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Feathers, Fools and Farts: Folktales from Manipur
Be warned.These ten wacky stories in Feathers, Fools, and Manipuri Folktales Retold from Manipur, perched on India's border with Myanmar, are not for scaredy-cats.Nor for those of you who do not enjoy a hearty laugh or a good cry. And if you try to copy the foolishness of the characters, animal and human, in these folktales, you just might turn into a tiger, get stung by a swarm of bees, or even get poo'ed on.If, however, you believe in strange romances, admire bravery, and like magic and sorcery, this book is for you, wherever you are.
128 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 29, 2024
When you get to read the stories you grew up listening to your grandparents/parents/aunts/uncles almost everyday while waiting for dinner, it’s priceless!
Here’s a collection of nine such folktales in Feathers, Fools & Farts - the second installment in the Manipuri Myths Retold series by L Somi Roy illustrated by Sapha Yumnam.
The collection is for readers of all ages; will be enjoyed by both beginners and well read bibliophiles.
The writing is fun to read with some modern phrases thrown in here and there; some fashionable ones to remix and remake the old tales to be more exciting and interesting for the audience.
The stories that include nine tales about urban legends like Lai Khutsangbi (the woman with long hands), Piyainu (the daughter saved by birds), Sanarambi and Cheisra (evil stepmother and stepsister), Thabaton (the man tiger revenge story), Hanuba Hanubi (old man and old woman story which revived my childhood the moment I started reading the book.
Check out the amazing original illustrations as well!
Here’s a collection of nine such folktales in Feathers, Fools & Farts - the second installment in the Manipuri Myths Retold series by L Somi Roy illustrated by Sapha Yumnam.
The collection is for readers of all ages; will be enjoyed by both beginners and well read bibliophiles.
The writing is fun to read with some modern phrases thrown in here and there; some fashionable ones to remix and remake the old tales to be more exciting and interesting for the audience.
The stories that include nine tales about urban legends like Lai Khutsangbi (the woman with long hands), Piyainu (the daughter saved by birds), Sanarambi and Cheisra (evil stepmother and stepsister), Thabaton (the man tiger revenge story), Hanuba Hanubi (old man and old woman story which revived my childhood the moment I started reading the book.
Check out the amazing original illustrations as well!
July 23, 2024
I had loved the L. Somi Roy's previous book, And That is Why: Manipuri Myths Retold. Here, in collaboration with Dr. Thangjam Hindustani Devi, he is doing the same for Manipuri folktales - though in the case of this mountain kingdom, there is a considerable overlap.
One thing I love about these retellings is the way the authors directly address an imaginary, nameless child sitting in front of them. According to the situation in the story, he/ she is called "My Brave One", "Dear Curious One", etc. as though in response to the child's reaction. It gives the tales a dynamism.
Another thing is how Roy and Devi make the stories contemporary. The king has an army having AK-47s, AR-15s, Leopard tanks and Stinger missiles. The princess refuses her animal groom saying: "Do I have any say here at all? This is the patriarchal nonsense our teacher taught us about!" A feminist princess, indeed.
The third thing is the sheer delightful quality of the prose.
One thing I love about these retellings is the way the authors directly address an imaginary, nameless child sitting in front of them. According to the situation in the story, he/ she is called "My Brave One", "Dear Curious One", etc. as though in response to the child's reaction. It gives the tales a dynamism.
Another thing is how Roy and Devi make the stories contemporary. The king has an army having AK-47s, AR-15s, Leopard tanks and Stinger missiles. The princess refuses her animal groom saying: "Do I have any say here at all? This is the patriarchal nonsense our teacher taught us about!" A feminist princess, indeed.
The third thing is the sheer delightful quality of the prose.
Dear Gassy One, this was the granddaddy of all farts. The earth trembled. It was a thermo-nuclear explosion of a fart. The needle flew off the seismograph at Cape Canaveral. A tsunami rose off the coast of Sumatra. The large earthen pot was shattered to bits. The shards flew off in all directions. Birds dropped from the sky. Squirrels were flattened against the tree trunks. The monkeys were blown up to the treetops in Mahabali Wood where they dangled by their tails, and the little brown monkey was blasted into space.Have you ever encountered a fart described so poetically?
'That felt good,' the old man said with a satisfied smile.
March 11, 2024
I did my PhD research on bamboo shoots a plant common in the North East, I have felt a sense of camaraderie with the people of Manipur and the culture and ways of life there. Therefore this book is quite special to me.
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Consisting of 10 varied tales this book has different coloured pages and illustrations inspired from Manipuri style to make it very unique. The tales and indeed ones that grandparents or grand aunts would tell the next keen and the stories would go on for generations.
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There is an elder and younger brother who loves to eat different kinds of meat but sets up a regional tradition of putting up lamps during autumn. Story of the cry baby boy who stopped only when some marvelous incident involving a prism demon a tiger and the thief took place. There is also the story of Kong the warrior toad, who took on the king to marry his daughter in spite of being a toad. The hornbill girl is one who collected hornbill feathers and made a dress out of them to escape the brutality of a step mom.
.
Favourite stories and however of the good sister bad sister and that of the farting couple. The stories are perfect for children and work like magic during a story telling session but most importantly they all have a message in them.
.
Combined with the beautiful outlook of the book and these nice little we told folktales this is a book to keep in your repertoire! Somehow all the folks tales of our country join in at some point in the nostalgia they generate and the fun and warmth we get from reading them.
.
Consisting of 10 varied tales this book has different coloured pages and illustrations inspired from Manipuri style to make it very unique. The tales and indeed ones that grandparents or grand aunts would tell the next keen and the stories would go on for generations.
.
There is an elder and younger brother who loves to eat different kinds of meat but sets up a regional tradition of putting up lamps during autumn. Story of the cry baby boy who stopped only when some marvelous incident involving a prism demon a tiger and the thief took place. There is also the story of Kong the warrior toad, who took on the king to marry his daughter in spite of being a toad. The hornbill girl is one who collected hornbill feathers and made a dress out of them to escape the brutality of a step mom.
.
Favourite stories and however of the good sister bad sister and that of the farting couple. The stories are perfect for children and work like magic during a story telling session but most importantly they all have a message in them.
.
Combined with the beautiful outlook of the book and these nice little we told folktales this is a book to keep in your repertoire! Somehow all the folks tales of our country join in at some point in the nostalgia they generate and the fun and warmth we get from reading them.
February 7, 2024
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/02/bo...
Two brothers who are separated, with the elder one staying back in the mountain high grounds while the younger one moved to the valley, started the tradition of lighting a lamp on the full moon night of the autumn month of Mera; a tradition continued to date by Meiteis, the descendants of the younger brother.
A toad adopted and brought up by a human mother, aspires to marry the princess and when the King rejects his proposal and shames his mother, how will Kong, the toad show his might to the King.
A little crybaby five-year-old Tompok enjoyed throwing frequent tantrums and he is not afraid of the fox, bear, or the tiger. But the name of Tapta scares Tompok, so does it scare the tiger. What if the demon Tapta descends at the exact minute and rides the tiger?
A young girl Piyanu, troubled and tortured by her stepmother turns to the hornbills for help.
A mother bird with three just born baby birds must safeguard her kids from a cunning tomcat that disguises as a monk.
A demoness with long arms that it stretches to grab, kill, and eat young boys must be tackled smartly by little Chaoba’s parents.
Sanarembi and her mother are hated by her half-sister Cheisra, and Cheisra’s mother to an extent they keep planning to kill both Sanarembi and her mother. Will life be ever kind to Sanarembi after the constant plotting by her half-sister?
A Kabui tribesman who is intrigued by new mystic skills, turns himself into a tiger but unfortunately stays a tiger-man with the day spent as a man and the nights as a tiger. When he eyes a beautiful maiden and kidnaps her what will her seven brothers do to rescue her?
An elderly couple who are pranked by mischievous brown rhesus macaque monkeys try to teach them a lesson but must hide when the monkeys charge back. As they both cannot control their farts, will they be found by the monkeys seething to avenge them?
The ten stories are diverse and have different premises and different kind of backdrops while having a hint of fantasy and message, as is the norm with folktales. The Manipuri Subika art accompanied with all these stories is unique and enthralls the reader. The stories are apt for children as well as adults, especially for those who always wanted to read about Manipur culture and folklore.
All the ten stories are equally entertaining, fun and hold the readers interest till the end, with unexpected twists. For the reader to genuinely enjoy the stories they need to trust the magic of these retellings. The stories are the ones passed down through generations by grandmothers as bedtime stories and hence it is important for retellings to keep these stories alive.
If you like to read fun stories or would like your kid to experience some magical storytelling, then this is the right pick for you.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/02/bo...
Two brothers who are separated, with the elder one staying back in the mountain high grounds while the younger one moved to the valley, started the tradition of lighting a lamp on the full moon night of the autumn month of Mera; a tradition continued to date by Meiteis, the descendants of the younger brother.
A toad adopted and brought up by a human mother, aspires to marry the princess and when the King rejects his proposal and shames his mother, how will Kong, the toad show his might to the King.
A little crybaby five-year-old Tompok enjoyed throwing frequent tantrums and he is not afraid of the fox, bear, or the tiger. But the name of Tapta scares Tompok, so does it scare the tiger. What if the demon Tapta descends at the exact minute and rides the tiger?
A young girl Piyanu, troubled and tortured by her stepmother turns to the hornbills for help.
A mother bird with three just born baby birds must safeguard her kids from a cunning tomcat that disguises as a monk.
A demoness with long arms that it stretches to grab, kill, and eat young boys must be tackled smartly by little Chaoba’s parents.
Sanarembi and her mother are hated by her half-sister Cheisra, and Cheisra’s mother to an extent they keep planning to kill both Sanarembi and her mother. Will life be ever kind to Sanarembi after the constant plotting by her half-sister?
A Kabui tribesman who is intrigued by new mystic skills, turns himself into a tiger but unfortunately stays a tiger-man with the day spent as a man and the nights as a tiger. When he eyes a beautiful maiden and kidnaps her what will her seven brothers do to rescue her?
An elderly couple who are pranked by mischievous brown rhesus macaque monkeys try to teach them a lesson but must hide when the monkeys charge back. As they both cannot control their farts, will they be found by the monkeys seething to avenge them?
The ten stories are diverse and have different premises and different kind of backdrops while having a hint of fantasy and message, as is the norm with folktales. The Manipuri Subika art accompanied with all these stories is unique and enthralls the reader. The stories are apt for children as well as adults, especially for those who always wanted to read about Manipur culture and folklore.
All the ten stories are equally entertaining, fun and hold the readers interest till the end, with unexpected twists. For the reader to genuinely enjoy the stories they need to trust the magic of these retellings. The stories are the ones passed down through generations by grandmothers as bedtime stories and hence it is important for retellings to keep these stories alive.
If you like to read fun stories or would like your kid to experience some magical storytelling, then this is the right pick for you.
February 21, 2024
review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2024/0...
Feathers, Fools and Fart is a collection of 10 whimsical folktales from Manipur that the author and many other Manipuri folk grew up listening from their mothers and grandmothers and their ancestors who handed down these stories from generation to generation, now retold for young generations around the world.
All 10 stories are entertaining, vivid, and imaginary with a bit of magic, humor, and wisdom. I’m not much aware of Manipur culture and traditions. It was interesting to read about ethnic group, topography, rhymes, and illustrations in Subika art form.
Here is how I felt about these 10 whimsical folktales from Manipur –
The Autumn Lamp is about two brothers living on the mountain but one day they get separated one day, the elder brother staying behind on mountain while the younger makes a home in the valley. When they reunite but decide to have their separate home, they start a tradition of lighting a lamp on the full moon night of the autumn month of Mera that is still followed by the Meiteis ethnic group in Manipur. This was my most favorite story as it had more culture background than rest of the stories in this collection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kong, The Warrior Toad is story of Kong the Toad who wages war against the king as he insults his mother and refuses to give his daughter’s hand in marriage. It’s a bit weird story and I didn’t like attitude of any characters except Kong’s mother.
They were all arrogant and I wouldn’t blame a king for rejecting Kong’s proposal. Who would give one’s daughter’s hand to a toad! And what kind of man sends his mother to propose for the marriage! Well, it was still interesting to see how Kong waged war and it turned a bit like The Princess and The Frog story, the only difference is there was no curse, and kissing didn’t turn Kong into man, it was a magical talisman. ⭐⭐⭐
The Demon, The Tiger and The Crybaby was an amusing and fun story of a mother soothing her crybaby that saves them from thief and the tiger. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hornbill Girl is a sad story of a girl who lost her parents and is troubled and tortured by her stepmother. She gathers Hornbill feathers and attaches them to her shirt and flies away one day. Sounds a bit like Daedalus and Icarus story but thankfully she didn’t fall from the sky. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mother Bird is story of a clever mother bird who saves her babies from a cunning cat who disguises himself as a monk and trying to make her bring her babies down from the tree. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Demoness With The Long Arm is story of brave mother who keeps her son safe from the long-armed demoness whil her husband has been away for work and once he returns they both face her. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a Good Sister, Bad Sister story part I and II. It a bit resembles Cindrella but without any ball dance and glass shoes. Though good characters were a little gullible, I really enjoyed both stories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Tiger Man is story of a witch doctor who likes to play with black magic. One day he finds ritual to turn himself into tiger but his wife gets scared and doesn’t turn him back into man making him find life in forest. One day he kidnaps a beautiful girl but she manages to escape by outwiting him and her seven brothers save her from the tiger man. This was an interesting story and I loved the sibling bond. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farting Old Couple is a story of an old couple who becomes victims of mischievous monkeys living in a nearby forest. When they try to teach them a lesson, monkeys attack back and in trying to escape they hide inside the huge pot. While hidden inside the pot the old couple cannot control their farts that managed to save and avenge them. That was really funny and entertaining story. I could imagine kids laughing hearing/ reading this story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall, Feathers Fools and Farts: Folktales from Manipur” is a delightful, entertaining and whimsical folktales that give a glimpse of cultural heritage of Manipur.
Feathers, Fools and Fart is a collection of 10 whimsical folktales from Manipur that the author and many other Manipuri folk grew up listening from their mothers and grandmothers and their ancestors who handed down these stories from generation to generation, now retold for young generations around the world.
All 10 stories are entertaining, vivid, and imaginary with a bit of magic, humor, and wisdom. I’m not much aware of Manipur culture and traditions. It was interesting to read about ethnic group, topography, rhymes, and illustrations in Subika art form.
Here is how I felt about these 10 whimsical folktales from Manipur –
The Autumn Lamp is about two brothers living on the mountain but one day they get separated one day, the elder brother staying behind on mountain while the younger makes a home in the valley. When they reunite but decide to have their separate home, they start a tradition of lighting a lamp on the full moon night of the autumn month of Mera that is still followed by the Meiteis ethnic group in Manipur. This was my most favorite story as it had more culture background than rest of the stories in this collection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kong, The Warrior Toad is story of Kong the Toad who wages war against the king as he insults his mother and refuses to give his daughter’s hand in marriage. It’s a bit weird story and I didn’t like attitude of any characters except Kong’s mother.
They were all arrogant and I wouldn’t blame a king for rejecting Kong’s proposal. Who would give one’s daughter’s hand to a toad! And what kind of man sends his mother to propose for the marriage! Well, it was still interesting to see how Kong waged war and it turned a bit like The Princess and The Frog story, the only difference is there was no curse, and kissing didn’t turn Kong into man, it was a magical talisman. ⭐⭐⭐
The Demon, The Tiger and The Crybaby was an amusing and fun story of a mother soothing her crybaby that saves them from thief and the tiger. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hornbill Girl is a sad story of a girl who lost her parents and is troubled and tortured by her stepmother. She gathers Hornbill feathers and attaches them to her shirt and flies away one day. Sounds a bit like Daedalus and Icarus story but thankfully she didn’t fall from the sky. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mother Bird is story of a clever mother bird who saves her babies from a cunning cat who disguises himself as a monk and trying to make her bring her babies down from the tree. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Demoness With The Long Arm is story of brave mother who keeps her son safe from the long-armed demoness whil her husband has been away for work and once he returns they both face her. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a Good Sister, Bad Sister story part I and II. It a bit resembles Cindrella but without any ball dance and glass shoes. Though good characters were a little gullible, I really enjoyed both stories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Tiger Man is story of a witch doctor who likes to play with black magic. One day he finds ritual to turn himself into tiger but his wife gets scared and doesn’t turn him back into man making him find life in forest. One day he kidnaps a beautiful girl but she manages to escape by outwiting him and her seven brothers save her from the tiger man. This was an interesting story and I loved the sibling bond. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farting Old Couple is a story of an old couple who becomes victims of mischievous monkeys living in a nearby forest. When they try to teach them a lesson, monkeys attack back and in trying to escape they hide inside the huge pot. While hidden inside the pot the old couple cannot control their farts that managed to save and avenge them. That was really funny and entertaining story. I could imagine kids laughing hearing/ reading this story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall, Feathers Fools and Farts: Folktales from Manipur” is a delightful, entertaining and whimsical folktales that give a glimpse of cultural heritage of Manipur.
March 4, 2024
Feathers, Fools and Farts by L. Somi Roy and Dr. Thangjam Hindustani Devi is an amazingly written book of Manipuri Folktales. The book is a treasure trove of art and culture. This is an anthology of ten stories written from a fresh perspective of today. The exquisite use of Manipuri Subika art accompanying the stories has made this book a cherished possession of any booklover. I can't stop loving the brilliant illustrations by Sapha Yumnam.
The stories are funny, emotional and very rich in terms of their beauty and cultural aesthetics. The imagination runs wild with anticipation and if someone who enjoys brevity, romance along with a little sorcery is bound to like it.
The most asked question to me as a book blogger has always been a constant. I don't remember how many times I have been asked about the books which entertained me enough as a first time reader. And, I do believe that it's a legit query which I end up replying about my obsession with the Bengali folk and mythological tales written by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury.
I have found one thing common in the Manipuri and Bengali folktales is the penchant for drama with humor. There's a story in this book- The Demon, The Tiger and The Crybaby which reminded me of a folktale by Ray- Baagher Upor Taag(বাঘের উপর টাগ).
Another story has a similar essence as well- The Farting Old Couple, the similar story is Charai o Baagher Kotha(চড়াই আর বাঘের কথা). I loved the Manipuri ones too.
Still today I advise parents about the importance of reading folktales as a child and introduce them to their children.
It's an amazing book to introduce to the young readers and also if anyone is having a bad reading slump, must pick this book up.
Thank you @penguinsters @penguinindia for this amazing book.
The stories are funny, emotional and very rich in terms of their beauty and cultural aesthetics. The imagination runs wild with anticipation and if someone who enjoys brevity, romance along with a little sorcery is bound to like it.
The most asked question to me as a book blogger has always been a constant. I don't remember how many times I have been asked about the books which entertained me enough as a first time reader. And, I do believe that it's a legit query which I end up replying about my obsession with the Bengali folk and mythological tales written by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury.
I have found one thing common in the Manipuri and Bengali folktales is the penchant for drama with humor. There's a story in this book- The Demon, The Tiger and The Crybaby which reminded me of a folktale by Ray- Baagher Upor Taag(বাঘের উপর টাগ).
Another story has a similar essence as well- The Farting Old Couple, the similar story is Charai o Baagher Kotha(চড়াই আর বাঘের কথা). I loved the Manipuri ones too.
Still today I advise parents about the importance of reading folktales as a child and introduce them to their children.
It's an amazing book to introduce to the young readers and also if anyone is having a bad reading slump, must pick this book up.
Thank you @penguinsters @penguinindia for this amazing book.
February 22, 2024
"Feathers, Fools and Farts" is a captivating anthology of ten Manipuri folk tales, each with its unique premise and backdrop.
From brothers Tangkhul and Meitei separated by fate to mischievous monkeys seeking revenge, these parables are loaded with mysticism, traditions, hope, courage, love, grief, and most importantly integrity.
My daughter, Dear Inquisitive one and I enjoyed this beautiful experience of storytelling.
We found ourselves intrigued, laughing, and rooting for our favorite characters.
Piyainu, Dear Talkative One, and Sanarembi were our favorite characters.
Through retellings accompanied by Manipuri Subika art, I was transported into a world of culture and folklore. The coloured pages also added to the beauty of the book.Sapha Yumnam has mastered this art.
Such stories preserve the tradition of bedtime stories passed down through generations.
February 1, 2024
"Feathers, Fools and Farts: Manipuri Folktales Retold from Manipur" takes readers on a whimsical journey through ten captivating tales rooted in the vibrant folklore of Manipur, India. The book, adorned with an intriguing cover illustration by Sapha Yumnam and a skillful design by Samar Bansal, invites readers into a world where strange romances, bravery, and magic coexist.
The stories, situated on India's border with Myanmar, are not for the faint-hearted. The narrative warns against attempting to mimic the eccentric characters, as consequences range from transforming into a tiger to facing the wrath of bees or even a surprise encounter with bird droppings.
Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
The stories, situated on India's border with Myanmar, are not for the faint-hearted. The narrative warns against attempting to mimic the eccentric characters, as consequences range from transforming into a tiger to facing the wrath of bees or even a surprise encounter with bird droppings.
Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
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