Tamil: The Best Stories Of Our Times

by Perundevi

The Best Stories of Our Times, edited by Perundevi, brings together twenty-two outstanding short stories published over the past three decades by some of the finest contemporary writers of Tamil fiction. Traversing Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora, these stories capture a society's encounter with the modern world, as its people grapple with what is irreducibly human in themselves and others. Along the way, they unravel the subtle intricacies of life, illuminating various transitions, identities and interiorities. Absurd, agonizing, humorous and poignant, this landmark volume offers an exhilarating glimpse into Tamil literature today.

Genres: Short Stories

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

கவிஞர். அமெரிக்காவில் ஜார்ஜ் வாஷிங்டன் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் சமயம், பெண்ணியம், பண்பாட்டியல் ஆகிய துறைகள் சார்ந்து ஆய்வு செய்துவருகிறார். Journal of Asian Studies, Anthropological Quarterly போன்ற இதழ்களிலும் கல்வித்துறை சார்ந்த ஆங்கிலக் கட்டுரைத் தொகுப்பு நூல்களிலும் இவரது ஆய்வுக் கட்டுரைகள் வெளியாகியுள்ளன. காலச்சுவடு, காலக்குறி ஆகிய தமிழ் இதழ்களில் கட்டுரைகள் எழுதியுள்ளார். வாழ்க்கைக்கு அர்த்தம் தருவது வாசிப்பும் எழுத்தும் என்று நம்பும் பெருந்தேவி, சிறுகதை, மொழிபெயர்ப்பு, நாடகம் ஆகியவற்றிலும் ஈடுபாடுகொண்டவர்.

Reviews

[Divya Shankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the oft-repeated questions when an anthology is read - are these stories really the best? Are there enough women authors in it? Ashokamitran’s Harmonium in this collection feels more like an essay than a story, definitely not his best. Sa. Kandasamy’s The Known, The Unknown is pretty obscure and Ambai’s Horsewoman feels lackluster, especially for readers who have sampled them before. While some stories are driven by the characters and their quirks, some are propelled by what happens to the characters - plot events. The stories are a mixed bag, with Jeyamohan's Sacrificial Stone, Shobasakthi’s Uprising and Imayam’s Heartbreak leaving a lasting impression.

Other than letting us readers sample authors - both new and renowned names, giving us an assortment of translation styles and a flavour of short stories from a specific region or language, maybe even a theme, an anthology is a reflection of its editor's choices and preferences. Editor Perundevi's selection ensures we readers get access to stories of our times written by authors either new to most of us or available in translation for the first time. Her introduction to the collection, best reserved for the end, not only summarises the stories without giving away too much but also traces the evolution of Tamil short story, significant milestones as it flourished and details her own journey of reading and loving them.

Of the 22 stories, though only four are written by women, it's noteworthy that stories picked aren’t restricted geographically to Indian authors but stories by Sri Lanka Tamil authors and an author residing in Singapore feature too. Though 8 stories are translated by N Kalyan Raman, women translators - Janani Kannan, Suchitra Ramachandran, Yashasvi Arunkumar, Nandini Krishnan dazzle with their contribution. The translation allows a smooth reading experience and it does so without having to depend on a glossary. Also, all the three titles in The Best Stories of our Times released till now - Telugu, Urdu and Tamil are edited by women.

On inequity in public and private spaces, how travel and migration though meant to bring countries closer wedges a gap between communities and so much more, the collection shines light both on the personal and political upheaval. Enjoyed reading this collection!

Rating- 3.75 stars

A copy of the book was obtained from the publishers in return for an honest review.

[Mahalakshmi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful anthology! Intriguing, well written short stories that have been translated beautifully from the vernacular, all while preserving the essence of its Tamil roots.

Thanks to this book, I've had the opportunity to read the works of Tamil authors whom I've not read before.

First time reading stories by Charu Nivedita (cycle), Tamilnathy (mirage), Aravindan (screening), Jeyamohan (sacrificial stone), and Imayam (heartbreak).

All in all, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for contemporary, slice-of-life short stories.

[Vipul Musani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widely turbulent and show casing all the emotions and human failings with the fellow humans and the feeling of abject poverty and helplessness but add to it the colours of human nature which show loneliness and beliefs, greed, shame, being adamant for ones wishes, society at large and human portrayal of helplessness of pride and what not. I say these things should be read and understood for it reveals the human nature more than any psychological book or experiment can ever reveal.