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Havelli: Short tales
In an ancient village, where the Revti River whispers secrets and mountains guard mysteries, stands a haveli—a mansion lost in time. When young Loki arrives for what seems like a simple dare, he finds more than just an old building. Within its weathered walls, a mysterious figure named Mamaji weaves tales that blur the lines between dreams and reality, between past and present, between what we think we know and what we fear to understand.
Three nights. Three stories. Three transformations.
From a selfless spirit in a snowstorm to a guardian who loved too deeply, from a man who lived two lives to learn one truth—each tale peels away layers of reality, revealing the extraordinary that lurks within the ordinary.
But as the stories unfold, a greater mystery Who is Mamaji? Why does the haveli seem to breathe with its own life? And most importantly, what happens to those who spend three nights within its walls?
A mesmerizing blend of magical realism and philosophical fiction, "The Haveli" explores the threads that connect all humanity—love, devotion, and the courage to see beyond the illusions that divide us. Some buildings are more than brick and mortar; some stories are more than words; and some truths can only be discovered in the space between reality and dreams.
Step into the haveli. The stories are waiting.
"A haunting exploration of what makes us human, told through stories that echo long after the last page."
Three nights. Three stories. Three transformations.
From a selfless spirit in a snowstorm to a guardian who loved too deeply, from a man who lived two lives to learn one truth—each tale peels away layers of reality, revealing the extraordinary that lurks within the ordinary.
But as the stories unfold, a greater mystery Who is Mamaji? Why does the haveli seem to breathe with its own life? And most importantly, what happens to those who spend three nights within its walls?
A mesmerizing blend of magical realism and philosophical fiction, "The Haveli" explores the threads that connect all humanity—love, devotion, and the courage to see beyond the illusions that divide us. Some buildings are more than brick and mortar; some stories are more than words; and some truths can only be discovered in the space between reality and dreams.
Step into the haveli. The stories are waiting.
"A haunting exploration of what makes us human, told through stories that echo long after the last page."
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 2, 2025
Some books whisper stories, while others pull you into their world with a ghostly embrace. Havelli: Short Tales by Energyia Singh and Claude Sonnette is one such book—a mesmerizing fusion of folklore, philosophy, and supernatural intrigue. With a storytelling tradition that echoes the eerie charm of gothic literature and the depth of philosophical fables, this book transports readers into a realm where the past lingers and every tale holds a profound lesson.
Singh and Sonnette bring their distinct voices to this work, blending cultural mysticism with lyrical storytelling. While Singh has a reputation for weaving Indian folklore into modern narratives, Sonnette adds a depth of philosophical inquiry, making their collaboration a rich and immersive experience.
The book’s foundation rests on an age-old tradition—three nights, three tales, one enigmatic storyteller. Loki, a young man, finds himself in an ancient haveli, compelled by a dare. Within its haunting walls, he meets Mamaji, a mysterious figure who unspools three eerie yet thought-provoking stories. Each tale explores profound themes of love, sacrifice, fate, and self-discovery, forcing Loki—and the reader—to question the nature of existence itself. What makes this setup so compelling is the interplay between the supernatural and the deeply human emotions that drive the stories.
Singh and Sonnette craft a narrative that is both lyrical and immersive. The prose shimmers with atmospheric depth, effortlessly evoking mist-laden landscapes, ghostly echoes, and the hushed whispers of the Revti River. Their descriptions make the haveli feel alive, as though it breathes with its own secrets. The writing flows like poetry, yet remains accessible, striking a balance between vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.
Loki’s transformation is subtle yet powerful. He begins as a skeptic, detached and unimpressed, but gradually, the tales work their magic on him. His evolution is not just one of belief but of understanding—his perspective shifts in a way that is both unsettling and enlightening. Mamaji, however, remains the novel’s most fascinating enigma—his presence is almost spectral, his wisdom profound, his intentions uncertain. The characters within the tales reflect universal emotions, making them hauntingly relatable.
The novel’s format—a story within a story—creates a layered reading experience. The "three nights, three tales" structure keeps the narrative engaging while gradually building suspense. Each tale unveils a deeper truth, culminating in a revelation that leaves a lasting impact. The pacing is measured, allowing readers to savor the richness of each story while eagerly anticipating the next. However, some transitions between Loki’s present-day reality and Mamaji’s narratives could have been slightly more seamless.
Beyond its ghostly charm, Havelli is a meditation on destiny, devotion, and the unseen forces shaping our lives. It poses thought-provoking questions: Are our lives governed by fate or free will? What are we willing to sacrifice for love? Can stories change us? Each tale is a reflection of these existential dilemmas, ensuring that readers walk away contemplating their own beliefs.
This is not merely a book of eerie tales—it is a deeply emotional and philosophical journey. Some passages evoke a sense of quiet melancholy, while others inspire awe at the beauty of love and devotion. Few books manage to be unsettling, enlightening, and deeply moving all at once, but Havelli achieves this rare balance.
The book’s strengths lie in its evocative world-building, where the haveli feels alive, its lyrical prose that flows like poetry yet remains accessible, and its compelling narrative structure that adds depth through a book-within-a-book format. The stories offer profound wisdom without feeling didactic, making the experience both immersive and thought-provoking.
While the atmosphere is immersive, some sections may feel slow for action-oriented readers, and a deeper look into Loki’s past might have enhanced his character arc.
Havelli: Short Tales resonated with me on multiple levels. Its blend of folklore and philosophy created an experience that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring. The haunting beauty of its stories lingered long after I turned the final page. While I wished for a bit more exploration of Loki’s backstory, the book’s strengths far outweighed this minor shortcoming.
Havelli: Short Tales is more than just a book—it’s an experience that lingers. Singh and Sonnette have created a literary gem that fuses folklore, mystery, and philosophy into a spellbinding read. If you enjoy stories that challenge your perception while wrapping you in an eerie embrace, this book is a must-read.
If you love atmospheric, thought-provoking fiction with a touch of the supernatural, Havelli deserves a place on your shelf. But beware—you may never see an old mansion the same way again.
Singh and Sonnette bring their distinct voices to this work, blending cultural mysticism with lyrical storytelling. While Singh has a reputation for weaving Indian folklore into modern narratives, Sonnette adds a depth of philosophical inquiry, making their collaboration a rich and immersive experience.
The book’s foundation rests on an age-old tradition—three nights, three tales, one enigmatic storyteller. Loki, a young man, finds himself in an ancient haveli, compelled by a dare. Within its haunting walls, he meets Mamaji, a mysterious figure who unspools three eerie yet thought-provoking stories. Each tale explores profound themes of love, sacrifice, fate, and self-discovery, forcing Loki—and the reader—to question the nature of existence itself. What makes this setup so compelling is the interplay between the supernatural and the deeply human emotions that drive the stories.
Singh and Sonnette craft a narrative that is both lyrical and immersive. The prose shimmers with atmospheric depth, effortlessly evoking mist-laden landscapes, ghostly echoes, and the hushed whispers of the Revti River. Their descriptions make the haveli feel alive, as though it breathes with its own secrets. The writing flows like poetry, yet remains accessible, striking a balance between vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.
Loki’s transformation is subtle yet powerful. He begins as a skeptic, detached and unimpressed, but gradually, the tales work their magic on him. His evolution is not just one of belief but of understanding—his perspective shifts in a way that is both unsettling and enlightening. Mamaji, however, remains the novel’s most fascinating enigma—his presence is almost spectral, his wisdom profound, his intentions uncertain. The characters within the tales reflect universal emotions, making them hauntingly relatable.
The novel’s format—a story within a story—creates a layered reading experience. The "three nights, three tales" structure keeps the narrative engaging while gradually building suspense. Each tale unveils a deeper truth, culminating in a revelation that leaves a lasting impact. The pacing is measured, allowing readers to savor the richness of each story while eagerly anticipating the next. However, some transitions between Loki’s present-day reality and Mamaji’s narratives could have been slightly more seamless.
Beyond its ghostly charm, Havelli is a meditation on destiny, devotion, and the unseen forces shaping our lives. It poses thought-provoking questions: Are our lives governed by fate or free will? What are we willing to sacrifice for love? Can stories change us? Each tale is a reflection of these existential dilemmas, ensuring that readers walk away contemplating their own beliefs.
This is not merely a book of eerie tales—it is a deeply emotional and philosophical journey. Some passages evoke a sense of quiet melancholy, while others inspire awe at the beauty of love and devotion. Few books manage to be unsettling, enlightening, and deeply moving all at once, but Havelli achieves this rare balance.
The book’s strengths lie in its evocative world-building, where the haveli feels alive, its lyrical prose that flows like poetry yet remains accessible, and its compelling narrative structure that adds depth through a book-within-a-book format. The stories offer profound wisdom without feeling didactic, making the experience both immersive and thought-provoking.
While the atmosphere is immersive, some sections may feel slow for action-oriented readers, and a deeper look into Loki’s past might have enhanced his character arc.
Havelli: Short Tales resonated with me on multiple levels. Its blend of folklore and philosophy created an experience that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring. The haunting beauty of its stories lingered long after I turned the final page. While I wished for a bit more exploration of Loki’s backstory, the book’s strengths far outweighed this minor shortcoming.
Havelli: Short Tales is more than just a book—it’s an experience that lingers. Singh and Sonnette have created a literary gem that fuses folklore, mystery, and philosophy into a spellbinding read. If you enjoy stories that challenge your perception while wrapping you in an eerie embrace, this book is a must-read.
If you love atmospheric, thought-provoking fiction with a touch of the supernatural, Havelli deserves a place on your shelf. But beware—you may never see an old mansion the same way again.
March 2, 2025
When I first stepped into The Haveli, I thought I was entering just another tale of mystery. But what I found was something far more profound—a book that doesn’t just tell a story but transforms the way you perceive reality.
From the moment Loki arrives at the ancient mansion by the Revti River, I felt an eerie pull, as if the haveli itself was watching, waiting. The enigmatic Mamaji, with his haunting yet mesmerizing storytelling, kept me hooked, unraveling tales that blurred the boundaries of time, truth, and illusion. Each of the three nights felt like a test—not just for Loki, but for me as a reader—forcing me to question the nature of perception, love, and sacrifice.
What stood out most was how seamlessly the book wove magical realism with philosophy. It didn’t just ask me to suspend disbelief; it invited me to reconsider what I believe in the first place. The selfless spirit in the snowstorm, the guardian bound by love, the man who lived two lives—each story felt like a mirror reflecting different aspects of the human condition.
And then, there’s the haveli itself. It is more than just a setting; it breathes, it listens, it remembers. With every turn of the page, its secrets became more tangible, its whispers more insistent. By the end, I wasn’t just reading—I was experiencing something that felt like a dream slipping between my fingers.
Few books linger in my mind long after I finish them, but The Haveli refuses to leave. It’s haunting, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of story that stays with you, reshaping the way you see the world. If you’re drawn to tales that mix mysticism with human emotion, this book is an absolute must-read.
From the moment Loki arrives at the ancient mansion by the Revti River, I felt an eerie pull, as if the haveli itself was watching, waiting. The enigmatic Mamaji, with his haunting yet mesmerizing storytelling, kept me hooked, unraveling tales that blurred the boundaries of time, truth, and illusion. Each of the three nights felt like a test—not just for Loki, but for me as a reader—forcing me to question the nature of perception, love, and sacrifice.
What stood out most was how seamlessly the book wove magical realism with philosophy. It didn’t just ask me to suspend disbelief; it invited me to reconsider what I believe in the first place. The selfless spirit in the snowstorm, the guardian bound by love, the man who lived two lives—each story felt like a mirror reflecting different aspects of the human condition.
And then, there’s the haveli itself. It is more than just a setting; it breathes, it listens, it remembers. With every turn of the page, its secrets became more tangible, its whispers more insistent. By the end, I wasn’t just reading—I was experiencing something that felt like a dream slipping between my fingers.
