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The Greatest Indian Stories Ever Told
The Greatest Indian Stories Ever Told is a selection of some of the finest literary short fiction written by Indian writers since the genre came into being in the country in the late nineteenth century. Including early masters of the form, contemporary stars, as well as brilliant writers who came of age in the twenty-first century, this anthology takes in its sweep stories from the various regions, languages, and literatures of India. These authors are some of the most feted in the annals of Indian literature and have, between them, won virtually every major literary prize on offer—including the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Jnanpith Award, the Sahitya Akademi Award, and numerous state, national, and international honours.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2023
28 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Arunava Sinha
107 books231 followersArunava Sinha translates classic, modern and contemporary Bengali fiction and nonfiction into English.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 2, 2023
I don’t know how @alephbookco does it but they release one excellent book after the other. This chunky book is another great collectible item that you can adorn your bookshelf with. And undoubtedly the best part of this book is the selection and editing done by the renowned author/translator, Arunava Sinha. I’ve read many books translated by him and none of them had any lost in translation situations. And so when I heard that he carefully handpicked the fifty stories that were to be a part of this book, I immediately jumped at it.
This book is diverse in every sense because not only does it feature stories by authors both old and new, it also comprises stories of different languages. From Rabindranath Tagore to Mahashwetha Devi, to Ruskin Bond, I was delighted to see all of their phenomenal work included in the book. The book may appear intimidating, what with its size but I finished reading it in no time. Spanning across time, @arunavasinha has cleverly brought together tales that makes Indian literature shine. I’ve also had the pleasure to discover some new stories through this book. Presenting such rich stories under one umbrella correctly signifies why Indian literature cannot be put under a single category. The prose has a richness to it and emotions brim in many chapters.
But mostly it was the cover that caught my eye. It’s vibrant, much like the contents within it. This is most definitely another hit by Aleph. Thank you for the copy @alephbookco ✨
This book is diverse in every sense because not only does it feature stories by authors both old and new, it also comprises stories of different languages. From Rabindranath Tagore to Mahashwetha Devi, to Ruskin Bond, I was delighted to see all of their phenomenal work included in the book. The book may appear intimidating, what with its size but I finished reading it in no time. Spanning across time, @arunavasinha has cleverly brought together tales that makes Indian literature shine. I’ve also had the pleasure to discover some new stories through this book. Presenting such rich stories under one umbrella correctly signifies why Indian literature cannot be put under a single category. The prose has a richness to it and emotions brim in many chapters.
But mostly it was the cover that caught my eye. It’s vibrant, much like the contents within it. This is most definitely another hit by Aleph. Thank you for the copy @alephbookco ✨
February 27, 2024
This book is a treasure trove of Indian stories that showcase the diversity, creativity, and excellence of Indian writers. From the classics to the contemporary, from the realistic to the fantastical, from the humorous to the tragic, this anthology covers a wide range of themes, genres, and styles that reflect the richness of Indian culture and history. The stories are masterfully crafted, engaging, and insightful, revealing the human condition in all its complexity and beauty. The authors are some of the most celebrated and influential in Indian literature, and their stories have left an indelible mark on the world of letters. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves stories and wants to discover the best of Indian literature.
August 30, 2023
Another fantastic book by @aleph is a collection of some of the finest fiction written by Indian writers. Author’s, translations have made it impossible for me to put down. And I am persuaded that Aleph's 'best stories series' is giving me some intriguing collectable pieces of work that I would not have read otherwise. It features stories by Ruskin Bond, Tagore, and many more authors that you would enjoy reading.
July 29, 2023
Starting at the start the most significant part of this book for was the introduction by Sinha, the way he elucidates the process of selecting from numerous unncountable stories these fifty is very relevant a point to avoid any second opinion and disputes regarding how only these could come up! I love the way he is taken in every point and included in this beautiful tome the vast diversity India represents as a country of multiple languages, expressions, culture and so much more.
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The book consists of some of the well known, cult stories like Tagore's Kabuliwallah, Sarat Chandra's Mahesh, Ruskin Bonds The Blue Umbrella to Khushwant's Singh's Portrait of a Lady.
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Amrita Pritam, Premendra Mitra, Mahasweta Devi, Kalki, R K Narayan and many more of India 's literary prize winners to find space here. Although I have read most of these stories especially the ones translated from my mother tongue - Bengali, as a collection, this is a gem.
As you go through it and pick any story at any point, you can be transported differently.
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I give kudos to the editor for the inclusivity and great way in which way the stories have been selected, as I mentioned there is one for every mood, time and emotion you can think of.
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The cover especially the interiors in the rich floral makes this book @alephbookco masterstroke I should say. The most collectible and giftable book of the year for me!
.
.
The book consists of some of the well known, cult stories like Tagore's Kabuliwallah, Sarat Chandra's Mahesh, Ruskin Bonds The Blue Umbrella to Khushwant's Singh's Portrait of a Lady.
.
Amrita Pritam, Premendra Mitra, Mahasweta Devi, Kalki, R K Narayan and many more of India 's literary prize winners to find space here. Although I have read most of these stories especially the ones translated from my mother tongue - Bengali, as a collection, this is a gem.
As you go through it and pick any story at any point, you can be transported differently.
.
I give kudos to the editor for the inclusivity and great way in which way the stories have been selected, as I mentioned there is one for every mood, time and emotion you can think of.
.
The cover especially the interiors in the rich floral makes this book @alephbookco masterstroke I should say. The most collectible and giftable book of the year for me!
.
January 2, 2026
Five stars for having a wide range of choices to rate the book on! I enjoyed using this as a filler between books this past year.
September 23, 2023
It is an exceptional anthology that celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian literature through the lens of short fiction. Curated with precision, it offers a profound exploration of the evolution of the short story genre in India since its inception in the late 19th century. The anthology brings together a stellar constellation of writers, spanning generations, regions, languages, & literary traditions, showcasing the depth & diversity of Indian storytelling.
One of the anthology's standout features is its inclusion of literary luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the global literary landscape. These writers have achieved acclaim on the grandest stages, with accolades such as the Nobel Prize for Literature, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, & a host of other prestigious national and international honors gracing their careers.
The collection ingeniously bridges the gap between classic and contemporary voices, offering readers a panoramic view of the literary journey that India has embarked upon. It allows readers to witness the transformation of themes, styles, and narrative techniques across the ages, making it a true literary time capsule.
What makes this anthology truly remarkable is its ability to transport readers to the heart of India's myriad cultures, landscapes, and traditions.
The stories themselves are gems of narrative craftsmanship, masterfully exploring a wide range of themes. The authors' skillful use of language, vivid imagery, and nuanced characterizations create a vivid and immersive reading experience.
In conclusion, it is a literary treasure trove that encapsulates the essence of Indian storytelling. It is a testament to the talent and creativity of Indian writers throughout the ages, and it provides readers with an opportunity to embark on an unforgettable literary odyssey. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a celebration of India's literary heritage and a testament to the enduring power of the short story as a medium of artistic expression. It deserves a place of honor on the bookshelves of readers and scholars alike, serving as a timeless tribute to the rich tradition of Indian literature.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
One of the anthology's standout features is its inclusion of literary luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the global literary landscape. These writers have achieved acclaim on the grandest stages, with accolades such as the Nobel Prize for Literature, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, & a host of other prestigious national and international honors gracing their careers.
The collection ingeniously bridges the gap between classic and contemporary voices, offering readers a panoramic view of the literary journey that India has embarked upon. It allows readers to witness the transformation of themes, styles, and narrative techniques across the ages, making it a true literary time capsule.
What makes this anthology truly remarkable is its ability to transport readers to the heart of India's myriad cultures, landscapes, and traditions.
The stories themselves are gems of narrative craftsmanship, masterfully exploring a wide range of themes. The authors' skillful use of language, vivid imagery, and nuanced characterizations create a vivid and immersive reading experience.
In conclusion, it is a literary treasure trove that encapsulates the essence of Indian storytelling. It is a testament to the talent and creativity of Indian writers throughout the ages, and it provides readers with an opportunity to embark on an unforgettable literary odyssey. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a celebration of India's literary heritage and a testament to the enduring power of the short story as a medium of artistic expression. It deserves a place of honor on the bookshelves of readers and scholars alike, serving as a timeless tribute to the rich tradition of Indian literature.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 19, 2025
The Greatest Indian Stories Ever told?
A collection of short and not so short stories from across regions and languages in India translated into English. The compiler/editor Arunava does a good thing at the end by not only crediting thr authors but also the translators.
Most of them don't seem to be stories but events that could have happened really. This is very much probable as the stories doesn't contain fantasy, myth or super hero content.
Human emotions in an Indian context and the fault lines of the Indian society are very nicely presented here.
Some of my favorites include Trishanku, Urvashi and Jhonny, The night of the full moon, The discovery of Telenapota (different style of writing), The Kabuliwallah (nobel laureate himself), Charlis and I (amazing plot twist).
The content is rich in diversity.
The book would have been better had the number of stories been cut short as I found some of them not good. Definitely they were not the greatest.
Overall a good first experience of reading a book which is collection of short stories.
A collection of short and not so short stories from across regions and languages in India translated into English. The compiler/editor Arunava does a good thing at the end by not only crediting thr authors but also the translators.
Most of them don't seem to be stories but events that could have happened really. This is very much probable as the stories doesn't contain fantasy, myth or super hero content.
Human emotions in an Indian context and the fault lines of the Indian society are very nicely presented here.
Some of my favorites include Trishanku, Urvashi and Jhonny, The night of the full moon, The discovery of Telenapota (different style of writing), The Kabuliwallah (nobel laureate himself), Charlis and I (amazing plot twist).
The content is rich in diversity.
The book would have been better had the number of stories been cut short as I found some of them not good. Definitely they were not the greatest.
Overall a good first experience of reading a book which is collection of short stories.
July 17, 2023
The Greatest Indian Stories Ever Told is a remarkable collection of short fiction, showcasing the finest works by renowned Indian authors.
Spanning from the late nineteenth century to the present day, this anthology includes literary masters, contemporary stars, and talented emerging writers.
Encompassing diverse regions, languages, and literary traditions of India, these celebrated authors have been honored with prestigious literary awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, and numerous other esteemed recognitions. This anthology truly represents the pinnacle of Indian literature and showcases the immense talent and cultural richness of the country.
Spanning from the late nineteenth century to the present day, this anthology includes literary masters, contemporary stars, and talented emerging writers.
Encompassing diverse regions, languages, and literary traditions of India, these celebrated authors have been honored with prestigious literary awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, and numerous other esteemed recognitions. This anthology truly represents the pinnacle of Indian literature and showcases the immense talent and cultural richness of the country.
July 18, 2023
From Rabindranath Tagore to Ruskin Bond, from Ismat Chugtai to Mahasweta Devi The greatest Indian stories ever told translated by Arunava Sinha and published by Aleph Book Company offers a tapestry of stories that brings together the fabric of Indianness.
Read the entire book review here 👇
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Read the entire book review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
January 14, 2025
I loved some of the stories, I would remember them for years to come. But for some of the other stories, I did not enjoy reading them as much. I found that most of the stories were either depressing due to the cruel portrayal of hunger and poverty, or had a gruesome death at the end. The author says that the collection of 50 stories represents a true picture of India. If that is the case, then it is appalling.
May 3, 2025
I finally finished reading all the 50 short stories from the April book of the month - The Greatest Indian Stories Ever Told - compiled by Arunava Sinha 😀
It took me in a journey of different times, situations and people 👍
In a short span was able to live through the lives of so many and got to know a little more about my fellow Indians 🙏
It took me in a journey of different times, situations and people 👍
In a short span was able to live through the lives of so many and got to know a little more about my fellow Indians 🙏
August 13, 2024
A true depiction of real India. The stories are heart wrenching. However, calling it the Greatest Indian stories is a bit misleading. I miss the inspiring stories from rural India in this book. Except for a few handful. Overall a great read.
November 21, 2025
The best part about a collection like this is the access it provides to writing in Indian languages through a unifying translation, thus exposing you to fabulous authors, Short stories, eras and places.
December 15, 2025
lovrly stories. must read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews