A collection of fifty-two short stories from a year-long exercise of writing one short story per weekend. The stories belong to various genres, are of varying lengths, and are set in the 1990s and beyond, with characters from urban cities to rural villages. An immigrant in UK in search of the perfect traditional feast that reminds her of home. A robotic guard bird who protects a nest full of chicks. A man seeks a better place with real plants and fruits as the world he lives in bans them. A streetside food vendor feeds her customers for free in memory of her dead son. A mysterious error in room number 404 in an apartment building. A writer tries to write despite constant interruptions from his domestic robot who wants to be a writer. A pregnant commuter receives help from a group she looks down upon.
And many more...Journey with diverse characters as they navigate the cycles of nature and life, flooding them with emotions that rinse the past, draining them and facing it all over again.
Having embarked on a literary journey through Sudeepa Nair's collection of short stories, "Flood. Rinse. Drain. Repeat," I found myself captivated by the author's mastery of simplicity and the art of storytelling. This anthology, born out of a year-long commitment to crafting a short story each weekend, offers a diverse menu of fifty-two tales spanning various genres, lengths, and settings—from the urban landscapes of the 1990s to the mysteries of futuristic realms.
Nair's writing effortlessly weaves through the lives of characters, bringing forth a rich tapestry of human experiences. The collection encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions, exploring the cycles of nature and life. What makes this compilation unique is its ability to traverse seamlessly between different genres, accommodating readers with varied tastes.
The book is ingeniously divided into eleven sections, each serving a thematic feast for the reader. While I initially sought the eerie tales the author is known for, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the variety offered. Noteworthy among these is "A Clean Apartment," a standout story in the eerie section, and "The Potboiler" from 'Nourishing Tales,' which creatively delivers a recipe as part of its narrative.
Even for someone like me, who hasn't been drawn to the realms of sci-fi and futuristic fiction, this collection managed to spark a newfound interest. Stories like "The Credit" resonated on a deeply emotional level, showcasing the author's ability to evoke empathy and introspection.
Comparing the book to an "Indian Thali" is fitting—the compilation is a literary feast, with each story akin to a distinct dish, contributing to the overall richness of the experience. The variety ensures there is something for every palate, making it an enjoyable read for a diverse audience.
One cannot conclude a review of this collection without acknowledging Sudeepa Nair's storytelling prowess and thanking her for presenting readers with this literary treat. "Flood. Rinse. Drain. Repeat" is not merely a book; it is an invitation to savor the twists in tales, explore the intricacies of human emotions, and embrace the beauty of diverse narratives.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend this anthology to anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and delights in the unexpected twists that make each tale a unique and satisfying literary morsel. Thank you, Sudeepa Nair, for gifting readers with this captivating collection.
I downloaded the book to "read later", but finished it in three short sitting. I'm in awe of the versatility of the author and the range of issues she tackles in the short stories in this anthology. They transcend genres, but what's common to all is the human element.
An excellent set of bite sized stories that took me to different places and moods. The universality of emotions and the deft narrative makes for an engaging read.