A central theme of love, passion, and self-exploration drives the narrative of this diverse anthology. It includes elements of gender dysphoria, nightmares, dysmorphia, and personal limitations.
Characters such as Ms. Garner, Padmālakshmi, Lucifer, Sifar Salvan and the Mad Hatter overcome their quirks and eccentricities to achieve greatness. These characters inspire us with their sincerity, authenticity, and quest for meaning in their lives.
The sensitive and impactful portrayal of supporting characters Silas Suleiman and Miriam enhances one's reading experience, offering a refreshing take on storytelling.
A one-of-a-kind storytelling seen in recent years!
Eccentric Tales is a collection of stories that feel real and honest, even when they explore strange or difficult topics. The characters are all different and special in their own ways—like Ms. Garner, Padmālakshmi, Lucifer, Sifar Salvan, and the Mad Hatter—and each one is on a journey to understand themselves better. They face struggles with identity, nightmares, and personal limits, but they don’t give up. Instead, they find ways to grow and become stronger.
What’s really nice about this book is how it talks about tough subjects like gender dysphoria, fears, and body image, but in a gentle way. The stories don’t push or judge; they just show characters trying to find their place in the world. This honesty makes the stories feel very real and easy to connect with. It’s inspiring to see characters who are quirky and imperfect, yet brave enough to chase their dreams and be true to themselves.
The way the stories are told is simple but effective. Each one has its own mood, blending fantasy and reality smoothly. The different characters and themes work well together, creating a kind of story tapestry that’s both interesting and meaningful. The flow is natural, making it easy to stay hooked from beginning to end. Every story feels like it’s adding something important to the bigger picture of self-acceptance and love.
I also really appreciated how the book shows the supporting characters, like Silas Suleiman and Miriam. They aren’t just background figures—they bring kindness and depth to the stories. Their presence reminds us that everyone’s story matters, and that small acts of understanding can make a big difference. The author handled these characters with care and respect, which makes the reading experience feel genuine and warm.
Reading Eccentric Tales is like stepping into a world where being different is celebrated. It’s rare these days to find stories that are so honest and full of heart. The characters’ struggles and growth remind us that everyone has their own quirks, fears, and dreams, and that’s what makes us human. The book encourages us to embrace our true selves and to love others for who they are.
In the end, this collection feels like a gentle reminder that it’s okay to be different. Love, passion, and self-discovery are all part of life, and the characters’ journeys show us that we can find strength even in our most vulnerable moments. It’s a touching, thoughtful read that stays with you long after you turn the last page—an honest look at what it means to be truly oneself.
Eccentric Tales by Jyotsna B. Rao makes for an enchanting anthology of wonders in the realms of love, passion, and self-realization. With a richly diverse footfall of characters celebrates individuality and the spirit of man. The story also goes head-on into tricky issues such as gender dysphoria, nightmares, and dysmorphia, rendering a fine, well-rounded, and empathetic treatment therein.
What really sets it apart is how the author brings to life those characters who are identified by their quirks and eccentricities, only to shoot past them to reach greater heights. Their earnestness, rawness, and the thirst for meaning inspire and touch the soul of the reader.
In a nutshell, Eccentric Tales is that refreshing, mind-bending anthology that redefines the possibilities for storytelling. The readers will be rich for having been given an engaging read by Jyotsna B. Rao and will be haunted by the characters' journeys long after they close the book. This book is a journey into the realms of stories that celebrate individuality, self-discovery, and human condition-the must-read of all.
"Choose yourself over others till you gain some clarity and you have become comfortable with being alone. Try loving yourself first."
"I wish to soak you up in the background of my artwork with the stars."
This short book of around 120 pages is much more interesting and exciting than expected. It took me 2 days to finish but you can even finish the book in one sitting as it's fast paced and easy to read and flow through. Each story has it's own message.
This is a beautiful mix of both poetry and prose, making it diverse and quite suitable for readers who enjoy poetry as well. The writting was beautiful and authentic with well-portrayed characters and emotions. I loved the poems in the books, they were soulful and beautifully written. Each story was unique and carried a personal touch, emotions, and depth along with surreal characters.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and it is an anthology of 125 pages that blends prose and poetry and dives into the journey of self-discovery, dreams, queerness, and bold characters.
Eccentric tales is a short read of about 125 pages. Consisting of just 4 chapters it’s a book full of tales from various perspectives each one better than the last Starting with the story of a queer couple, It deals with various aspects of a human life, starting with a queer romance of Ms. Wagner and Ms. Garner.
Where they both are sipping tea and in love with each other. Deciding to Write an Anthology of poems for her beloved Ms. Garner forms a few collection of poems implying her love for her soulmate.
The poems weren’t just ordinary it each described a harsh truth of love and life. Later on the book dives into the paths of Mythologies and hidden truths about Padma and her panchkanyas each one a definition of divinity.
The book was a fast and calm read for me. And if you are looking for a light read full of hidden truths and entertaining stories then this will be your go to read.
Eccentric Tales is a fascinating collection of short stories that dives into some of the most complex human experiences like love, identity, self-discovery and purpose. Each story feels unique and truly eccentric in the way it captures emotions and portrays characters dealing with personal struggles. I especially enjoyed how no two tales feel the same and each carries its own message and resonance. That said, while I found the stories individually captivating, the book as a whole didn’t connect with me as much as I hoped. Perhaps because the collection is so diverse, I couldn’t quite find the thread that tied them together into one cohesive experience. Still, this is a bold and imaginative debut and I absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy exploring the many facets of human nature through different lenses.
Eccentric Tales is unlike anything I’ve read in recent years, a collection that dares to explore love, identity, and inner battles with remarkable tenderness. The characters, from Ms. Garner to Padmālakshmi and even the Mad Hatter, feel alive in their contradictions and struggles, yet they radiate honesty and depth. The stories don’t shy away from difficult subjects like body image or haunting fears, but they approach them with grace and empathy. What struck me most is how every voice in this book has something meaningful to say, reminding us of the beauty in difference and the courage to be authentic. I couldn’t keep this book down once I picked it up. I finished it in one day, took it with me to college, the library, cafés, even the garden. A moving, inventive, and unforgettable read that will stay with me for a long time.
Eccentric Tales is a lovely and enriching short read at 125 pages. It explores the themes of love, self-discovery, and emotions across four different chapters starting with the tender queer love story between Ms. Wagner and Ms. Garner. The mix of prose and poetry gives the story a musical quality in sections that makes each chapter feel meaningful and raw.
As the book goes on, it mixes myth and truths of hiding with reflections of divinity and the brutality of life. The writing has a poetic, emotional, and personal tone, takes a little while to fully dive into but the charm brings you in gradually.
A calm yet meaningful read, Eccentric Tales would be perfect for any one who loves stories that combines emotion, philosophy, and beautiful language.
Eccentric Tales by Jyotsna B. Rao is a collection of stories that encourages individuality and creativity. the story covers themes like gender dysphoria, identity struggles, and night terrors, discussing each in depth. Rao’s writing is rich and easy to understand, painting characters who are earnest and determined to rise despite their own hardships and discrimination. These stories remind us that even those who seem eccentric deserve love, belonging, and understanding. Written beautifully, Eccentric Tales provides a voice to those characters that usually end up being side characters, that is, if they ever do appear in stories.
This book Discover a captivating anthology that beautifully blends love, queerness, and the magic of self-discovery. Each story poem's feels like stepping into a dream filled with eccentric characters, bold emotions, and journeys that touch both heart and soul.
This collection isn’t just about stories it’s about embracing who you truly are, celebrating differences, and finding beauty in every version of love.
For me these moments feel like hidden clues not just in words, but in emotions and ideas making the book a beautiful puzzle of meaning and reflection.
Eccentric Tales is a heartfelt and beautifully written collection of short stories about love, identity, and self discovery. Jyotsna B. Rao gives a gentle voice to characters who often feel unseen, making each story emotional and meaningful. The mix of prose and poetry adds a soft, dreamy feel. A short but powerful read that celebrates individuality and reminds us that everyone deserves love and understanding. Perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful and emotional stories.
I love it when the title matches with the contents of book! Eccentric and with mystique vibes , Eccentric tales by Jyotsna Rao is certainly one unique experience I've acquired. Imagine the ocean at night in a foggy haze, it's dark, unrelenting and confuses yet at the same time piques your curiosity to see what it's depth beholds. The fog makes it more mysterious and enchanting. That's the vibe Eccentric tales hold.
It is a collection of unique tales/stories equipped with sometimes soulful poetry, sometimes Mythical elements and sometimes thought provoking acts. It's all together binded in a heap of curiosity in form of a book.
The writing style is straightforward, has a very Emmersive experience though I'll say it has it's own vibe; different from other novels. It speaks in narrative, where Narrator strangely feels connected to the characters and reader both. It's vivid, queer and has used a a lot of underlying hidden meanings inside. The experience is akin to magical realism where reader is taken to a dream like experience through different tales.
Surprisingly it has also Represented certain Roles and Genders such as LGBTQ community through it's characters, feminine and masculine qualities, the essence of spiritualism in it's stories. The best thing? No bad or sad ending. I think that's what I appreciated the most. The queer storytelling makes this book very very different to it's other peers in short stories.
In conclusion, Eccentric tales is a unique, bold take on storytelling where writing isn't afraid to write down what she wants, all the while using riddle like writing, vivid storytelling and Her unconventional characters that stand out.
If you love a book with queer representation and that will make you wreck your brain harder, then this is a must read. Though I warn you, it might not be for everyone because not everyone can understand hidden meanings inside it.
A book can shake your soul in a best way. Yes! This book is perfect example. I am habituated reading poetries,love stories, mystery, thriller,self help but never thought something unexpected like this. I thought it would be normal reading but the pages left me surprised. Trust me this is not easy to feel the depth of the book. You have to read it from heart and soul. Then you can connect with this. It's like refreshing my soul. I am really glad that I have gotten the chance to read this book. Thanks to @karnova_pr and @swordofscribe Jyotsna Mam.
When I read first few pages, I got confused. I wasn't sure if I would like this or not but I am proved wrong. I love this book. After few pages I couldn't stop myself. I finished it in one go. The deep spiritual thoughts, concepts, practical honestly of this book will make you think,urge you to question your heart. This is a soulful read. I have felt different emotions. I have felt positivity, calmness,self love , patience and healing vibe. This book will nourish your soul and will urge you to break free yourself from obstacles of life.
First I want to talk about the plays of this book. Samsara and Who Am I. These two aren't ordinary. The meaning is deep. We know all about the morals but sometimes we don't follow,we often ignore our worth. This book will help to discover that. Last chapter, A Tale - Punchkanyas is really unique and another level of story. It is blended with mythology, spirituality,self growth and inner wisdom. The way this story progresses is beautiful and soulful.This book has few sonnets also. So poetry lovers can enjoy the book. The first story is really interesting. Presenting opening chapter with that type of story is really unique.
I am not revealing more. Just want to tell you to read this book. You never know which book is needed for your soul. This book is that kind of for me. I didn't know I needed it until I read it .
"Choose yourself over others till you gain some clarity and you have become comfortable with being alone. Try loving yourself first."
Diving into our unconscious we can find answers to a lot of our present happenings and problems. We gain power over ourselves and realize our inner strength.
'Eccentric Tales' is a uniquely crafted anthology that holds the stories within a story. A captivating and thought-provoking piece of fiction.
Ms. Garner and Ms. Wagner is a couple in beautiful love where they understand each other, support other' ambitions and encourage their true abilities. Ms. Garner loves to write and soon realized that her dreams are our doors to some great stories which are waiting to be penned down. Amidst this, Ms. Wagner supports her love, appreciates her efforts as Ms. Garner also wrote love poems and together they show some great teachings of life.
The book discovers the themes of love, recognising one's inner self, working towards passion and realising the purpose and meaning of life.
The author's vivid imagination, detailing and passion of sharing something extraordinary is evident through her book but I would have liked it better with more thought in set up and scene delivery.
Eccentric Tales by Jyotsna B Rao is a beautiful collection of short stories. Each story has something special sometimes it makes you smile sometimes it makes you think deeply & sometimes it surprises you completely. The author writes in simple & clear language but her stories carry deep meaning. She knows how to turn ordinary moments into something extraordinary. Every character feels real in their own way. What I loved most about this book is how different each story is. Every story feels fresh & unpredictable you never know how it will end & that makes it exciting to read. Some are light & imaginative while others are serious and touching. There’s a mix of humor, mystery that keeps you interested till the end. It reminds you that it’s okay to be different & to think differently. It’s an easy & enjoyable read, perfect for anyone. This book is perfect for readers who love short stories that are easy to read but still meaningful.
📚 Why You Should Read It:
✨The stories are creative, emotional, and full of imagination. ✨It’s written in simple language that anyone can enjoy. ✨Every story feels different and gives you a new experience. ✨It leaves a smile on your face and a thought in your heart.
If books had an aura, Eccentric Tales would be that shimmering lavender mist that drifts in just when the mundane begins to bore you. Jyotsna B. Rao doesn’t merely write—she conjures
From one-act plays that blink alive with cosmic metaphors, to characters who speak like they're performing soft rituals of love, every page feels dipped in an alchemical blend of poetry, theatre, and a little harmless madness.
Mrs. Garner and Mrs. Wagner, in their sunset-blooming universe, feel like two souls suspended between tea steam, meteor metaphors, and stolen cheek pecks. Purple Wavelet and Starry Starlet? They glide into the narrative like celestial mischief-makers who have temporarily borrowed human emotions just to play with them.
And the poetry? It crackles with that strange electricity that only dreamers, seekers, and slightly insane lovers can recognize. Words bend, time bends, and sometimes your heart bends too.
This book is for readers who like their fiction a little crooked, a little magical, and unapologetically alive. A book that doesn’t just entertain — it enchants, teases, stares back, and then waltzes away with a wink.
A truly beautiful, brave, free-spirited anthology — eccentric in the best possible way.
Eccentric Tales is a truly unique and enriching read. It beautifully explores the relationship between a queer couple, Ms. Wagner and Ms. Garner, while delving into themes of love and self-discovery.
What makes this book stand out is its variety it’s not just a story but a collection of poems, anthologies, and acts woven together in such an engaging and thought-provoking way. The writing style feels rich and reminiscent of classic literature, something I really enjoyed. The poems were especially beautiful deep in meaning and filled with emotion.
I’ll admit, the book felt a bit confusing in the beginning since I was new to the author’s style, but as I kept reading, I found myself completely immersed. By the end, it truly felt like an experience worth remembering.
One of the most beautiful parts for me was when Ms. Wagner wrote a poetry anthology for Ms. Garner. it was such a tender and heartfelt moment that stayed with me long after I finished.
Overall, if you’re looking for a short yet meaningful read with a classic literary aesthetic, Eccentric Tales is definitely worth picking up. 🌸
I picked up Eccentric Tales not knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be such a refreshing and soulful read. At just 125 pages, it manages to blend poetry, prose, and emotion so effortlessly that it feels more like an experience than a book. What really stood out to me was how it explores queerness, identity, and self-discovery with such grace and tenderness especially the love story between Ms. Wagner and Ms. Garner. Their connection felt poetic, honest, and deeply human.
The writing carries a certain classic charm — lyrical, rich, and layered with meaning. Some parts felt surreal, almost dreamlike, yet the emotions were so raw and real that I couldn’t help but pause and reflect. My favorite part was when Ms. Wagner writes a poetry anthology for Ms. Garner it’s one of those quiet, heartfelt moments that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Eccentric Tales is a beautifully eccentric journey a reminder that even in our strangeness, there’s beauty, belonging, and love.
A dangerously beautiful compilation of stories that looks at the meaning of what it is to be human — imperfect, confused, still searching for meaning. Each story has a subtle craziness to it, pairing honest emotion with surreal elements, making you stop and contemplate. Jyotsna B Rao writes authentically and with depth, making every character a reflection of who we might be hiding ourselves — the parts of ourselves we try to push down, yet still wish to understand. Some stories are comfort in disturbed characters, some stories are disturbed, but all of the stories create not just knowing but feeling within you. Eccentric Tales is not just a book, but a gentle reminder that even though we may be seen as strange, we can still be loved and belonged and etc.
Eccentric Tales is a collection that feels alive. It is full of emotions, questions and quiet truths. It talks about being human in the most real way i.e. messy, flawed and still searching for meaning. Every story has its own charm, a little bit of chaos mixed with honesty, the kind that makes you pause and feel something deep inside.
Authors writing feels real and her words reach deep and her characters feel like a mirror to our hidden selves. Some stories bring peace, some shake you a little but all of them make you feel something real.
When I first picked up the book, I wasn’t sure if it was my kind of read. But a few pages in, something just clicked. The more I read, the more it pulled me in. It left me feeling peaceful, thoughtful and strangely healed. This isn’t just a book you finish and forget, it’s one that stays with you.
If you love stories that make you think and feel at the same time, this one is worth reading.