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One Point Two Billion by Mahesh Rao
There are 1.2 billion people living in India; more than 1.2 billion stories in one country.Traversing thirteen Indian states, One Point Two Billion illuminates the exhilarating diversity of the second most populous nation in the world.A man living on a tea plantation in the Nilgiri Hills realises he s in love with his daughter-in-law; a young family eagerly awaits the launch of Shakti-Cola; a chronically anxious yoga retreat manager struggles with the demands of her enlightenment-seeking Western patrons; and a family legacy hangs in the balance when a horrifying discovery is unearthed on their Rajasthani estate.Filled with biting humour and laced with subtlety and emotion, the stories in this mesmerising collection offer glimpses into the loves, triumphs, and tragedies of everyday life in a world torn between tradition and the shock of modernity.
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First published October 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 3, 2015
Truly excellent stories, within the limits of the genre that denies it is a genre: prize-oriented lit-fic. They have the usual genre stigmata, such as not describing key events (being forced to guess them makes judges feel clever and superior, though the trick goes back to Hemingway ... this reader is mainly irritated); unhappy or at least ambiguous endings; and above all the idea that nobody has any idea what others are thinking and feeling.
As a social species we're actually quite good at 'theory of mind' (guessing what others are thinking and feeling). We're not perfect — I cannot imaginatively grasp my wife's love of beetroot — but we do fairly well, particularly face to face, with all the cues of intonation, body language, and so on. The assumption that we're hopeless at it is too pessimistic ... especially given what the author is up to. It is axiomatic to this kind of story that the author does know the character's inner feelings, superbly well, and moreover can convey them to the reader by an impoverished set of cues: words in print, with no intonation, no body language, no scowls or subtle smiles. Huh? A good writer can indeed do that, but this undercuts the basic assumption of the genre.
As a social species we're actually quite good at 'theory of mind' (guessing what others are thinking and feeling). We're not perfect — I cannot imaginatively grasp my wife's love of beetroot — but we do fairly well, particularly face to face, with all the cues of intonation, body language, and so on. The assumption that we're hopeless at it is too pessimistic ... especially given what the author is up to. It is axiomatic to this kind of story that the author does know the character's inner feelings, superbly well, and moreover can convey them to the reader by an impoverished set of cues: words in print, with no intonation, no body language, no scowls or subtle smiles. Huh? A good writer can indeed do that, but this undercuts the basic assumption of the genre.
February 28, 2016
Before I started the book I was wondering if the title was a little too big for a collection of short stories. It isn't.
August 29, 2022
Rao does a great job of capturing a wide spread of characters and stories, each differs widely from the previous. Although I anticipated a short story novel, the slices of life in this book felt a little too short and impersonal. I wish we could a few more pages on each character and closer understanding of why they do what they do. Especially with some of the twists in the short stories, as a reader you’re left feeling mostly confused and asking yourself “wait, why did they do that?”
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March 3, 2016Really enjoyed the variety of setting, character and tone. There's a superb underlying humour to these stories, and some lovely prose too.
February 25, 2016
Average. Not recommended.
February 2, 2023
A collection of stories that reflect a few of the many stories in a culture that I am new to. I wanted some of the stories to go on, but I was also excited to get to the next one. A wondrous read.
February 20, 2023
These are very well written, albeit a bit sketchy, but of course that is something you expect because this is a book of short stories. Each one of these then, as some one pointed out, can be fleshed out some more to novel length. They are very good "story ideas" as opposed to being standalone stories - but then again you could say that of most short stories. They leave you wanting for more in their incompleteness.
What is impressive is that every one of these is from a different part of the country, leading you to think that the author has traveled a lot for his research or knows a lot - these days that is not very difficult - armchair research is easy to do. So it could be both, one or the other or neither. I don't know. This was a first for me from Mahesh Rao. I have not googled him down, read about him or his interviews but this one was a nice enough read. So, maybe I will one of these days. I thought that one story that won an award of some sort was a tad too abstract but that is probably just me. Or award committees handing out prizes to things they don't understand. There is more than one way to intimidate... So whaddaya know!
What is impressive is that every one of these is from a different part of the country, leading you to think that the author has traveled a lot for his research or knows a lot - these days that is not very difficult - armchair research is easy to do. So it could be both, one or the other or neither. I don't know. This was a first for me from Mahesh Rao. I have not googled him down, read about him or his interviews but this one was a nice enough read. So, maybe I will one of these days. I thought that one story that won an award of some sort was a tad too abstract but that is probably just me. Or award committees handing out prizes to things they don't understand. There is more than one way to intimidate... So whaddaya know!
May 24, 2023
I loved this collection of 13 vastly different but equally entertaining short stories set in India. I am not usually a short story reader, and this book is the perfect example of why - these stories were all fantastic but I just wanted them all to be so much longer (the problem is me, not the stories).
Each of these stories is vividly written and even within the confines of ~ 15 pages Rao manages to create interesting, nuanced characters and page turning storylines that are so gripping that you forget you are not reading a novel. I was disappointed when every story ended and surprised at the incredibly evocative picture painted by each one.
This has definitely put Mahesh Rao on my radar, I will be exploring his other full-length books in the future, and maybe I will be more open to reading other short story collections too.
Each of these stories is vividly written and even within the confines of ~ 15 pages Rao manages to create interesting, nuanced characters and page turning storylines that are so gripping that you forget you are not reading a novel. I was disappointed when every story ended and surprised at the incredibly evocative picture painted by each one.
This has definitely put Mahesh Rao on my radar, I will be exploring his other full-length books in the future, and maybe I will be more open to reading other short story collections too.
April 23, 2018
Perhaps, one of the best collections of short stories that I've read from an Indian author in English. I truly wish he brings out more such collections in the future. His storytelling abilities are unparallaled. I've become a fan of his short stories.
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October 31, 2025read: eternal bliss (31.10.25)
December 31, 2020
3.5 stars
March 8, 2017
A diverse collection of short stories.
December 13, 2015
This is a truly staggering range of stories. The diversity in locales/people/settings that Mahesh Rao brings in this truly eclectic collection is awe inspiring. What struck me as remarkable was the ease with which he inhabits each of these stories with such diverse characters. His research and deep understanding of human nature shines through in this collection. From the conditions of a migrant labourer in the hinterlands of our country to the growing up troubles of a teenager amidst the steel and glass glitter of Gurgaon, from the melancholic pain of a lonely worrisome woman in Mysore to the brutal reality of state imposed curfew of Kashmir, this collection is a glimpse into the range of people that inhabit our country.
These could be the thirteen voices of any of those one point two billion voices that go unheard.
These could be the thirteen voices of any of those one point two billion voices that go unheard.
February 28, 2016
Every story in this great collection astounds and shocks with a depth that is a surprise in this short form. Besides, there is a subtle humour that graces all the stories without making them funny or frivolous. And of course, the sheer breadth of the stories is unbelievable. What I loved the most about this book is the various shades of grey that its characters are painted in.
April 7, 2018
Such a fine writer, such a dull book. That's what I thought as I read the first couple of stories. But after reading a few more, I realised I was expecting too much, and that the book is actually a lovely read. Some stories may get boring, but there are gems of fiction in there as well.
January 11, 2016
A beautifully crafted book. Rao has got me back into short stories. This is a superb collection... Highly recommended for bedtime reading!
December 29, 2015
Velskrevne noveller og novelletter fra svært forskjellige miljøer og samfunnsklasser i India, men oftest for skisseaktige til ordentlig å gripe tak i en.
January 22, 2016
Not at all what I was expecting. The stories lacked cohesion but individually were engaging.
June 5, 2016
Rao's range of subjects and his ability to describe them is amazing. Looking forward to reading more from him.
August 8, 2016
Just loved it..every single story left me craving for more. I wish they were longer..wish they were books in themselves..
February 4, 2017
A light read
Engaging despite the short effervescent stories that this book constitutes. A light read that touches the soul. Passes a powerful message in each storyline.
Engaging despite the short effervescent stories that this book constitutes. A light read that touches the soul. Passes a powerful message in each storyline.
January 5, 2016
Quite readable, but nothing that will make you reach for his next book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews