covid brought to India.
It was surreal reading and somewhat reliving the pain that the pandemic had brought the world.
If you like short stories, powerful women and day to day problems, then this collection is definitely for you.
August 20, 2025
This was a very good collection, highlighting social issues and injustices in India, from the perspective of the Dalit community, the lowest part of their caste system. I really enjoyed how this looked at these topics from a multitude of perspectives and angles, it's not the most intricately written, but there is a time and place for simple writing when there is a message to convey, which is what this collection is trying to do, and does so well.
Definitely got me interested in learning more about the history of the caste system and several people on Instagram from India helped me a lot with explaining various things as well as providing supplementary reading materials on these topics. Big shout out to them.
Definitely got me interested in learning more about the history of the caste system and several people on Instagram from India helped me a lot with explaining various things as well as providing supplementary reading materials on these topics. Big shout out to them.
September 11, 2023
This was really good - as the blurb says, it's a perspective you don't often get in fiction (in English, at least), though I felt the strongest stories were the ones that didn't deal with the caste system quite so directly. Kajal writes relationships and the complexity of families really well, and it's in showing how they fit in/collide with such an ingrained system that these stories are at their best.
Recommended not just for those wanting a unique perspective or to learn about how the caste system impacts women in northern India, but simply for those who want some good, strong stories about women and families.
Recommended not just for those wanting a unique perspective or to learn about how the caste system impacts women in northern India, but simply for those who want some good, strong stories about women and families.
April 5, 2024
This was really excellent. Khavita Bhanot's prose are really poignant and beautifully worded and her translation of the poem in 'To Be Recognised' was incredibly well done. Kajal's stories are so moving. They encapsulate so many different experiences that women go through, and even with the setting being so different from my own, I felt so seen in stories like 'Ma is Scared' that talk about the subtle ways girls are made to feel intimidated when they're young, and 'The Newspaper' which talks about the feeling of fear and wanting to close your eyes to the news of the world around you. It was a really great book, highly recommend.
June 3, 2024
3.75/5 ⭐
Ma Is Scared follows the stories of different multi generational women from small villages to metropolitan cities in northern India as they navigate motherhood, marriage, employment, education and most commonly, being a woman in India.
I really enjoyed reading the stories and each was different and engaging. Coming from a small town in Northeast India, especially as a tribal woman, most of the women's experiences really resonated with me.
It was clear from the writing that rhe translation was very direct and blunt, making me wonder if the flow and creativity was lost in the process. While it didn't affect my ability to understand the stories, it took away the essence of writing.
Ma Is Scared follows the stories of different multi generational women from small villages to metropolitan cities in northern India as they navigate motherhood, marriage, employment, education and most commonly, being a woman in India.
I really enjoyed reading the stories and each was different and engaging. Coming from a small town in Northeast India, especially as a tribal woman, most of the women's experiences really resonated with me.
It was clear from the writing that rhe translation was very direct and blunt, making me wonder if the flow and creativity was lost in the process. While it didn't affect my ability to understand the stories, it took away the essence of writing.
August 5, 2025
This book shines in setting! It paints a picture of life in India for women throughout its different length short stories. At the start it was a bit of a mid collection, but the last two stories (Suffocation and Sanitiser) I LOVED. Also by the end of the book I really appreciated how immersed I had become in some small aspects of Indian culture and the social setting of being an Indian woman.
Another thing that is nice about this book is that we get stories from many different age groups of women, young and old. These stories are domestic but full of ambition, hope and frustration and deal with themes of misogyny, class and caste, wealth, opportunity, resilience and dignity.
Another thing that is nice about this book is that we get stories from many different age groups of women, young and old. These stories are domestic but full of ambition, hope and frustration and deal with themes of misogyny, class and caste, wealth, opportunity, resilience and dignity.
November 7, 2025
I really felt the atomsphere of these stories.
December 2, 2025
This anthology contains ten stories that explore a wide range of themes, including sexual abuse, caste-based discrimination, extramarital affairs, and past traumas.
Although each story is thought-provoking in its own way, some left me truly shocked to the core.
For instance, Deluge—the story of Pammi—portrays how she felt suffocated around men and in a world filled with restrictions, disgust, and constant exploitation.
Her life becomes a painful account of being used by men, whether physically or financially. The story addresses sexual abuse and its long-lasting impact on victims with remarkable clarity.
Another story that deeply gripped me was “Ma Is Scared,” which explores a mother’s fear as her daughter’s homecoming is shrouded in darkness—both literally and metaphorically—after sunset.
Through these narratives, the author attempts to show the world through a female lens, highlighting experiences often overlooked or unheard.
I must say, if anyone is searching for a gripping anthology, this one is undoubtedly a must-read.
Although each story is thought-provoking in its own way, some left me truly shocked to the core.
For instance, Deluge—the story of Pammi—portrays how she felt suffocated around men and in a world filled with restrictions, disgust, and constant exploitation.
Her life becomes a painful account of being used by men, whether physically or financially. The story addresses sexual abuse and its long-lasting impact on victims with remarkable clarity.
Another story that deeply gripped me was “Ma Is Scared,” which explores a mother’s fear as her daughter’s homecoming is shrouded in darkness—both literally and metaphorically—after sunset.
Through these narratives, the author attempts to show the world through a female lens, highlighting experiences often overlooked or unheard.
I must say, if anyone is searching for a gripping anthology, this one is undoubtedly a must-read.
May 10, 2025
This book is a collection of short stories about the challenges women face and the unfair treatment people get because of their caste in different places like schools, colleges, and work.
Reading this book took me on an emotional ride. Some stories were really tough, while others gave me hope. These stories are eye-opening and really impactful!
The story “Ma is Scared” is about a mother’s worries for her daughter as she faces the challenges of the world.
If you like short stories about strong women and real-life issues, you’ll love this book. It’s great, and I highly recommend it!❤️
Reading this book took me on an emotional ride. Some stories were really tough, while others gave me hope. These stories are eye-opening and really impactful!
The story “Ma is Scared” is about a mother’s worries for her daughter as she faces the challenges of the world.
If you like short stories about strong women and real-life issues, you’ll love this book. It’s great, and I highly recommend it!❤️
June 20, 2023
Ma Is Scared is a collection of short stories, centralising the experiences of most Indian women. Each of the stories have similar themes but are all different in their execution and completely unique. At times it could be triggering as I can totally relate in each one of them. Most of the stories are thought provoking
I enjoyed reading every single one and would recommend it. This is a book full of brave, strong and absolutely beautiful women.
There’s one story that totally resonate with me and that’s the newspaper. It reflected on my mental health when I was pregnant with my second child I was suffering with perinatal depression so everything around me triggered me especially the news. I shut down all my social media and email accounts thinking someone was out to get me. I can totally relate with her Ma. All the worries and heartaches that’s happening around us. It hurts especially if you have children and this is the world we are leaving to them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 amazing stars
I enjoyed reading every single one and would recommend it. This is a book full of brave, strong and absolutely beautiful women.
There’s one story that totally resonate with me and that’s the newspaper. It reflected on my mental health when I was pregnant with my second child I was suffering with perinatal depression so everything around me triggered me especially the news. I shut down all my social media and email accounts thinking someone was out to get me. I can totally relate with her Ma. All the worries and heartaches that’s happening around us. It hurts especially if you have children and this is the world we are leaving to them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 amazing stars
July 26, 2024
Ma is Scared, a collection of ten short stories exploring the themes of the presence of women in society, the caste system and many more similar sub themes.
The book is a fairly short read since it comprises only 150 pages, thus you can finish it off easily. The question that arises is, is the book worth your time?
Well, I'm someone who has read a considerable amount of fiction set in India, in English as well as in Hindi. I did not connect deeply with this book. The stories despite being good, the writing did not impress me. While I understand that it might have been a cause of their translations from Hindi to English.
However, even if we talk about only the stories, they somewhere failed to leave a mark. I liked the stories momentarily but they lacked depth that would have enabled me to connect with the characters.
In Conclusion, I feel a three star is a justified rating for the book, owing the stories it tells. However, I feel the essence got lost in the translation.
The book is a fairly short read since it comprises only 150 pages, thus you can finish it off easily. The question that arises is, is the book worth your time?
Well, I'm someone who has read a considerable amount of fiction set in India, in English as well as in Hindi. I did not connect deeply with this book. The stories despite being good, the writing did not impress me. While I understand that it might have been a cause of their translations from Hindi to English.
However, even if we talk about only the stories, they somewhere failed to leave a mark. I liked the stories momentarily but they lacked depth that would have enabled me to connect with the characters.
In Conclusion, I feel a three star is a justified rating for the book, owing the stories it tells. However, I feel the essence got lost in the translation.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews