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AMALTAS
Sitting on a bench under the magnificent yellow canopy of the enchanting Amaltas is a young woman tormented by an inferiority complex and struggling to survive an abusive relationship, a reticent receptionist in search of prince charming among the hotel guests and a gritty single mom looking forward to life with her soul mate, the tree in her garden. Giving them company on the other benches is a lovelorn young girl looking for true love, a middle-aged married couple on a sexual odyssey and an orthodox family scouting for a groom for their daughter in a cafe. Standing around them are two Palestinian brothers conjuring up an outrageous plan to cheat destiny, a mother on a quest for her daughter’s wedding gharara looted in the riots, a desperate daughter of an ailing father with an offer she can’t refuse and an ageing doctor struggling to find time and space to mourn the loss of life and love amid the pandemic. Sitting on the ground over the yellow-green carpet of grass and Amaltas flowers is an assortment of common people with poignant yet profound #UltraShortStories. Do these people sound familiar to you? Would you like to know them better? Hear their audacious tales? Sit with them for a while under the alluring Amaltas. Amaltas is a collection of ‘Slice of Life’ short stories inspired by true stories.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 6, 2023
A Kaleidoscope of Human Emotions
'Amaltas' by Hermit Pen, published by The alcove publishers is a thought-provoking collection of 12 short stories and 43 ultra-short stories that provide an insightful glimpse into a wide spectrum of contemporary human experiences. With a diverse range of themes and narratives, Hermit Pen invites readers to explore the intricacies of modern life and the emotional challenges that come with it.
One of the most captivating stories (and my Favourite) within 'Amaltas' centers on the two brothers and their families enduring the harrowing existence in the Gaza Strip. Hermit Pen skillfully captures the precarious lives of these characters amidst the relentless bombardment, highlighting their deep-seated concerns to protect their loved ones. This story is a testament to the author's ability to infuse raw emotion and authenticity into their narratives.
The collection encompasses a mixture of themes, from inter-caste and inter-religion marriages to divorce, homosexuality, sexual fantasies, and casual hookups. 'Amaltas' bravely confronts these often-taboo subjects, shedding light on the complex emotional landscapes of modern life. The stories also touch upon the profound impact of riots and the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and their relationships, making the collection even more relevant and relatable.
One of the strengths of 'Amaltas' lies in its ability to maintain the reader's attention with crisp storytelling. However, there are moments when a few characters may come across as overly dramatic, which can briefly detract from the realism of the stories. Additionally, given the depth of human emotions explored, the subtle nuances and feelings could have been more deeply defined. Some stories conclude just as the reader begins to connect with the characters, leaving a desire for a more profound exploration of their emotional journey.
'Amaltas' by Hermit Pen is an engaging collection of stories that skillfully dissects the intricacies of human emotions and relationships with finesse. This collection is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and its ability to weather the storms of modern life.
'Amaltas' by Hermit Pen, published by The alcove publishers is a thought-provoking collection of 12 short stories and 43 ultra-short stories that provide an insightful glimpse into a wide spectrum of contemporary human experiences. With a diverse range of themes and narratives, Hermit Pen invites readers to explore the intricacies of modern life and the emotional challenges that come with it.
One of the most captivating stories (and my Favourite) within 'Amaltas' centers on the two brothers and their families enduring the harrowing existence in the Gaza Strip. Hermit Pen skillfully captures the precarious lives of these characters amidst the relentless bombardment, highlighting their deep-seated concerns to protect their loved ones. This story is a testament to the author's ability to infuse raw emotion and authenticity into their narratives.
The collection encompasses a mixture of themes, from inter-caste and inter-religion marriages to divorce, homosexuality, sexual fantasies, and casual hookups. 'Amaltas' bravely confronts these often-taboo subjects, shedding light on the complex emotional landscapes of modern life. The stories also touch upon the profound impact of riots and the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and their relationships, making the collection even more relevant and relatable.
One of the strengths of 'Amaltas' lies in its ability to maintain the reader's attention with crisp storytelling. However, there are moments when a few characters may come across as overly dramatic, which can briefly detract from the realism of the stories. Additionally, given the depth of human emotions explored, the subtle nuances and feelings could have been more deeply defined. Some stories conclude just as the reader begins to connect with the characters, leaving a desire for a more profound exploration of their emotional journey.
'Amaltas' by Hermit Pen is an engaging collection of stories that skillfully dissects the intricacies of human emotions and relationships with finesse. This collection is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and its ability to weather the storms of modern life.
November 19, 2023
Amaltas, by Hermit Pen
An Amaltas tree is the most divine sight on a hot summer day and provides comfort to the eyes. But unlike the Amaltas tree, Amaltas, a collection of short stories, shakes you from your comfort zone. The characters are normal people and do not indulge in heroics. We all have some shades of grey within us and all the characters display those. Amaltas also holds a mirror to the society. Every character follows a trajectory to reach their destiny.
The story about the health workers during Covid, Borrowed Breaths, is heart wrenching. We have all lost a loved one to Covid and the author makes you relive the pain. The story reflects the emotions of the health workers who were in the middle of it. Unlike us they did not have the privilege to mourn or grieve. It was also during Covid that while we all masked up, some masks fell off. A Mask for my Soul hits hard.
The story Ugly is a sneak peep into how we push our girls towards having a low self-esteem. Poonam the protagonist goes through a tumultuous emotional journey because of the misconceptions created by the societal norms. Poonam’s downfall glaringly calls out the pressure we put on our girls but I wish the author had also documented her resurrection in detail.
The stories explore the loneliness faced by the new age women and also how sometimes the choices they make keeping in mind only the near future and the repercussions of these choices.
The story that left me numb was Gharara. A difficult incident narrated with such subtlety and sensitivity. No harsh words used by the author yet the story scars your soul.
Amaltas is a beautiful amalgamation of human relationships and emotions, often hard hitting. Much like what the legendary Manto said in one of his quotes “If you cannot bear these stories then the society is unbearable. Who am I to remove the clothes of this society, which itself is naked? I don't even try to cover it, because it is not my job, that's the job of dressmakers.”; Amaltas comes close to it.
An Amaltas tree is the most divine sight on a hot summer day and provides comfort to the eyes. But unlike the Amaltas tree, Amaltas, a collection of short stories, shakes you from your comfort zone. The characters are normal people and do not indulge in heroics. We all have some shades of grey within us and all the characters display those. Amaltas also holds a mirror to the society. Every character follows a trajectory to reach their destiny.
The story about the health workers during Covid, Borrowed Breaths, is heart wrenching. We have all lost a loved one to Covid and the author makes you relive the pain. The story reflects the emotions of the health workers who were in the middle of it. Unlike us they did not have the privilege to mourn or grieve. It was also during Covid that while we all masked up, some masks fell off. A Mask for my Soul hits hard.
The story Ugly is a sneak peep into how we push our girls towards having a low self-esteem. Poonam the protagonist goes through a tumultuous emotional journey because of the misconceptions created by the societal norms. Poonam’s downfall glaringly calls out the pressure we put on our girls but I wish the author had also documented her resurrection in detail.
The stories explore the loneliness faced by the new age women and also how sometimes the choices they make keeping in mind only the near future and the repercussions of these choices.
The story that left me numb was Gharara. A difficult incident narrated with such subtlety and sensitivity. No harsh words used by the author yet the story scars your soul.
Amaltas is a beautiful amalgamation of human relationships and emotions, often hard hitting. Much like what the legendary Manto said in one of his quotes “If you cannot bear these stories then the society is unbearable. Who am I to remove the clothes of this society, which itself is naked? I don't even try to cover it, because it is not my job, that's the job of dressmakers.”; Amaltas comes close to it.
July 20, 2024
Book title :Amaltas
Author : Hermit Pen
Publisher : the Alcove
This is a thought provoking collection of short stories which captures the conflicting emotions of ordinary people very well.
Found the twelve stories crisp and engaging, with a unique narrative voice.
Though all the tales excel in character portrayal and bringing out emotional struggles, am listing my favourite five :-
1)Ugly- very relatable for most of us, it delves in to the effect and trauma of being judged on looks, which stays for life,leading to low self esteem and bad choices.
A very relevant topic in our ' looks obsessed society'
2)The receptionist- tackles the apparently interesting life of a receptionist in a hotel in Goa and the varying nature of her encounters with the umpteen guests visiting thr hotel. This portrayal beautifully outlines the ironic loneliness of the protagonist as people from all walks of life associate and disassociate with her at different levels.
