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Truth or Dare
‘Right now, someone else’s life was in his hands. He couldn’t say whether it was a few seconds or minutes that they both stood staring at each other, but he had never been so scared in his life.’ In Truth or Dare we follow, spell-bound, as chance encounters bring violent pasts roaring into the present; we wait on tenterhooks as a woman sits by her husband’s hospital bed as both their lives hang in the balance; we watch anxiously as a homeless man begs a woman with her life and career stretching ahead of her not to jump to her death. By turns comedic, heart-wrenching and moving, these stories paint powerful pictures of pain, love and empathy, and celebrate the power we have over one another. From the rain-soaked waterways of London to the bustling streets of Dhaka, Truth or Dare is a stunning collection that spans two continents and sees the best and worst in both.
- GenresShort StoriesBangladesh
212 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 30, 2018
These stories draw you in, hold you, speak to you, tell you secrets, and show you worlds, and then let you go at just the point when you can't stop thinking about them. Each one is a journey, each story a gem. Short fiction has a new torchbearer in Nadia Kabir Barb and this remarkable debut is the just the beginning, I hope.
April 18, 2020
This was a book of short stories I had been meaning to read for the past few months. I finally got round to it - when I brought it along on my vacation hoping to finish it. I am definitely glad I did - for I truly enjoyed the stories and it also made me feel like reviewing it.
There are twelve stories - some set in Dhaka, and some in London; each one deserves credit for being very well-written, indeed (some more than others: my favourites being “Can You See Me?”, “Don’t Shoot the Messenger”, “The Truth About Sam”, “My Father’s Daughter”, “The Descent”). These tales show the realities of life in their various forms and shapes.
The lives of people with different backgrounds, different personalities and different circumstances, unfold as we eagerly flip the pages. The effortless style and the fluidity in which the characters’ deep feelings are conveyed, make us realise that the author’s voice is genuinely one of concern, of compassion. There is no pretence, no attempt to impress, so to speak.
The first story, aptly called “Can You See Me?”, begins with a sad fact of many people’s lives - one we actually do not see (or, do not want to see). Told simply, it is poignant - and has a brilliant ending. This story created the perfect mood for me to carry on with my reading.
“Inside the Bird Cage”, presents a common scenario in many a Bangladeshi home - But is presented in a very appealing way.
In “In Case I Die”, the narrator has had a stroke and is very close to dying. This state of being is very incisively and convincingly described.
“Truth or Dare” is a touching depiction of a solid friendship.
I loved the way some of Nadia Barb’s stories end - as though she wants readers to carry them ahead in their own minds: “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” is an example. “The Truth About Sam” has an interesting twist, one that is put forth endearingly.
“The Enlightenment of Rahim Baksh” reflects a glaring truth about people’s natural aspirations and life’s unwelcome jolts.
“My father’s Daughter” talks about a sensitive issue regarding parents and their offspring.
“Broken” is about the life and emotions of a young prostitute and “Let Me Go” is about accepting harsh facts of life - and sometimes becoming harsh in the process.
“The Descent” is a very moving tale, another validation that life can be very cruel.
The first story in the book is about a homeless man in London city and the last “The Lives of Others”, is about a man who lives on the streets of Dhaka. Both are the products of an observant discerning and perceptive story-teller’s creative prowess. However, on a personal note, perhaps the next collection could have some stories involving joy and optimism?
The writer’s wonderfully-crafted language and commendable flair make the characters’ emotions: their dreams, their fears, their disappointments, etc., recognisable and easy to empathise with. The plots are refreshingly different.
The soul-stirring narrations as one engaging story follows another, makes “Truth or Dare” a very worthwhile read. As we finish reading each story, we feel that we understand a little more about human nature, even though we experience a sense of loss at the same time.
There are twelve stories - some set in Dhaka, and some in London; each one deserves credit for being very well-written, indeed (some more than others: my favourites being “Can You See Me?”, “Don’t Shoot the Messenger”, “The Truth About Sam”, “My Father’s Daughter”, “The Descent”). These tales show the realities of life in their various forms and shapes.
The lives of people with different backgrounds, different personalities and different circumstances, unfold as we eagerly flip the pages. The effortless style and the fluidity in which the characters’ deep feelings are conveyed, make us realise that the author’s voice is genuinely one of concern, of compassion. There is no pretence, no attempt to impress, so to speak.
The first story, aptly called “Can You See Me?”, begins with a sad fact of many people’s lives - one we actually do not see (or, do not want to see). Told simply, it is poignant - and has a brilliant ending. This story created the perfect mood for me to carry on with my reading.
“Inside the Bird Cage”, presents a common scenario in many a Bangladeshi home - But is presented in a very appealing way.
In “In Case I Die”, the narrator has had a stroke and is very close to dying. This state of being is very incisively and convincingly described.
“Truth or Dare” is a touching depiction of a solid friendship.
I loved the way some of Nadia Barb’s stories end - as though she wants readers to carry them ahead in their own minds: “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” is an example. “The Truth About Sam” has an interesting twist, one that is put forth endearingly.
“The Enlightenment of Rahim Baksh” reflects a glaring truth about people’s natural aspirations and life’s unwelcome jolts.
“My father’s Daughter” talks about a sensitive issue regarding parents and their offspring.
“Broken” is about the life and emotions of a young prostitute and “Let Me Go” is about accepting harsh facts of life - and sometimes becoming harsh in the process.
“The Descent” is a very moving tale, another validation that life can be very cruel.
The first story in the book is about a homeless man in London city and the last “The Lives of Others”, is about a man who lives on the streets of Dhaka. Both are the products of an observant discerning and perceptive story-teller’s creative prowess. However, on a personal note, perhaps the next collection could have some stories involving joy and optimism?
The writer’s wonderfully-crafted language and commendable flair make the characters’ emotions: their dreams, their fears, their disappointments, etc., recognisable and easy to empathise with. The plots are refreshingly different.
The soul-stirring narrations as one engaging story follows another, makes “Truth or Dare” a very worthwhile read. As we finish reading each story, we feel that we understand a little more about human nature, even though we experience a sense of loss at the same time.
August 26, 2023
The South Asian immigrant experience is not a monolith. It is vast and varied, fragmented by religions, regions and personal experience, straddling Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. And yet a thread of commonality runs through it, a subtle familiarity, a warm embrace of shared values. There was much that was familiar in Nadia Barb's Truth or Dare, the thwarted lives of women as portrayed in The Bird Cage and Broken. Whether it is a daughter-in-law or a prostitute, often, women are voiceless creatures whose only agency comes from men in close proximity, such as their husbands or their drivers, who might or might not be inclined to save them. And yet, there was also a universality to her cast of characters, like the three siblings in Don't Shoot the Messenger, discussing the imminent break-up of their parents' marriage. There are profound ruminations in stories like Living with the Dead, in which the transient nature of life and indeed joy is explored. The nature of life, its precariousness, its randomness, and its inherent reversals of fortune become a leitmotif across the stories, and is explored with great sensitivity in Can You See Me? Nadia's felicity with the written word makes this collection of short stories a wonderful read on a cold winter's night tucked in with a blanket in front of a roaring fire. And don't we have enough of those nights in Britain?
September 12, 2024
If you’re into stories that hit you right in the feels, *Truth or Dare* by Nadia Kabir Barb is a must-read. This collection of short stories is like a rollercoaster of emotions, taking you from the rain-soaked streets of London to the bustling life of Dhaka. Each tale dives deep into the messiness of life—love, loss, fear, and everything in between.
Nadia’s writing is on point. She creates characters that are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Whether it's the tension of a life-and-death moment or the quiet despair of a forgotten past, every story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s the kind of book where you finish one story and can’t help but jump right into the next.
What I love about this collection is how it switches gears between being heart-wrenching and surprisingly funny, sometimes in the same story. It’s a perfect mix that keeps you hooked and turning pages. Plus, the way Nadia captures different cultures and experiences adds a richness that makes these stories unforgettable.
If short stories are your thing—or even if they’re not—*Truth or Dare* is one collection you don’t want to miss. It’s powerful, it’s emotional, and it’s going to stick with you long after you’re done.
Nadia’s writing is on point. She creates characters that are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Whether it's the tension of a life-and-death moment or the quiet despair of a forgotten past, every story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s the kind of book where you finish one story and can’t help but jump right into the next.
What I love about this collection is how it switches gears between being heart-wrenching and surprisingly funny, sometimes in the same story. It’s a perfect mix that keeps you hooked and turning pages. Plus, the way Nadia captures different cultures and experiences adds a richness that makes these stories unforgettable.
If short stories are your thing—or even if they’re not—*Truth or Dare* is one collection you don’t want to miss. It’s powerful, it’s emotional, and it’s going to stick with you long after you’re done.
September 21, 2023
This is a brilliant debut collection from a talented writer. I started reading it on the tube and actually missed my stop. It is THAT engrossing. Grab a copy today. Highly recommended!
October 22, 2023
A sensitive and poignant collection of short stories dealing with love, loss and displacement. This collection of short stories is an important addition to the canon of British South Asian writing.
October 12, 2023
Eighteen short stories written by Nadia Kabir Barb - each one different and all beautifully written. You are transported to two different parts of the world, London and Dhaka, meeting different characters facing different situations with unexpected endings.
This book simultaneously made me laugh and cry. I’m really looking forward to reading more stories from this author.
This book simultaneously made me laugh and cry. I’m really looking forward to reading more stories from this author.
February 12, 2026
It took me a year and a half to finish this book. Each story was so strong that I was satiated after reading one. I took week- or month-long breaks before picking up the book again. I enjoyed the dark themes and ironic twists. I got through most of the book before I lost my brother to a heart attack. Picking up the book less than two months after his death, I found the themes of the some of the last stories painful. The descriptions visceral. But I enjoyed them nonetheless.
I have savored this book over 18 months, and now I'm sad that it's over.
I have savored this book over 18 months, and now I'm sad that it's over.
February 1, 2024
Each one of these stories is a delicious little morsel. Each one ends too soon.
I’m not usually a fan of short stories but each of these is so right. A brilliant little read. Recommended.
I’m not usually a fan of short stories but each of these is so right. A brilliant little read. Recommended.
August 19, 2024
Truth or Dare is a collection of 18 short stories by Nadia Kabir Barb (Renard Press), weaving between the settings of London and Bangladesh to feature complex and diverse characters all facing a truth or dare moment in their lives. From the opening story ‘Can You See Me?’ I knew I was in for a heart-wrenching read … where I couldn’t predict the outcomes. I lost count of the stories where the endings took a surprising direction, or more unexpectedly left the reader gasping for closure, offering no neat conclusion – which is a brave move from the author but one she pulls off with skill. The final story ‘The Skin You Wear’ (I completed reading the collection early August 2024) is horribly topical, and sadly relevant to our contemporary world, where the ending left me breathless with fear, and I can’t stop thinking about the narrator or her fate …
There is dark comedy, compassion, brutal honesty and gut-punching storylines in this remarkable collection. Highly recommended.
There is dark comedy, compassion, brutal honesty and gut-punching storylines in this remarkable collection. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2024
I find that short form literary fiction sometimes amounts to little more than mood pieces, light on any real character, and with no plot to speak of. Not so in this book. Over 18 perfectly formed stories, Nadia Kabir Barb throws the reader into a variety of dramas both big and small, with characters from all walks of life. Taking us from London to Dhaka and back again, the stories are insightful, funny, empathetic and sharply observed. Most of all, they are compelling and beautifully crafted. I loved the fact that I never knew what to expect from the next story, only that I would enjoy it. A collection to savour.
April 4, 2025
4.5★
Nadia’s collection of short stories is a beautiful blend of humor, sadness, thought-provoking moments, and heartwarming reflections. My heart was on a rollercoaster from the very first story. I loved traveling between Bangladesh and the UK, exploring narratives that touch on culture, identity, and class.
Each story is a journey, navigating themes of loss, love, fear, self-worth, and the complexities of life. The messages they leave behind are powerful and moving—whether it’s the little boy just home from school, the homeless man on the bridge, the unappreciated housewife, or the Londoner visiting her family in Dhaka. These characters feel real, and you can see parts of yourself in them.
The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity—ordinary yet deeply relatable stories, told with such grace. Anyone can pick it up, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
Nadia’s collection of short stories is a beautiful blend of humor, sadness, thought-provoking moments, and heartwarming reflections. My heart was on a rollercoaster from the very first story. I loved traveling between Bangladesh and the UK, exploring narratives that touch on culture, identity, and class.
Each story is a journey, navigating themes of loss, love, fear, self-worth, and the complexities of life. The messages they leave behind are powerful and moving—whether it’s the little boy just home from school, the homeless man on the bridge, the unappreciated housewife, or the Londoner visiting her family in Dhaka. These characters feel real, and you can see parts of yourself in them.
The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity—ordinary yet deeply relatable stories, told with such grace. Anyone can pick it up, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
March 26, 2024
These are sublime stories, quiet, acutely observant of the human condition and filled with empathy. They toggle between Dhaka and London, male and female voices, between childhood and old age, to paint a picture of contemporary life caught between the decisions, desires and destiny that showcase the extraordinary in seemingly ordinary lives. Absolutely loved this collection!
April 18, 2024
Truth or Dare is a stunning selection of short stories that I devoured in a single sitting. Such a beautiful, heartbreaking but compassionate collection. For all the cultural differences between its principal locations of Dhaka and London, the human condition is universal. And the truth doesn’t always set you free. Absolutely brilliant!
March 11, 2026
This book is one of those that you can hardly put down, each story is a life lesson, each one has something special! I recommend it with all my heart, it's worth reading and you will definitely fall in love with it, you can see how much soul and love the author put into each story!❤️🤗
February 25, 2024
A good selection of short stories. Nice to dip in and out of, all with an Indian cultural reference. Some quite startling some very subtle - all worth a read.
April 11, 2024
This was a fantastic book of short stories. Each one really putting you into the shoes of the main character. I loved all of the snippets of Bangladeshi life, and the gut punching twists of fate. The first story in the book especially will stay with me. This is definitely a collection I will come back to. Really well written.
June 19, 2024
Loved this book! Each story was so interesting and couldn’t put it down the whole time I was reading it
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews