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Keepsake: A Short Story Collection

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“Life gives us stories to tell!”

Old photographs, cherished letters, museums, flea markets and heirlooms. From the pressed flowers between the pages of a forgotten book to the humming of a vintage song, from nostalgic daydreams to soulful conversations, the art of keeping memories forever.

A fateful journey across partition, the enchanting tales of a loving aunt, a reader turns into the main character, a man faces a dilemma to leave home, a quarrelling couple’s love story, and a daughter remembers her lost mother. With profound understanding of the human emotions, ‘Keepsake’ is a short story collection that delves into the intricacies of storytelling, relationships, identity, and the universal quest for belonging.

Just like moments in life, some stories are light-hearted and some intense, each having a heart of its own. These are now a part of you, and you are a part of them!

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2024

21 people want to read

About the author

Neha Gupta

1 book198 followers
Neha is a free-spirited storyteller and a white-collar professional, in no certain proportions. A compulsive multitasker she believes she can have it all. As a writer, she finds stories by observing life, experiences and people. As a Rewards leader, she uncovers stories in numbers.

A graduate from SRCC Delhi and MBA from Symbiosis Pune, she resides in Bengaluru with her husband and daughter. This is her first book and the start of a literary career to watch out for. A friend best describes the authors style ‘The one whose presence meant we could debate away to glory, for she would be sure to intervene and steer conversations away from any real tragedy. She showed us all in our best lights.’

Follow her on Instagram/ Facebook/ X @nehaguptawrites

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,307 reviews3,478 followers
December 2, 2024
This short story collection came in my life when I was in one of my most trying times this year.

I absolutely adore the writing and the characters each story brought me.

Each story is special and holds a special significance. My favourites are “Chutki Bua”, “Maape”, “Patr” and “Keepsake”. These stories gave me realistic memorable characters which I would remember for years to come. These stories are just perfect! These stories provide wisdom and insights we all can share, to learn from and actually practice in our own lives what these characters teach us.

“Jaan Hai, Jahan Hai” gave me chills regarding how challenging life can get when you make a mark for yourself in the society but yes, life can get more rewarding and exciting when we choose new paths challenging our fate when things do not change.
“Lahore to Lagoon” has some triggering scenes with violence and other events that would leave disturbing images of the actual events that took place during communal riots. “Soz” is thrilling and quite disturbing too!

The perfect book to share with friends and family as they have lots to learn from for all kinds of readers.
Profile Image for Debabrata Mishra.
1,673 reviews45 followers
October 4, 2024
"Keepsake" by "Neha Gupta" is an emotionally charged work comprising of daring short stories that focus on the complex interpersonal connections. Being each of them a fine narrative, a true thread in the pattern of life, every story depicted everything a person can come across in practice. Her writings are verbose, artistic, and appealing to the aesthetic senses through magnificent examples, which helps bring the reader right into the lives and into the society of the characters and their joys, pain, and the complexities and variations of shades of gray that exist between.

Her characters, often isolated and grappling with the complexities of life, find solace and meaning in the bonds they forge with others. Whether it's the unyielding love between a mother and her child, the bittersweet nostalgia of a lost friendship, or the tentative blossoming of a new romance, the author masterfully portrays the profound impact that relationships can have on our lives.

Overarching the content of Central Identification Collection is staging of one simple, yet ever-relevant question – that of unity of people. In this context, dc’s characters – employed and single females struggling with the issue of life – get the meaning of their loneliness through the relationships they develop. This may be the unconditional love a mother has for her child, or the painful distance in a break off friendship, or even the young courtship of two lovers, which the author weaves so excellently to depict the drama and effects of relationships in peoples lives.

Nostalgia is something that any book strives to create and looking at the large wall of text one cannot deny that The Sandman does indeed achieve that to great effect. The stories seems to inetebrate the past and the memories of childhood in an attempt to perhaps explain the ways through which they impact on the present. She sets the stage and takes the reader through happy, sad or even trying periods to feel all that the past generations went through.

But on the other hand, despite being a lovely set of well-written stories, the book has its problems. Most of the stories may seem quite ordinary in a sense that they may not have something that would be referred to as suspense. Also, as a major theme of love, loss and desire may be overdone in the collection and be monotonous at times.

In conclusion, despite these minor shortcomings, it is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant collection of short stories. Her writing is a testament to the power of storytelling, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. For those seeking a literary experience that explores the depths of human connection and the enduring power of memory, it is a must-read.
Profile Image for Manishi Gupta.
Author 2 books61 followers
July 19, 2024
I loved the Author's writing style. Then stories are beautifully narrated with just the right balance of words. I liked the subtle positivity left after every story, not to sound them like moral stories yet have a meaning. The blend of Hindi, Punjabi words in between gave a sense of honesty to the story. My favourite was PATR meaning Character. I loved the dialogues and the conversations between two bookworms friends, and it's ending. It was the most unique out the whole lot, very creative and interesting. All characters weave together perfectly in each story. Well done neha, you have done a fabulous work!!

I actually wanted to give 4.5 stars. .5 is just that there is always scope of improvement ☺️
Profile Image for Sudeshna Panigrahi.
62 reviews18 followers
December 7, 2024
All of our lives are a series of stories, anecdotes and tales, of who we are, of what we see, of whom we meet, of people around us, of things we do. Stories make our lives interesting and worth living. It brings people closer, it weaves relationships, it fosters bonds, it stems laughter and love. And such is this book of short stories, Keepsake.

A beautiful collection of short stories that envelopes a myriad of themes, plots and emotions. The author has carefully and beautifully designed the conversations, experiences, which almost all of us have in life into stories that hit the right chords. The book has seven stories, each an exploration of lyrical and literary beauty.

Be it the one titled Chutki Bua where we get a protagonist who solves issues with stories and goves you space to make your own ending and perceptions, or be it the one where we have a couple who always fight but couldn't fathom getting away from each other like in Maape. Life is all about living and if it means to wander, to rebuild, to restart, so be it, like we see in Jaan hai, Jahaan hai. In all of us we have a burning, for things varied enough, and that burning makes us do things, hide things, love things and the story titled Soz, is a beautiful representation of that. If we need to know how the turn of events can actually prove to be lovely, we read Lahore to Jagraon.

My favorite story was Patr(characters) which has a lot of bookish mention, is about characters, about books, about how we all are characters in our lives. It is so beautifully written and it made me so elated as a reader.

The author has seamlessly blended the themes and presented to us a lovely amalgamation of love, longing, self-expression, exploration, nostalgia, fate, and everything beautiful that our lives are. Stories, tales and beauty it weaves. You feel connected to it, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. You resonate with the stories which is one of the standouts for me in the stories.
If you love short stories, wonderfully writen piece of literature, you need to read this book.

Highly recommended, go get it now.🌻✨️
Profile Image for myliteraryworld.
154 reviews7 followers
September 21, 2024
‘Keepsake’ is a poignant collection of short stories that captures the essence of human emotions, relationships, and the enduring marks that memories leave behind. Inspired by her personal blogs, Gupta weaves stories that reflect on lives, connections and the complexities of human existence. Each tale carries a unique flavor, drawing readers into the inner worlds of her characters, all of whom are shaped by their circumstances, experiences and desires.

The standout stories such as ‘Chutki Bua’ and ‘Keepsake’ portray familial bonds, nostalgia and loss with touching intimacy. In ‘Chutki Bua’ the protagonist's father’s sister is central to the narrative, infusing warmth and wisdom into the family through her storytelling. Her belief that the listener decides the ending of a tale is a beautiful metaphor for the unpredictability and agency we have in our lives.

The story ‘Keepsake’ from which the collection takes its title delves deep into a daughter's discovery of her mother’s hidden grief and strength through an old sewing box. The contrast between her mother’s pragmatic life and the emotional revelations of her father’s letter is heartbreaking, leaving the reader contemplating the weight of unspoken truths.

Neha Gupta's strength lies in her ability to bring out the beauty and tragedy in everyday lives. Her characters from the bickering couple in ‘Maape’ to the haunted businessman in ‘Jaan Hai, Jahaan Hai’ are depicted with realism, yet their stories often have a lyrical quality that resonates beyond the pages.
Profile Image for Harsh Tyagi.
938 reviews21 followers
October 4, 2024
Keepsake is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories that captures the essence of human experience through the lens of memory and storytelling. I'm fond of short story collections and that's the sole reason for me picking this one up. That and the gorgeous cover!

The book offers tales inspired by old anecdotes, and people from the author's life. Each story reflects on themes like identity, love, and belonging, presenting both light-hearted and intense moments.

The stories are dipped in a deep understanding of human emotions. One narrative leads us through the heartache of leaving home, while another uncovers the tender memories of a quarrelling couple. The collection’s strength lies in its ability to transform everyday moments into profound reflections on life.The book captures the beauty of life's fleeting moments and the way they shape our memories and identities. The human emotions have been well portrayed through stories of real humans like a daughter who remembers her lost mother and an aunt loved by everyone. The book’s strength lies in its ability to make readers feel a deep connection with the characters and their experiences. It's a beautiful experience. The book is very comforting and memorable.
Profile Image for deepa.
21 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2024
Realities of life, how we learn to live with them and gain perspective to make it all meaningful…

The book has 7 beautiful short stories that capture the intricacies of relationships in everyday life. Her style of writing quickly drew me into the stories and it felt like I was watching the scenes play out in front of me.

Each story ties up beautifully allowing one to dip into the underlying intentions and emotions while showcasing the author’s strength of observation and ability of expressing them with simplicity.

An easy read, definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Sid Sharma.
316 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2024
Sometimes we get so busy searching for extraordinary stories that we overlook the charm of the ordinarily extraordinary stories around us. Keepsake is a collection of such stories that brings us back to our roots, helping us reconnect with our raw and innocent selves.

It's been a while since I last read a short story collection, and I’m delighted that Keepsake found its way into my life. Each story is written from the heart, creating an immediate connection with the reader.

The book features seven stories, with Chutki Bua, Maape, Lahore to Jagraon, and Keepsake standing out as my favorites.

Chutki Bua teaches us to be problem solvers in the most natural way, while Maape brings both laughter and tears. Lahore to Jagraon beautifully connects us to Pakistan, taking us back to pre- and post-Independence times.

However, it was Keepsake that truly broke my heart, leaving me with an aching realization that some stories cannot be changed, and we must accept life as it is.

I won’t get into the specifics of each story, as doing so would diminish their beauty. Keepsake is one of those books that's difficult to review because it reflects a part of ourselves in its pages. The stories remind me of my childhood—simpler, more naive, and filled with innocence.

The blend of Punjabi words throughout the stories adds a special touch, highlighting the essence of Punjab and Punjabiyat, which holds a special place in my heart as a Punjabi.

Neha Gupta's engaging writing style and natural narrative make these stories feel true-to-life. Keepsake is a book you'll cherish for its beautiful portrayal of everyday stories, which will remain a keepsake in your heart for a lifetime.
2 reviews
September 11, 2024
Book comprised of several stories and all the stories are very refreshing and interesting.

Chutki Bua -
A very positive character that everyone would love to have in their life.

Maape -
Story that shows unpredictability of life. Life is too short to argue . You'll laugh in the starting but a very emotional ending.

Patr -
Story of a Booklover and a ghost writer, who loves to explore the hidden world of books rather than wasting time on meaning less gossips.

Jaan hai toh jahan hai -
Story of a family that shifted to a new place, started everything from scratch and manage to make a huge business but because of death threats they have to leave the city again.

Lahore to Jagraon -
Story of a family that shifted from Lahore (pakistan) to Jagraon (India) and story of their daughter's wedding and 40 years later how she tells that story to her grandchildren.

Soz -
A very interesting mixed thriller story (undesired murder). You'll really enjoy while reading.

KEEPSAKE -
Story of a mother - very caring and full of Life and how she converted herself from a blooming tree to a dry leaf after her Husband left her behind with children.

Must say very beautifully written book, must go for it .
406 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2024
I recently read a book called "Keepsake" during a phase when I didn't feel like reading anything heavy. The book is a collection of short stories and I found it to be quite comforting. The vibrant cover caught my eye, even though I don't usually pay much attention to book covers.

The stories in this book are simple yet impactful, and they made me reflect on the quote "live your life in such a way, that you have a story to tell." One of my favorite stories is about Avinash, a fellow book lover, which I could relate to on many levels. Each story is captivating and unique in its own way.

I appreciated how the author, Neha, gave equal importance to both the characters and the stories. This book feels like a warm hug on those days when you just want to snuggle up with a good read.

I also liked how the book includes different languages, although it can sometimes make it harder for readers to connect with the story. However, the book comes with a glossary, which I found to be very thoughtful.

I want to thank Neha for sending me this book with so much love, along with a beautiful letter.
Profile Image for Eraneh Reads.
255 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2024
Keepsake a collection of 7 short stories is a book which amazed me with its brilliant writing and engaging story telling. The way the stories are written is just something which according to me will blow every reader's mind, introducing the chapter with one character which we think is the main character but later ends up as just a side character felt like woah!
Don't jump into this book thinking that all the short stories follow similar genre or type but jump into it by staying ready for the way the writer is going to amaze you with the versatility. Even though the stories were small, the writer did perfect character as well as story development, you will never find a character who didn't have a backstory.

Now speaking of the stories, although I enjoyed each story still I had favorites names of which are Maape, Patr, Soz and Keepsake.
Profile Image for DEVASMITA SAHA.
35 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
This book is a delightful new addition to the world of short story collections. It is not only a testament to storytelling but also a visual treat, thanks to its adorable cover design that immediately catches the eye and sets a charming tone for the stories within. 📚

The collection is well-balanced, offering a variety of tales that explore different facets of human experience and emotion. Each story is meticulously crafted and engaging, making it difficult to pick a favorite. The stories beautifully encapsulates the essence of nostalgia and the bittersweet memories that shape our lives. 🥰

What makes the book so special is how relatable the stories are to real life.Each tale reflects experiences and emotions that many readers will find familiar , making the book not only collection of stories , but mirror to our own lives and memories.
Profile Image for Tanu Setia.
145 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2024
Sometimes a short story makes us feel things that even a huge novel fails to deliver.

Keepsake is a collection of stories where each story took me back to a different time. It was like entering a time capsule and being transported to a places that got long lost. I found myself and my childhood in the pages of this book.

Though one shouldn't be partial, but I personally loved the tale Maape. It reminded me of my grandparents. It reminded me of a time when love wasn't labelled as red flag or green flag. It just meant being together till death do us part.


A very heart touching read. Would highly recommend it to Desi readers!
1 review
August 13, 2024

Ms. Neha’s "Keepsake" is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories that delicately explores the intricate web of human emotions, relationships, and the unexpected moments that life often brings. Each story is a unique gem, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of characters who feel as real and relatable as the people we meet in our everyday lives.

What stands out:
1. Rich Character Development
2. Emotional Resonance
3. Diverse Themes
4. Elegant Writing Style:
218 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2024
Keepsake is a lovely collection of stories written from the heart.Neha weaves in the stories beautifully!

The stories will remind you of everyday life and will definitely touch a chord.

I loved the warmth in the stories and the honest portrayal of the characters.The short story writing style is very interesting and you will be left with a feeling of wanting to read more and more..
1 review
October 26, 2025

The keepsake is a set of honest simple stories that reminds you of moments in your life and which is beautifully penned by Neha. There are multiple nostalgic moments in the stories which tugs you ant your heart and make you smile. Very well written book of short stories by Neha . Must read !
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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