3)The Dice of Destiny- a heartbreaking depiction of decisions taken by a father living in the fear of losing his family amidst the mindless violence in Gaza, this tale excels in bringing out the angst of war without resorting to gore or horrifying descriptions.
4)Amaltas- the story that gives the book its title is unique in every way. With a somewhat poetic stance it explores the relationship of the protagonist with the Amaltas tree in her garden.The slow pace and the mature handling makes this story worth remembering. The Amaltas tree is not merely a metaphor but seems to exist as an integral character in this story
Other ones that left an impression are Kink( the twist in the end is handled so well ) and Borrowed breaths( based on doctors and caregivers fighting Covid )
Winding up the collection with ultra short stories definitely adds to the book.
I applaud the author for the 'in depth' depiction of a myriad of emotions, the bold choice of themes and his sensitivity to have been able to see and etch the extraordinary out of the ordinary
Author : Hermit Pen
Publisher : the Alcove
This is a thought provoking collection of short stories which captures the conflicting emotions of ordinary people very well.
Found the twelve stories crisp and engaging, with a unique narrative voice.
Though all the tales excel in character portrayal and bringing out emotional struggles, am listing my favourite five :-
1)Ugly- very relatable for most of us, it delves in to the effect and trauma of being judged on looks, which stays for life,leading to low self esteem and bad choices.
A very relevant topic in our ' looks obsessed society'
2)The receptionist- tackles the apparently interesting life of a receptionist in a hotel in Goa and the varying nature of her encounters with the umpteen guests visiting thr hotel. This portrayal beautifully outlines the ironic loneliness of the protagonist as people from all walks of life associate and disassociate with her at different levels.
3)The Dice of Destiny- a heartbreaking depiction of decisions taken by a father living in the fear of losing his family amidst the mindless violence in Gaza, this tale excels in bringing out the angst of war without resorting to gore or horrifying descriptions.
4)Amaltas- the story that gives the book its title is unique in every way. With a somewhat poetic stance it explores the relationship of the protagonist with the Amaltas tree in her garden.The slow pace and the mature handling makes this story worth remembering. The Amaltas tree is not merely a metaphor but seems to exist as an integral character in this story
Other ones that left an impression are Kink( the twist in the end is handled so well ) and Borrowed breaths( based on doctors and caregivers fighting Covid )
Winding up the collection with ultra short stories definitely adds to the book.
I applaud the author for the 'in depth' depiction of a myriad of emotions, the bold choice of themes and his sensitivity to have been able to see and etch the extraordinary out of the ordinary
May 13, 2026
“AMALTAS” by Hermit Pen is a deeply moving collection of slice-of-life stories that quietly slips into your heart and lingers there long after the final page. Known for mastering the art of short and ultra-short storytelling, the author once again proves how powerful brevity can be.
Every story in this collection is concise yet emotionally layered, touching upon social realities without ever sounding preachy or forced. Instead, the narratives unfold naturally, drawing readers into worlds filled with grief, longing, hope, loneliness, love, and survival. The writing carries a melancholic beauty that feels both intimate and haunting, making every tale memorable in its own unique way.
What makes the collection truly remarkable is how ordinary people become unforgettable through the author’s compassionate storytelling. Whether it is the woman trapped in an abusive relationship beneath the blooming Amaltas tree, the lonely receptionist searching for love among strangers, or the single mother finding solace in the companionship of nature, each character feels painfully real. The stories reflect lives we often overlook in our everyday existence.
The beauty of “AMALTAS” lies in its simplicity and emotional honesty. For readers who appreciate meaningful short fiction that is emotionally resonant, socially relevant, and beautifully written, this book is an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Every story in this collection is concise yet emotionally layered, touching upon social realities without ever sounding preachy or forced. Instead, the narratives unfold naturally, drawing readers into worlds filled with grief, longing, hope, loneliness, love, and survival. The writing carries a melancholic beauty that feels both intimate and haunting, making every tale memorable in its own unique way.
What makes the collection truly remarkable is how ordinary people become unforgettable through the author’s compassionate storytelling. Whether it is the woman trapped in an abusive relationship beneath the blooming Amaltas tree, the lonely receptionist searching for love among strangers, or the single mother finding solace in the companionship of nature, each character feels painfully real. The stories reflect lives we often overlook in our everyday existence.
The beauty of “AMALTAS” lies in its simplicity and emotional honesty. For readers who appreciate meaningful short fiction that is emotionally resonant, socially relevant, and beautifully written, this book is an enriching and unforgettable experience.
October 29, 2023
I have known the author's work long before this book and writing short and ultra-short stories is his forte. The book doesn't disappoint either.
Amaltas is a collection of short stories and micro tales. Each story tackles some social issue without being preachy and before you know it the story is done... leaving you intrigued and making you sit back and think. Every story has its dose of melancholic psychedelia. There is grief, loneliness, sadness, excitement, brouhaha... every emotion taking the reader on its roller-coaster. Every character in each story has a role to play and that is commendable from a writer's point of view. Each story touches your heart but the one which held my interest the longest was the one about two brothers and their families in the war-torn Gaza...
The last segment is a cluster of micro tales... each holding on to your attention.
The book is a breezy read but stays with you long after you finish reading.
Amaltas is a collection of short stories and micro tales. Each story tackles some social issue without being preachy and before you know it the story is done... leaving you intrigued and making you sit back and think. Every story has its dose of melancholic psychedelia. There is grief, loneliness, sadness, excitement, brouhaha... every emotion taking the reader on its roller-coaster. Every character in each story has a role to play and that is commendable from a writer's point of view. Each story touches your heart but the one which held my interest the longest was the one about two brothers and their families in the war-torn Gaza...
The last segment is a cluster of micro tales... each holding on to your attention.
The book is a breezy read but stays with you long after you finish reading.
November 14, 2023
Tales of common people around us or even us. This is what Hermit Pen has presented in Amaltas. The sacrifice made by a women in fear of losing her love, the sacrifice made by parents in a war torn region, the unsuccessful search of love by a receptionist in a hotel or the women under the tree of Amaltas who has given up her entire life for others. The cruel twist of fate, the unexpected ray shining through the black clouds, the bodies and souls reaped by Covid, Hermit Pen has captured the feelings of exhilaration, helplessness, abject grief very well. The Twitter stories too pack within them a punch that shakes you to the core. The division within the society on religion,, sexual orientation, or the treatment of families towards the NRI "golden goose" , the impact of these mini stories is no less. Great collection of stories that you should read.
September 2, 2024
Heartfelt, with a pen dipped in tears and blood.
Hermit Pen pens tales of riots, domestic violence, Hindu-Muslim rivalry. Tales about women who are vulnerable, wronged, unashamed of living a path less trodden; women who dare to err, to fight lonely battles, who embrace their sexuality.
There is also unexpected humor where Gabru-Thakur tale becomes a prequel to Sholay!
In addition, there is a cluster of Ultrashort stories. Presenting one of my fav – ‘The curse of interfaith marriage followed her even after her death. Both crematorium and graveyard refused, as she wasn’t one of their own.’
Definitely a brave plethora soulfully written.
Hermit Pen pens tales of riots, domestic violence, Hindu-Muslim rivalry. Tales about women who are vulnerable, wronged, unashamed of living a path less trodden; women who dare to err, to fight lonely battles, who embrace their sexuality.
There is also unexpected humor where Gabru-Thakur tale becomes a prequel to Sholay!
In addition, there is a cluster of Ultrashort stories. Presenting one of my fav – ‘The curse of interfaith marriage followed her even after her death. Both crematorium and graveyard refused, as she wasn’t one of their own.’
Definitely a brave plethora soulfully written.
January 21, 2024
This gem is written by Hermit Pen, a collection of short and ultra-short stories. Each story is unique and carries a social message. The characters are well-crafted and symbolize the common man. Each tale is thought-provoking and mesmerizes the reader with its varied detailing. My favorite one is the story of two Palestinian brothers living in Gaza living at the edge and still trying to protect their families. The collection of ultra-short stories is amazing one can relate with some event in their life. A must-read, it will touch your heart and will remain with you for a longer time.
April 3, 2025
Week 3 book 2
Amaltas by HermitPen
Rating 4/5
A lovely collection of short stories centred around women that intrigue your mind and touch your heart. There's also a section of nano fiction - one line stories. Do read!
Amaltas by HermitPen
Rating 4/5
A lovely collection of short stories centred around women that intrigue your mind and touch your heart. There's also a section of nano fiction - one line stories. Do read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews