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Never a Long Story
152 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 1, 2026
Not every story needs pages to leave an impact, some just need one twist.
Never a Long Story by Prabhat Podar is a sharp, fast paced short story collection that dives into love, crime, betrayal, the twists and turns of human nature. Each tale is short but loaded with a surprise that hits hard.
The writing is simple and conversational, so the stories are easy to fall into, but the endings are real knockouts. It's not a heavily literary read, but it's a fun, jaw dropping debut ideal for quick thrillers and surprise endings.
If you're tired of long, heavy novels and want something that you can finish in one sitting (and still think about later), this is a must pick. 12 stories, 12 mini shocks perfect for a quick bookish break.
Never a Long Story by Prabhat Podar is a sharp, fast paced short story collection that dives into love, crime, betrayal, the twists and turns of human nature. Each tale is short but loaded with a surprise that hits hard.
The writing is simple and conversational, so the stories are easy to fall into, but the endings are real knockouts. It's not a heavily literary read, but it's a fun, jaw dropping debut ideal for quick thrillers and surprise endings.
If you're tired of long, heavy novels and want something that you can finish in one sitting (and still think about later), this is a must pick. 12 stories, 12 mini shocks perfect for a quick bookish break.
April 2, 2026
My Review: Never a Long Story by Prabhat Poddar
Full confession — this book sat on my desk for two days after I received it, and I had absolutely no intention of reading it. Why? Because I saw an Indian author's name on the cover. Now before you come for me — I'm Indian too! But honestly, Indian authors tend to dramatise everything, and don't even get me started on the Meeras and Gopals that show up in every other story. You know exactly what I mean.
I finally picked it up purely out of respect for the publishing house that sent it to me. Opened the first page, read the author blurb — a filmmaker who became a writer. Classic, I thought. Cliché, even.
And then the first chapter happened.
It completely shattered every stereotype I was walking in with. It was captivating, sharp, genuinely funny — and so unlike anything I expected. I actually had to text the author about it. My jaw was hurting from smiling constantly through the first few chapters. That's not an exaggeration.
The book is a collection of short stories spanning wildly different genres — political drama, murder, sorcery, thievery, and more. Most stories are beautifully compact, which keeps you hooked. A few chapters felt slightly stretched, but that's a minor gripe. The real star of this book is the climax of each story. You think you've figured it out — you're convinced you know the ending — and then it pulls the rug right from under you. Loved that.
The only thing I'll say is that towards the end, I started recognising the pattern and found myself guessing the twists correctly. But even then, the ride was absolutely worth it.
I finished it in one sitting. It's a fun, light, one-time read — best taken at pure face value. The kind of book you pass from one friend to another on a dull day, and it never fails to lift the mood.
"I almost didn't read this book. Now I'm the one texting people to pick it up — Prabhat, if you're reading this, write faster."
Full confession — this book sat on my desk for two days after I received it, and I had absolutely no intention of reading it. Why? Because I saw an Indian author's name on the cover. Now before you come for me — I'm Indian too! But honestly, Indian authors tend to dramatise everything, and don't even get me started on the Meeras and Gopals that show up in every other story. You know exactly what I mean.
I finally picked it up purely out of respect for the publishing house that sent it to me. Opened the first page, read the author blurb — a filmmaker who became a writer. Classic, I thought. Cliché, even.
And then the first chapter happened.
It completely shattered every stereotype I was walking in with. It was captivating, sharp, genuinely funny — and so unlike anything I expected. I actually had to text the author about it. My jaw was hurting from smiling constantly through the first few chapters. That's not an exaggeration.
The book is a collection of short stories spanning wildly different genres — political drama, murder, sorcery, thievery, and more. Most stories are beautifully compact, which keeps you hooked. A few chapters felt slightly stretched, but that's a minor gripe. The real star of this book is the climax of each story. You think you've figured it out — you're convinced you know the ending — and then it pulls the rug right from under you. Loved that.
The only thing I'll say is that towards the end, I started recognising the pattern and found myself guessing the twists correctly. But even then, the ride was absolutely worth it.
I finished it in one sitting. It's a fun, light, one-time read — best taken at pure face value. The kind of book you pass from one friend to another on a dull day, and it never fails to lift the mood.
"I almost didn't read this book. Now I'm the one texting people to pick it up — Prabhat, if you're reading this, write faster."
June 11, 2026
Good for casual reading, especially if you’re looking for something light.
August 5, 2026
I'm about halfway through this collection, and I've really been enjoying it so far. Each story has an interesting premise, keeps a good pace, and ends with a satisfying twist that makes it memorable.
One thing I especially appreciate is the plain, easy-to-read English. The writing is clear without being overly simplistic, which makes it easy to stay immersed in the stories. The overall format also works well for reading a story or two whenever I have a little free time.
Most importantly, this book helped me get out of a reading slump. The engaging stories and manageable length made it easy to pick up and keep turning the pages. Looking forward to reading the rest!
One thing I especially appreciate is the plain, easy-to-read English. The writing is clear without being overly simplistic, which makes it easy to stay immersed in the stories. The overall format also works well for reading a story or two whenever I have a little free time.
Most importantly, this book helped me get out of a reading slump. The engaging stories and manageable length made it easy to pick up and keep turning the pages. Looking forward to reading the rest!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews