Pandora's Box is a collection of tales that have woven reality and fiction together to serve to the reader spine chilling narratives and jaw dropping climaxes. Most of the stories are inspired by real life incidents and characters – like Saddam Hussein's CIA connection, the secret army of the Indian prime minister, Hitler's biggest mass murderer, strangest rains where frogs fell from the sky, heroism of Mold of, terrorist funding in Columbia, NASA's controversial moon landings and so on. Some stories are inspired by characters around you who touch your lives in so many ways yet go unnoticed. Some climaxes will urge you to read the story again with a new perspective. If imagination is more powerful than knowledge then here is a book that invites you to join the author in the most powerful imaginative endeavors you may have ever undertaken till now . . . in a literary environment of course.
Tushar Sen makes his entry into the budding fraternity of Bankers turning into Writers with his maiden attempt – Pandora’s Box. He lives in Mumbai and can be reached at sen.tushar@hotmail.com or followed @tusharzen on twitter.
Pandora's box is a short story collection. Author handles a lot of diverse topics. The book is like a fruit salad where unmatched topics are mixed together to give a palatable flavor. Since this is a short story collection, it cannot be classified in a highlight drawback cabin.
A unique quality which I could see in every story is the unpredictability. The twist in the climax of many stories came like a shocking surprise since there are very few books which I failed to guess the end. This is one among the few. Some stories could have been novels since there are a lot happening. There are 21 stories. I would like to review each and every story in detail but since they are short stories, my detailed review might end up as spoilers. Bu I will name a few.
The stories Ferret, Cryptic Patient, Free Fall, Blood Thirsty Prototypes, and WWII astonished me with the twist in the end. Mustache Gang is also of the same league but I guessed the twist. The Paying guest should have been a novel. It gave me a compressed feeling since a lot was happening and author rushed through it. It would have been perfect, had it been a novel. David Goliath, Devil's Workshop, Philosopher's Stone, Pandora's Box, Tiger Tiger burning bright, Hail Mogambo, and Last Viking have a geopolitical dimension. Author tried put light to the hidden agenda of the several political manifestations.
Torrent, Satanic Provocation, Adobe acrobat, the vicious circle, convicted, laughing gas, and Unnoticed are more of a contemporary style but at the same time with a psychological application.
One Liner The literary works of a writer who is responsible, reactive, talented, and unpredictable.
Firstly, I’m writing this as a lay reader, not a critic so take it for what it’s worth. I was drawn to the book because of the title, Pandora’s Box, much as I am into Greek Myth and some reference to chilling narratives.
What emerged from the Box, for me, is a glimpse into a very smart mind, capable of observing, analysing and giving a breath-taking twist to the minutiae of our lives and also to larger events.
As I began reading, during the first couple of stories, there are 21, my reaction was a surprised WTF! By the 4th-5th story I was smiling, a little later, you feel you can take nothing for granted.
Tushar has a formidable imagination and uses it very skilfully to weave stories about say one single moment, to what seems like a potentially complex theme, to one of my favourites theories about the potentially fake lunar landing.
You wouldn’t think this was Tushar’s debut given how confident and almost lazily self-assured his writing is. The thing I sort of missed is a more solid presence of women in the stories, except in a few like The Paying Guest.
Now, what I am feeling haunted by is how Tushar has challenged our most basic assumptions, brought sharply to attention things we long ago stopped noticing & given consciousness to even say a drop of water.
This is an impressive first book and I am really looking forward to more—especially novels.
The author surely has the gift, the narration is superb and makes it very visual. The stories are fresh and the theme is : SURPRISE I like the way the author touched upon myriad aspects of life including geo political scenarios. A must read
I gave 4 stars because the book might not appeal to very very light readers who aren't used to reading beyond pulp fiction. The vocabulary is super refined for the commoners and the climaxes need attention or you miss the fun.
This is a top class realistic fiction. I will give full marks to the author for his narration, the vocabulary though is quite a brain racker and needs to mellow down at places.
The suspense created by the author keeps the reader glued to the book, excellent climaxes.
excellent narration and really good stories, the author has talent. Having said that, I feel he rushed into the climaxes of some of the stories. a good read overall.
Review Point: 3.75 out of 5 Author: Tushar Sen Publisher: Frog Books, Imprint of leadstart publishing Genre: Fiction ISBN: 978-93-84027-93-3 Edition: First Page Count: 166
About the Book Pandora's Box is the collection of 21 short stories namely The Devil's Workshop, The Ferret, The Satanic Provocations, The Moustache Gang of Eldorado, The Paying Guest, WW II: First Air Combat, The Cryptic Patient, The Free Fall, David and Goliath, Blood Thirstry Prototypes: Vampirical, Philosopher's Stone, Torrent, Pandora's Box, Adobe Acrobat, Tiger! Tiger! Burning Bright, The Vicious Circle, Convicted?, Laughing Gas, Unnoticed, Hail Mogambo, and The Last Viking. These stories come from the past, as early 19th century and World War period, and present time as well. Touching the hidden facts of history in an uninterrupted manner, this book brings amazing stories in limelight.
Strength of the Book
As the name is, the book is. One of the finest ways to knit a book by letting people travel the time via these short stories. Writer has really done great job for writing such book. The way he has prepared platform for each and every story of the book and then moved well is amazing. Unbeatable concept of presenting stories in such new ways while entertaining readers is admirable. Almost all stories are quite interesting. Where on one hand, it talks about the time during Hitler Kingdom in story The Satanic Provocations, it deeply touches the ancient time with The Last Viking while narrating the saga of hero of Norwegian history of 15th century via the guide Emil appearing in the museum to enhance the knowledge of visitors. Besides, writer has finely maintained base of The Paying Guest and The Cryptic Patient and given shocking ending to the stories. Character justification is done quite well in all 21 stories. Stories are full of surprises and joy with sorrow. Writer has enlivened the characters in most of the stories. Those who are lover of historical will find it best when it walks around one of the powerful heads of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. Pace of the book is much effective to bring ecstasy to the readers while going through each and every story. Literature is quite sharply used and most importantly wherever required most.
Few Lines from the Book
The stations are usually the most emotional places filled with tears of joy and agony. The Paying Guest
She had asked him to not be late, but men hardly listen. The Paying Guest
But, nevertheless, he rejoiced at the slice of niceness that his luck offered today when he bumped into her and spilled coffee on her speckless lavender shirt. Laughing Gas
Weakness of the Book Story The Ferret is quite weak while thoroughly depicting the life in the search of musk. The Satanic Provocations also in the same way makes readers disappoint by going aside of book's tryst with interest. Laughing Gas and Adobe Acrobat stories do not start with the interesting face and let readers to skip the pages. At last of story The Last Viking, conversation between Emil and his owner is written in foreign language and no translation in English language is provided for the same, it leaves quite negative impact when you end your book in such a way by depressing readers on last page.
Conclusion Pandora's Box is one of the finest collection of short stories I came across. Amazing platforms and well set stories are the backbone of this creation. Cover page is not impressive at once but deeply it is designed quite attractive. Blurb is also interesting and brings readers close to the book. Book starts with touching story and with very little fluctuation of interest of readers, goes smoothly up to the end. Those who seek love story in each and every book will be disappointed with this though it has story The Paying Guest, but the majority of the novel is beyond love and all alike. Dialogue writing is effective. Sentence construction is quite well and the way Tushar has proceeded the story in the particular rhyme of desire of readers is the best part of the book. If anyone tired of reading same stuff again and again, must read this book which has variations in each and every chapter with full of interest factor.
Few Best Stories
The Devil Workshop The Paying Guest The Cryptic Patient The Philosopher's Stone Torrent Pandora' Box Unnoticed
Personal Opinion I have never read any book of short stories with so much variation. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the very beginning to the very end of the book. It could be more pleasurable, if writer had given translation of the conversation took place in foreign language in the last page.
So the 'Pandora's Box' opened and surely opened with loads of surprises in it. Though half of the topics touched upon in this anthology are not my cup of tea, yet it had something that kept me adhered to it and the adherence grew stronger with each approaching story. Unmatched knack of narrating stories, unpredictability of climaxes, mind-trapping twists and salute-worthy imaginative content are clear manifestation of his brilliance and ofcourse .....of his painstakingly done observation and research work. Throughout the read, you will have to keep two different perspectives. Just when you are certain that the tale is about some 'xyz'.......then wait buddy, 'Coz he has some 'zyx' to tell. And if i talk about its literary aspect then i would say ..... long time later had a look of literature-y language. besides this vocabulary is standing out everywhere. Hence, not at all a bad read. Rating----4/5 PS. - Its author's debut work, if thats it then it is worth wondering what is more there in his 1400g weighing world. Best of luck for his future.
I am totally amazed by the way the author produces content from such simple events in life, events that go unnoticed fro maven the most keen observer. Writing about Saddam Hussein and Columbian corruption again was a very bold move, and for the first time I saw a reference page at the back of a short story. The narration and suspense is commendable, it really keeps you hooked onto the book till the end. The more said the less about this debut novel. The only thing I was a little not so happy about was the not so happy endings, but then literarutre never promises happy endings, it will promises entertainment. And this book deliver heavy on it.
This is the first book written by Sen, and I am honored that I had the chance to read it. I was intrigued the moment I read the prologue, as I never skip those, and if you do, don't skip this one. It sets up the stories and makes you dive right in. Each chapter is its own story, and different emotions fill the pages, and it shows why this story is called Pandora's Box. It even has a chapter that shares the name. It brings to light that evil does exist, but in what form? I was intrigued by each chapter and entranced by its contents. Sen writes well with the stories he pens, I hope that there is more stories to be expected by this author.
It offers so much for so little a price it demands. I loved the love story of the most hated man in Europe, a softer side to a demon.
I like the way the author moves from one reality to the other, capturing different relations in the most impeccable manner.
I see this book as a bestseller in the making, I am sure everyone who reads this will find newness and surprise, without being let down by the dark shades every now and then.
The best short story collection I have read so far. It truly captures your mind and then reveals something you couldn't have imagined. Such story telling is rare and new. The author makes sure you read his stories twice. He compels the reader to go through the experience again with a different perspective the second time. The book was gifted to me by a friend of mine and I had very little hope from a new author offering short stories. BUT ! it took me by surprise and here I am totally floored by the narration.
After a really long time I have enjoyed short stories, the last I read was by Jack London. This author has brought back my faith in short story genre. Brilliant narration and intelligent twists make this series a treat for readers. The other good part is that he makes the story very close to reality, even the most extravagant stories end up being so real, making us real realize that all stories are spun out of the real world at the end. Bless you Tushar. Friends, readers and literature lovers, this one is a sure HIT.
this collection of short stories is a brilliant peice of work by a first timer, he takes you thru' so many different aspects of life that you wish there were more stories than just 21. The twists at the end is unlike any other short story, completely unimaginable. Some stories are like documentaries, they end abruptly therefore I am offering a 4 star and keeping one for the next book. Must read fellas.
Nice stories, but had a sense of dejavu to them (like I have heard them somewhere before). Didn't think such a short book would take so long for me to finish. Not because the stories were bad, but maybe because they were completely different from one another. A good time pass if you are looking for one.
Everytime he ran out of stories the author must have thought "I have a metaphor in mind. Lets make a story out of it" :P
I am already waiting for his next book, the writing is so fresh and visually stimulating.
It sure should be a bestseller, I have recommended it to all my friends and I would recommend it to anyone looking for good literature that always makes sense in the end (even the fairytales)
The author is courageous enough to have written about saddam hussein and his connections with the CIA, the involvement of MNC companies with conflict minerals.
It was a good read, worth way more than the price it charges, although flipkart charged me 50 rupees for delivery!!
I admit the cover looks very appealing, and the stories have really good endings, but, I also admit it is not for the common reader. The language is far from easy and i hate to pick up the dictionary.
I loved the stories, it just needed more of happy endings. The stories are fast paced and fresh and they compel you to read them twice. I enjoyed reading all of them.
Outstanding Literature!! let me start by saying this doesn't at all seem like a debut novel! The author writes like a pro! I have never seen such climaxes in short stories. The themes he has written about are just out of the world; he writes about everything we see and experience everyday. The narration is gripping. The book is worth much more than its price. Must read.
I like the line from his preface : someday I will write like Salman Rushdie ! Surely a lofty ideal to aim for, and he is surely going to reach there in no time, he already has the substance to produce quality work.
I loved all his stories and I feel there is still scope for excellence.
The first thing that comes to mind after reading this book is : awesome. I read literature after a long time, because most of the stuff available now is all pulp fiction.
I held back a star just because i feel a debut author should earn it over a period of time.
Good luck Mr Sen and may the book be a bestseller.
Its a new way of story telling, a new perspective to look at things. Beautiful endings and a gripping narration.
This is the first time I laid my hands on short stories and it has spoilt me beyond repair because I don't think any other author might math up with such endings and such themes.
Well, the book was gifted to me by a friend and I had very little hopes to start with. But the book swept me off the floor! What narration! What story telling ! I think this could be one of the best debut novels by an Indian author. The subject touched upon are sensitive and unconventional. The author left me wanting for more, i am eagerly waiting for his next.
Brilliant writing and extraordinary twists and turns. Impressive subjects, gripping narration and a strange suspense that builds through the plot keep the readers glued to the book. Very smartly written stories that stirs so much inside you as a reader. Language however is a little tough for the Indian audience. I would say a must must read.
Marvelous writing, i give full marks to the author for his narration and the unthinkable endings. The subjects he selected for his stories are unusually unusual. I would urge him to write a thriller as his next, a full fledged novel. i am sure he will do a good job. Good luck author and must read readers.
this is quite different from the other Indian fiction I have read till date, the best part being the author doesn't think in hindi and then translates in English, rather the author thinks and writes in English. He has a long way to go, I am sure the entire world will start talking about his book soon. Favorite book so far.