Few books linger in my mind long after I finish them, but The Haveli refuses to leave. It’s haunting, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of story that stays with you, reshaping the way you see the world. If you’re drawn to tales that mix mysticism with human emotion, this book is an absolute must-read.
March 2, 2025
Imagine a quiet village, hugged by old mountains and a river that whispers secrets. Loki, on a simple dare, steps into an old, dusty mansion called a haveli. Inside, he meets Mamaji, a mysterious man who tells three strange stories. These aren't just any stories. One is about a kind spirit in a blizzard, another about a love that went wrong, and the last about a man living two lives. Each story teaches Loki something important about life, changing how he sees the world around him.
The old mansion, the haveli, feels alive, like it's breathing. It makes it hard to tell what's real and what's a dream. Loki wonders, who is Mamaji, and why do his stories feel so important? "The Haveli" takes you on a special trip, mixing magic with deep thoughts about life. It's about love, giving things up for others, and being brave enough to see things differently. The book feels like a ghostly reminder of what it means to be human, where stories feel real, and the truth is found in the place where dreams and reality meet.
The old mansion, the haveli, feels alive, like it's breathing. It makes it hard to tell what's real and what's a dream. Loki wonders, who is Mamaji, and why do his stories feel so important? "The Haveli" takes you on a special trip, mixing magic with deep thoughts about life. It's about love, giving things up for others, and being brave enough to see things differently. The book feels like a ghostly reminder of what it means to be human, where stories feel real, and the truth is found in the place where dreams and reality meet.
March 4, 2025
Haveli by Energiya Singh is much more than simple individual stories scribbled into 44 pages. It is a unison of the eloquent and poised art itself. In the brevity, I could find the charm which a thousand paged book holds. It is highly uplifting and evocative.
I was amazed by the author's prowess in writing, which feels like a gentle brush stroke, painting infinite pictures in few words. Each word holds a mesmerizing attraction with the deep meaning embedded in it.
The story moves in a way that it evokes both fear and excitement so that we would flip the pages as quickly as possible. It is simply irresistible. Arun's story was the most overwhelming one, with its emotive nature and sentimental aspect. The pictures adjoining it pay full justice to the stories.
In every way, it is a never-miss kind of experience. It is truly a spectacular artistic experience!!!
I was amazed by the author's prowess in writing, which feels like a gentle brush stroke, painting infinite pictures in few words. Each word holds a mesmerizing attraction with the deep meaning embedded in it.
The story moves in a way that it evokes both fear and excitement so that we would flip the pages as quickly as possible. It is simply irresistible. Arun's story was the most overwhelming one, with its emotive nature and sentimental aspect. The pictures adjoining it pay full justice to the stories.
In every way, it is a never-miss kind of experience. It is truly a spectacular artistic experience!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
The book won't disappoint you..
Few books are just monumental, they stick with you on cold dark nights just like a true friend. Firstly, the title of the novel grabbed my attention, giving a predictable impression. But I was shocked by the layers of stories communicated by the author, each giving a lifetime lesson. The cool night and the entire scenario of the haveli walls, the worn-out silent heavy atmosphere and the sparkles of fire gave a nail-biting expression. But what the three boys heard from the Guardian of the Havelli left me awestruck.
Few books are just monumental, they stick with you on cold dark nights just like a true friend. Firstly, the title of the novel grabbed my attention, giving a predictable impression. But I was shocked by the layers of stories communicated by the author, each giving a lifetime lesson. The cool night and the entire scenario of the haveli walls, the worn-out silent heavy atmosphere and the sparkles of fire gave a nail-biting expression. But what the three boys heard from the Guardian of the Havelli left me awestruck.
February 27, 2025
The Haveli is a haunting tale that pulled me in from the start. When Loki enters an old mansion on a dare, he meets Mamaji, a mysterious storyteller whose three eerie tales reveal hidden truths about love, sacrifice, and destiny. As the nights pass, the haveli itself seems to come alive, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Blending magical realism with deep emotion, this book stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews