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Oblivion Express : and other short stories

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Stories matter in our lives, and we live them every day, every moment. Aren't we all the protagonists of our own stories moving between past present and future? This book is a collection of stories from various paths of life that depict new beginnings, thriving middles and memorable departures.

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

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4 people want to read

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Amit Patil

2 books

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
798 reviews26 followers
August 5, 2025
-Mirroring Life and the Lives Lived-
Review of 'Oblivion Express and other stories'

Quote Alert
"𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐩. 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐞-𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲. 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬."


Short stories carry their own charm. Little microcosm of emotions they are, jumping from one theme to another. It's like a delightful platter at a restaurant. You can have dozens of dishes, enjoying savoury with sweet, textures melting into your mouth. In one anthology you can have many many protagonists to love, many to loathe, many to care for and some to forget and move on. That's also the biggest plus point of a short story collection. If you don't like a story, maybe move on to another one.

In 'Oblivion Express and other stories', Amit Patil has mirrored not just the randomness of the life but also various lives lived around ourselves. His stories feature wonders and tragedies alike, involving people of all ages and from all walks of lives. Some of them unfold on a mysterious train that gives its name to the title, others in a restaurant or an apartment complex. In one story, a kid just wants to enjoy an ice-cream; in another a man develops a bond with a woman on a train, thanks to a little girl.

These are the stories of remarkable as well as unremarkable ordinary people who live their life in flashes. For a reader, that is me, the protagonists of a short story are living either their best or their worst lives. Contrary to a novel where characters get at least 80,000 words to create the ebbs and flows of their lives. But a short story is a rollercoaster of a ride. Here either you are happy or sad or plain disappointed. The author makes sure you aren't lattermost.


The collection is cleaved into a trifecta of arrive, thrive and depart, the former containing least and the lattermost containing the highest number of stories. One of my most favourites is the one that kickstarts the collection: Freedom. A woman just breaks free.
Patil writes: After all that she had been through, she deserved a moment of silence, though guilt for not celebrating with family and spending money on herself wasn't what she learned. Still, after all, nobody taught her about being independent, too. And maybe this was the beginning of many more journeys she had never taken. While she always dreamt of them every night, she never gathered the courage to go beyond. Who knew she would dine in this fancy restaurant on a solo trip by herself one day?"

In Finely Cut Guavas, a man missed an old woman selling guavva slices. This story particularly is filled with pathos and poignance. So many people unknowingly become a part of our lives and when they leave, a shadow of absence is left.
Patil writes: Even the following day, there was no sign of Rajamma at her corner. Although she wasn't my relative, seeing the footpath devoid of her felt somewhat strange. She wasn't someone who would take days off. Having observed her coughing yesterday, I asked Raju if he had seen her. He refused to comment much about her."

Come, fall into the world of fiction.
Profile Image for Booksta.girl_.
178 reviews16 followers
December 1, 2024
This book is an evocative collection of stories that delve into the heart of human experiences—struggles, joys, and everything in between. From the very first story, the author pulls you into a world that's deeply familiar, yet filled with new perspectives. Each tale feels like a conversation with someone you might know, making the reading experience feel personal and intimate.

What I loved most about this collection is the way it effortlessly captures the essence of ordinary lives with extraordinary emotional depth. There’s no unnecessary embellishment; the language is simple, but the emotions are rich and full. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause after each story to reflect on what just happened, to let the feelings sink in before moving on to the next one.

The stories in this book are grouped into three sections: Arrival, Thrive, and Depart, which beautifully mirror the different phases of life. I found myself particularly moved by the way these sections each reflect distinct emotional journeys. "Arrival" is full of hopeful beginnings, while "Thrive" digs deeper into the daily battles we face, and "Depart" reminds us of the inevitable endings we all must confront. It’s a perfect structure, one that mirrors the way we experience our own lives, moving from one chapter to the next with both joy and sorrow.

The beauty of the author's writing is how real his characters feel. Take the story "Have a Good One," where a mother works tirelessly to provide her son with the opportunities she never had, despite the weight of past betrayals. It’s a story that many of us can relate to—whether as children or parents. And then there’s "Mumbai 26/7," which initially seems like it’s about a historical event, but then unfolds into a personal journey of self-discovery, showing how two men from different walks of life can find common ground in times of adversity.

What really stuck with me was how relatable and accessible these stories are. They don’t feel like they belong to a distant world; they feel like your neighbors, your friends, even yourself. Patil’s ability to make you feel like you’re part of the story, experiencing these moments with the characters, is what makes it such an impactful read.

Overall, this book is a quiet gem. It’s not about grand, sweeping narratives; it’s about the small, meaningful moments that shape our lives. If you're looking for a collection that reflects the realities of life with honesty and empathy, it is definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Pallabita.
105 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2025
"Oblivion Express" is a collection of stories that are not only tender but also deeply human, exploring life in its most subtle forms. With great empathy, author performs the magic of transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. The author do not narrate through huge gestures or highly dramatic events, instead, he chooses the minor, often unnoticed, moments that are the ones defining us.

The book is split into three sections: Arrival, Thrive, and Depart— which similarly mimics life's pattern. Arrival is a section full of new beginnings and extremely delicate hopes, Thrive covers the hardships and victories of daily living, and Depart has the goodbyes that hang around for a long time after they're over.
This careful organization allows the reader to see each part as being an event in his or her personal life cycle.

The characters are the frame through which Patil's writing shines most brightly — they are authentic, imperfect and have a lot in common with us. A mother's quiet strength turns into love and sacrifice symbol in "Have a Good One" while "Mumbai 26/7" creates a story out of mourning that is about connection and self-discovery. With each story, the author shows both the strength and the delicacy of human nature.

His narrative style, which is very simple, actually makes the readers to easily get immersed into the stories. You will probably find yourself taking pauses between the pages - to think, to smile, and sometimes to feel the pain. The memories these stories bring up are perhaps ones of a friendship that is slowly disappearing or of a goodbye that remained unspoken, in any case, they are very much our own as if they were taken straight from our personal memory.

“Oblivion Express” is essentially a veneration of life in all its faulty magnificence. It prompts us to remember that even the most unexciting moments are the ones when stories are being told —stories that are worthy of being listened to, felt and remembered.
You may not be able to isolate one single day from your calendar to dedicate to this book, but nevertheless, once you start reading it, it won't release you until the end, or at least until the last page.
41 reviews
July 17, 2024
"Oblivion Express" is a delightful collection of short stories authored by Amit Patil that transports readers to the bustling streets and vibrant tapestry of life in India. Each story is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of Indian culture and its people in a way that feels both authentic and touching. Amit's anthology weaves together narratives that are deeply engaging and emotionally resonant, making it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy a quick yet captivating escape into the world of storytelling.

Plot :
The stories in "Oblivion Express" are a vivid portrayal of daily life in India, skillfully capturing the pulse of the country's culture and its people. Amit's prose is simple yet powerful, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' lives and experiences. The tales are populated with well-crafted characters who navigate relatable situations, evoking a range of emotions that add depth to each narrative. Themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit are interwoven throughout the stories, reflecting the shared experiences that bind us all. Each story leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal truths that connect us.

Overall Feedback:
Amit Patil's "Oblivion Express" is a soulful anthology that speaks to the heart. The characters are endearing and reflective of everyday people, making it easy for readers to relate to their joys, struggles, and yearnings. The stories invite readers to question what they take for granted and to examine life on a deeper level. Whether read during a commute, a short break, or a leisurely Saturday evening, this collection offers new beginnings, thriving middles, and memorable departures. Amit's storytelling resonates with universal themes and leaves readers with much to ponder and smile about. This anthology is a testament to the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and foster connections across cultures and experiences.
176 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2024
An anthology of short stories which portray a wide spectrum of human emotions in a sensitive and poignant manner.

Stories are divided under three heads namely , Arrival , Thrive and Depart. These parts depict the center idea of the stories under the section.The author has taken inspiration from our daily life and experiences and converted them into stories which are simple yet elegant.
The reliability of the stories is their unique feature. From the first story aptly named “Beginnings” to the last one named “Sunset” , the author has explored a plethora of human psyche and expressed them with due sensitivity.

The language of the stories is uncomplicated resulting in an effortless reading experience. The bite sized stories do not overwhelm the reader and help in keeping the reader hooked.

Though every story does not have an explicit message , the events narrated in them will resonate with the reader. From describing our childhood fascination with ice creams to lying along on a deathbed , the author has presented a panoramic view of life and its ups and downs. With realistic characters the events in the stories become even more engaging.

The author has created a bouquet of stories which will be a perfect travel companion and can be easily binge read in one sitting
Profile Image for Solitude and  books.
1,170 reviews52 followers
July 4, 2025
Oblivion Express by Amit Patil pulled me in quietly, like an old friend sharing heartfelt stories over chai. To start with, I love the cover design, the colour combs look aesthetic! Each story felt like a gentle mirror, showing slices of life I’ve seen or lived or would like to witness through others. What I liked most was the mindful use of pace and story telling skills as they captured life’s in-betweens, the grey areas, not just starts or ends or black and whites. The stories were simple but stayed with me. The “Arrival, Thrive, Depart” structure felt unique. I think every story holds a uniqueness. Which one to like or or which one less, I cannot decide, each one has its own flavour. I especially liked how the characters stirred something deep and raw. They felt like people I might know, maybe even myself and at times the plot was so enigmatic it held its aura like a mind spiralling in oblivion. Thus this book taps a range of themes and emotions through its 19 short stories. I got this book wanting something light, but found something richer. It didn’t shout, it whispered truths and compelled at times to comprehend few such situations that truly show the different hues phases of life come in. If you like slow, emotional journeys, this one’s worth your time.
Profile Image for MyAudioBits Bangalore.
10 reviews
June 17, 2024
Experience "Oblivion Express: And Other Short Stories" by Amit Patil

Dive into the audiobook edition of "Oblivion Express," where each story brings to life the moments that shape our everyday experiences. Narrated with captivating voices, this collection explores new beginnings, thriving middles, and unforgettable departures. Journey through the past, present, and future with characters whose stories reflect our own. Perfect for your daily commute or relaxing at home, this audiobook will inspire and entertain. Download now and let the power of storytelling enrich your life.

https://www.audible.in/pd/Oblivion-Ex...

https://www.storytel.com/in/books/obl...

https://web.myaudiobits.com/#/books/2...

https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/...

https://www.overdrive.com/media/10543...

https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/audiobook/...

https://www.amazon.com/Oblivion-Expre...
Profile Image for Bookmist24.
470 reviews9 followers
September 2, 2024
Oblivion Express" is a beautiful anthology that whisks one to the colourfully vibrant streets and varied life in India. Every story in the anthology echoes the human condition, letting readers sit back and reflect on their own lives as they travel through the past, present, and future with the characters. The book offers a peek into the world from where each story has emerged as a mosaic of emotions, sensitivities, and encounters. The end of every story leaves us with a belief. That could have been his intention while writing his stories, to make us think critically about the things we take for granted. This book is just a real treat that gives one perspective on things one would otherwise never have likely considered. It allows one the possibility to take a glimpse of one's life and develop greater understanding of the odd times that shape the character of each individual. This goes to form a great anthology of stories, inclusive of diverse life experiences, by the Amit Patel spectacle. The intricate details given elevate the quality of storytelling and the impact of the deep message the book conveys.
Profile Image for Bibliophileverse.
695 reviews43 followers
July 24, 2024
Oblivion Express by Amit Patil is an interesting anthology of short stories. The stories are crisp and concise ranging from all the spheres of life. They have humor, emotions. love and thrill for the readers. It was really fun reading the book where it felt that everything happened just in front of my eyes. My favorite story was a murder mystery which was an unexpected one amidst these stories. Amit Patil's writing felt so real and engaging that I finished the book within a day.

The book is a perfect for a travel or beach read. or, if you are looking for something short to get yourself out of the reading slump. Amit's writing style touches you heart with simple narratives and eloquent style. "Oblivion Express" deserves 5 stars for its unique and engaging stories.

Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
209 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2024
I recently read this book 'Oblivion Express: and other short stories' by Amit Patil and was mesmerized by the captivating short stories. The author knows how to look through the lens of the people and bring out their emotions in the story. When you read about the characters in the story, you realise how relatable they are and you can fully empathize with them. The only reason being that author understood their emotions and portrayed them so easily infront of the readers. There is one story in the book 'Finely Cut Guavas" that really touched my heart. It helped me realise that your presence is easily replacable which is quite a major factor of life. I had such a great time reading these short stories and I hope that my fellow readers would feel the same.
160 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2024
The book "Oblivion epxress" is an awesome collection of short stories written by the author Amit patil, the author has weaved every story with the touch of emotions, sentiments and value.

The stories are written about very subtle and simple topics but ath the end these stories are making great sense.

The book is divided into three parts:
Arrive
Thrive
Depart.

and the story I liked the most is "window".

The book is amazing to finish in one sitting. I would love to give 5 stars to this book, it is worth reading.
Profile Image for Rekha T.
30 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2024
I like reading short stories especially those that are closer to reality and Oblivion express has stories closer to reality. Like each one of us are a character in our life, these stories depict people going through various experiences in life. Oblivion Express is a definite read for those who like short stories written in expressive way
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