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Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not : A Collection of Short Stories

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Life isn’t flawless—it’s a patchwork of glittering highs, messy lows and the mundane in between, where even the best-laid plans can veer off course.
Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not is a collection of poignant and witty short stories that uncover the cracks beneath seemingly perfect lives—and the truths that emerge from them.
A man on the brink of marriage spots the love of his life on the streets of London. A successful man contemplates his date with death. A struggling artist does not want to part with the only painting that could transform his fortunes. A young woman, who has it all, finds her world crumbling. A gay man finds that his love is forbidden. A former banker, once uber-wealthy, is now a driver and has a life-changing encounter during his first week on the job.
From picture-perfect relationships gone wrong to careers derailed by a misstep, these stories delve into the universal struggles with identity, love, fear and belonging. With heart and a touch of irony, Vasudha Sahgal celebrates life’s imperfections in their chaotic, bittersweet charm. If you’ve ever laughed at your own mistakes or found joy in life’s curveballs, this book is for you. After all, who needs perfect when you can have perfectly imperfect!

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2025

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44 people want to read

About the author

Vasudha Sahgal is an author, freelance journalist and screenwriter. Her storytelling journey began early—at the age of eight, she wrote her first story about a bunch of friendly witches.

She started her career as a trainee copywriter at Ogilvy & Mather, New Delhi—an experience she likens to being Charlie in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: utterly fascinating.

Over the years, Vasudha has contributed to publications such as The Tribune, Daily Post, The Times of India, HuffPost and The Quint. Her short story was included in the anthology Love in the Times of WhatsApp and Other Stories. She has also authored two illustrated children’s books. Additionally, she has sold the intellectual property rights to her first feature screenplay to a production house.
Beyond writing, Vasudha manages operations at her family’s precision engineering company, Micron Instruments Pvt. Ltd. She is passionate about travel, food, words and our existence in the world. Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not marks her debut solo venture into short fiction.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Aakanksha Jain.
Author 7 books728 followers
February 15, 2025
Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not by Vasudha Sahgal is a debut collection of fourteen short stories exploring love, loss, revenge, and longing.

The narratives are beautifully imperfect, just like life. Instead of reviewing each story, I will highlight my favourites. When Life Gives You Lemons, Write a Novel resonated with me as it reflects the relatable urge to turn life experiences into stories.

Six Feet of Separation portrays the gap between the love we desire and receive. The Life of Three teaches the futility of revenge, while Natasha’s Nod to Her Normal masterfully twists a dark reality into an inspiring tale of acceptance.

Vasudha Sahgal’s writing balances emotion with irony, making even hard-hitting themes relatable. Her unique storytelling style is captivating, and I eagerly await more from her.

This collection is perfect for fans of short stories or anyone seeking heartfelt, thought-provoking narratives. Highly recommended!

Read the detailed review here: Books Chharming
Profile Image for Anirban.
198 reviews
June 22, 2025
Almost Perfect, But Mostly Not by Vasudha Sahgal is a collection of short stories diving into the imperfections within the seemingly perfect lives.

Most of the stories involved the affluent sections of Delhi with some connection with London. They reflected the problems and the various dilemmas in the picture perfect lives which may not be so evident in general. Moreover, the author beautifully touches on a variety of emotions, from quiet despair to subtle joy that made me truly connect with some of her characters.

What I loved most was that the stories were refreshingly unconventional, thought provoking and deeply resonant. No predictable happy endings here, just the complex, often messy reality of life.

The only drawback for me would be the lack of variety in the settings and characters. Maybe bringing in characters from other strata of the society and discussing their lives would have made the stories even more relatable.

All in all, this is a short story collection that would make its reader think. It is definitely worth a read, especially for those who enjoy books that challenge their perceptions and delve into the nuances of human experience.
Profile Image for Mugdha Mahajan.
789 reviews79 followers
September 22, 2025
Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not is such an honest little collection of stories. Each one reminded me of how life never really goes as smoothly as we hope, but that’s exactly what makes it real. The characters here aren’t shiny or ideal. They’re messy, flawed, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and that’s what made them feel so close to home.

I loved how some stories left me with a quiet smile, while others made me pause and think about choices, regrets, and the strange ways people search for belonging. None of them feel forced or overdone. They’re just slices of life, with all the imperfections intact.

If you enjoy short stories that feel like real conversations or like peeking into someone else’s diary, this book is a great pick. It doesn’t promise perfection, but it definitely promises honesty.
Profile Image for Asha Seth.
Author 2 books349 followers
February 23, 2025
Originally published on www.missbookthief.com

Short-stories can be riveting; when done right. Stephen King said, "A short story is like a kiss in the dark by a stranger." Whether a reader is looking to immerse in love, loss, mystery, or humor, short stories provide instant gratification while leaving room for introspection, reflection, and thrill making it worth their time in just a handful of pages. One such book is Vasudha Sahgal's debut anthology - 'Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not'. This collection of 14 contemporary short stories poignantly reminds readers that life is full of imperfections and uncertainties. And when it comes to human nature and behavior, what appears obvious is just the tip of the iceberg. This aspect makes the book an engaging read for readers of any genre since it captures life in its grief and glory in the aftermath of failed relationships, desperate ambitions, and what not!

"There was no signature but she didn't need one. She knew who it was from. The writer had shared this poem with her once. He had told her that he wasn't a poet and was quite sure that this was the only poem he would ever write."

Through these 14 tales, Sahgal brings us astonishingly personal and relevant stories of people that could very well be living, breathing around us, with their own almost perfect but mostly not sagas tightly clutched to their hearts. In the story 'When Life Gives You Lemons, Write a Novel', Lily captures her own bitter-sweet story through a book where the protagonist represents her own life quite impeccably. In Banker Cabby, Maya develops an almost familial bond with a cabby but is she ready to know his secret that would change her life too? The Painting brings together an artist and a struggling model, for ephemeral days of bliss only to part them again. In 'Delhi Drama, Turkish Trauma', Maya seeks solace from her Delhi life when she finds the love of her life cheating on her and escapes to Turkey only to be caught in a whirlwind of another romantic trauma. 'Tony de Souza's Date with Death' has Tony contemplating pulling the curtains down on his life and the impact his decision might have on his son.

"To make matters worse, every corner of Delhi reminded her of him - their favorite sushi place, the movie theatres, the coffee shops where they had savoured oatmeal lattes and even the parks where they had jogged together."

Sahgal deftly dissects the layers of seemingly perfect lives, exposing the vulnerabilities, complexities, and struggles that define people. Each story captures a different aspect of human relationships—love and longing, hope and despair, ambition and failure—presenting characters who are achingly real and relatable, strong and surreal, lost and lonely, but with the will to live life on their own terms; no matter the odds. Through her keen observations and emotive story-telling, Sahgal resolutely highlights the beauty in life's imperfections such as heartbreaks, uncertainties, and failures, reminding readers that these experiences have a lot to learn and grow from. The protagonists of each of these stories are written to perfection and are an epitome of hope, determination, and perseverance. Laced with bitter-sweet poignancy, they give much fodder to ponder over, and perhaps, contemplate if you want to live life like a winner or a whiner. The settings are mostly based in India, with occasional cameos from London and Turkey, one travels through the streets and sidewalks with apparent ease, feeling home even in foreign locations. The credit goes to the well-balanced descriptions and narrations that do justice to the stories.

"He remembered looking out of his room's window in Kolkata, beyond the street hawkers, the grime and the beggars, towards an unexplored horizon. The look in this girl's hazel eyes reminded him of that same longing."

While all the stories are wholesome, Tony De Souza's Date with Death, The Painting, Six Feet of Separation were standouts for the sheer beauty of writing, the inner struggles unveiled, and the impact of the unsaid; as the essence of these stories is going to last longer than readers can anticipate. With impeccable writing, passionately beautiful descriptions, relatable characters, and mundane but sublime stories, this anthology feels like a warm embrace from a loved one assuring that good times are just around the corner. A literary feat that sure doesn't feel like a debut!
Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
807 reviews26 followers
March 1, 2025
-Love Thwarted-
Review of 'Almost Perfect, But Mostly Not'

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.

Almost Perfect, But Mostly Not is a rainbow collection of stories that delights you, fills you with nostalgia, makes you miss a long lost friend, even makes you want to visit an art gallery. Modelled on the cracks of life, the flaws that glare through the shiny veneer, this story collection bring the harsh reality to life. Even best laid plans can go awry, says the author.

All my favourite stories are based upon the love: love lost, unrealized love, love thwarted. Three stories that talk about unfulfilled love: the first that Kickstarts the collection, 'The Painting' which is filled with as many emotions as there are colours. A struggling artist meets a struggling model and they both make a pact. Years later, when the pact is fulfilled, they are not in the same place as they were at the beginning of their journey.

In 'Forbidden', Sahgal touches upon the current political climate in the entire world with the far-right rising through the political ranks. The author makes a bold but true statement when she writes that her protagonist finds it easier to come out to his father than tell this fact that he's in love with a Muslim. The story has an unexpected ending. Then there's a story about a man on the brink of marriage who spots the love of his life on the streets of London.

Like life, the stories have many flavours.
Profile Image for swati {swatislibrary} ♡.
89 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2025
life doesn’t arrive neatly wrapped and neither do the stories that stay with us.

there’s something deeply comforting about short stories. maybe it’s the way they hold up a tiny mirror to your life and say: look, you’re not the only one. almost perfect, but mostly not by vasudha sahgal did just that for me - offering 14 little worlds full of longing, regret, joy, mess, and memory.

the stories range widely in theme : lost love, quiet grief, complicated desire, that sudden jolt of kindness when you least expect it. some made me pause. some made me ache. and a few stayed with me long after i’d closed the book. i found myself reconsidering the judgments we pass, the compromises we make, and the strange, persistent ways love and connection show up ; even when we least expect them.

sahgal writes with warmth and insight, but never sugarcoats the ache of real life. even when characters fall short, or endings remain unresolved, there's a steady current of emotional truth running through the collection. it reminded me how often our lives are shaped by the almosts – the things we nearly had, nearly said, nearly became. and how much beauty can still exist in that space between.

that said, a few stories pulled me out of the spell. there were moments where the author’s voice felt a little... off, like it hadn’t quite caught up with the world we live in. subtle jabs at things like gender identity or chosen pronouns felt unnecessary and out of step with the emotional depth elsewhere in the book. not loud enough to derail the whole experience, but enough to leave a mark.

still, the collection delivers more often than it falters. sahgal’s strength lies in capturing the in-betweens: the almosts, the could-have-beens, the “maybe in another life” moments. it’s not a perfect book. but then again, what is?

if you’ve ever sat with a decision too long, loved someone a little too late, or tried to make sense of the mess and still find meaning in it, this one’s for you.
339 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2025
Short stories often leave me wanting more, never quite satisfying my curiosity about the characters. But this book was different. Each story felt complete, beautifully summarized with precise descriptions and perfect writing. The author masterfully captures emotions in just the right words, making every moment feel real and meaningful.

The book is a collection of stories that capture life in its raw, unpredictable, and bittersweet essence. It’s about the plans we make, the dreams we chase, and the unexpected turns that leave us questioning everything. Each story introduces us to characters standing at a crossroads.  A struggling artist refuses to part with a painting that could change his life, Jobless and lost, a man unexpectedly reunites with his daughter and Raj Khanna, bankrupt and desperate, is saved by his father just in time. Through these stories, the author peels back the layers of seemingly perfect lives to reveal the fears, longings, and quiet heartbreaks hidden beneath the surface.  

What makes this book special is its ability to balance poignancy with humor, realism with irony. The author doesn’t try to offer neatly wrapped conclusions—life isn’t that simple. Instead, she embraces the uncertainty, showing that even in missteps, there’s meaning; even in failure, there’s a lesson. Some stories leave a lump in my throat, while others bring a knowing smile—because who hasn’t faced moments where life didn’t go as planned? There were many stories that touched my heart, but my favorite was When Life Gives You Lemons, Write a Novel.

Her writing is unpretentious yet evocative. The characters don’t feel like strangers; they feel like people you’ve met, like reflections of yourself at different points in life. This book is a celebration of life’s imperfections—messy, unpredictable, and strangely beautiful.

Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,072 reviews139 followers
February 14, 2025
Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not by Vasudha Sahgal is a collection of 14 thought-provoking short stories that delve into rich themes, each exploring the complexities of love, loss, dreams, friendship, longing, and relationships. Each story is brilliantly curated with a crisp, descriptive narrative and a captivating storyline. Vasudha, with her words,s takes readers on a journey of emotions and with each story, we witness a taste of life. Some stories will make you smile, while some will make you question what could happen next, each of them will create a place in your mind and heart. The plot of each story is vibrant and interesting, making it relatable for the readers. The stories are light and comforting while making us emotional.

Vasudha weaves the characters beautifully. Each of them are strong, fierce and relatable. One would love to see more of each story. The stories are smooth-paced, entertaining, and filled with lots of drama. What I loved most is we feel a sense of comfort with each story, The climax of each of them is loose end and perfect. Readers can easily find pieces of themselves within these narratives, often longing to see more of each character’s journey unfold. In all, it’s a must-read if you are looking for some light, interesting stories. Vasudha Sahgal has skillfully crafted a collection that not only reflects life’s multifaceted nature but also encourages readers to embrace their journey—its imperfections, complexities, and moments of undeniable beauty.
Profile Image for Sukaina Majeed.
748 reviews46 followers
March 17, 2025
Almost perfect but mostly not a collection of short stories are enigmatic and provide a lens to each story's emotions quite vividly whether it's a sad or a happy story. Every story has its own aura and own life and would keep you invested in the story till the last page. The stories read like a personal connection to each story is written by the writer and that deception she has successfully completed in doing so. Definitely worth reading it and if you are just starting to read and want to read something substantial but not too heavy, then this book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Varun Mittal.
86 reviews14 followers
April 15, 2025
Almost Perfect But Mostly Not by Vasudha Sahgal is a light read, containing short stories.

I enjoyed the book a lot but not all stories were captivating enough but then my benchmark is set by several volumes of short stories by authors such as Jeffrey Archer who is globally known as the master storyteller.

Nevertheless I look forward to reading more works by Vasudha Sahgal and develop an informed opinion on her writing.

Do check out this book; it may serve you well as a travel companion on your next vacation.
24 reviews
April 30, 2025
This was really boring to read. I understand it's a debut but most women are fashion designers or aspire to be one and men are investment bankers. Like there are no other jobs... The stories feel constricted. But I like a few stories for example "six feet of seperation" The incompleteness of that story was truly saddening.
Profile Image for sonali saini.
27 reviews39 followers
May 31, 2025
This book got me hooked from page one . The author has weaved stories in an engaging and engrossing manner which nudges you to go on reading further . Each story is different and relatable with a hard hitting truth delivered . A book i highly recommend for people who enjoy reading short stories . You won’t be disappointed ..
Profile Image for A_Chirping_Aquarian.
379 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2025
It’s no doubt a good collection of stories and I enjoyed Vasudha’s stories . Few things I felt were redundant like Khanna’s surname and few errors in book but one can understand the story clearly.

One story left me feel like oh.. dam wow, what an end -> super intriguing , saddening but again brilliantly written :) I enjoy most of stories my fav one would be with Lily :) for varied reasons but overall it is a good book :) :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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