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Razor-Sharp: 13 Short Stories
In my debut collection of short stories, I explore relationships and friendships, bits of the past and the present, and changing times. Each story explores a world, a relationship or an incident unto while they are disjointed, my sole purpose is to touch the reader's mind and enhance his or her pleasure. Too many short stories, I believe, aim to befuddle and confuse, and in the process, lose sight of what is most important. Having been in this position several times in the past, in this collection, I present little bits of myself in the hope that you, the reader, feel happy or sad, laugh or despair - but never feel cheated. Happy reading!
- GenresFiction
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2017
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Abhinav Kumar
1 bookI am a 24 year old corporate lawyer from New Delhi, India. I have been writing (and collecting rejections) for two years, and regret not having begun earlier. My life acquired a new meaning the day I completed (and later, published) my first short story, and now ideas come charging at me at random at all times of the day. If I can put down even 10% of them in writing, I'll count myself lucky.
What I read - general fiction, historical fiction and political non-fiction.
What I read - general fiction, historical fiction and political non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 20, 2017
Being a writer of short stories, reading short stories have always been my first choice. Starting with the title of the book it appealed me the most. The title ‘Razor Sharp’ is surely a unique choice by the author. The book consists of thirteen super amazing short stories in it. The saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” is totally apt for this book. Although the cover of the book is quite simple yet the pages contained masterpiece within it.
Each story among those thirteen had a different tale to tell and a different message to convey. The first story ‘Razor Sharp’ describes how few minutes meeting with a completely strange person can change your life. Even a stranger or I must say just a roadside barber whom the protagonist met by chance had a deep impact on his life. The story ‘Prejudice’ is also about two stranger meeting but has a strong message for the society. The story ‘A special Occasion’ is a simple yet beautifully crafted story. ‘A Breath of fresh air’ is an extremely well flash fiction. The other stories like Lust, Half Century, One Play Day are also written and expressed in a good manner. Among all the stories, the story ‘Memory’s had a deep impact on me. This was the story with which I could connect the most. I know how bad a person feels while he is bullied by his batch mates of any weakness. How bad impact it can be on that person life? Making fun is quite simple but the bearer goes through any pain. The consequence at the end is either the sufferer dies or he takes revenge. The author has very well described each incident of all his stories.
When I read the blurb of the book it compelled me to turn the pages. The reason behind among all the aspects of life ‘Friendship and ‘Relationship’ are the two points with which I connect the most. I had thought as it is a small book I would complete it an hour or so. But I took more than three hours to reach the end page of the book. The writing style of the author is so well that at times I had to re-read few lines. The author very well knew how to make his readers fully engrossed in his book. Overall, the book is an interesting ride of various emotions. Any person who would pick up this book will completely enjoy reading it.
Each story among those thirteen had a different tale to tell and a different message to convey. The first story ‘Razor Sharp’ describes how few minutes meeting with a completely strange person can change your life. Even a stranger or I must say just a roadside barber whom the protagonist met by chance had a deep impact on his life. The story ‘Prejudice’ is also about two stranger meeting but has a strong message for the society. The story ‘A special Occasion’ is a simple yet beautifully crafted story. ‘A Breath of fresh air’ is an extremely well flash fiction. The other stories like Lust, Half Century, One Play Day are also written and expressed in a good manner. Among all the stories, the story ‘Memory’s had a deep impact on me. This was the story with which I could connect the most. I know how bad a person feels while he is bullied by his batch mates of any weakness. How bad impact it can be on that person life? Making fun is quite simple but the bearer goes through any pain. The consequence at the end is either the sufferer dies or he takes revenge. The author has very well described each incident of all his stories.
When I read the blurb of the book it compelled me to turn the pages. The reason behind among all the aspects of life ‘Friendship and ‘Relationship’ are the two points with which I connect the most. I had thought as it is a small book I would complete it an hour or so. But I took more than three hours to reach the end page of the book. The writing style of the author is so well that at times I had to re-read few lines. The author very well knew how to make his readers fully engrossed in his book. Overall, the book is an interesting ride of various emotions. Any person who would pick up this book will completely enjoy reading it.
November 2, 2017
The short stories and cryptic in many ways, very short in some cases; but all of them, without exception, giving a discerning look into some aspect of life, humanity, society, people. That may or may not have been the intention; being new to this genre I cannot say. But the short, sharp and pointed observations, characteristics, situations, and life-portrayals in the book bring out some deep and most times poignant aspect of life. Most stories end with a powerful insight into some aspect of life. And yes – the title of the book says it all {Razor-Sharp}
The difficulty, you cant really review such books, at least judging from this experience – not in terms of the story or the content. Given the short nature of the content, anything I write will be a dead give-away, a spoiler. Thus, excuse me for not revealing even one word of the content of the stories. Each story is short, sharp, and well-crafted. There wasn’t a single one that I didn’t like. Each story, as noted above, revolves around one human emotion, or societal reality, or one single human factor. Each story creates a web of enchantment around your mind, and pulls you in.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
The difficulty, you cant really review such books, at least judging from this experience – not in terms of the story or the content. Given the short nature of the content, anything I write will be a dead give-away, a spoiler. Thus, excuse me for not revealing even one word of the content of the stories. Each story is short, sharp, and well-crafted. There wasn’t a single one that I didn’t like. Each story, as noted above, revolves around one human emotion, or societal reality, or one single human factor. Each story creates a web of enchantment around your mind, and pulls you in.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
December 21, 2017
Really liked Abhinav's writing style and the compact nature of each story.
August 1, 2018
An interesting set of stories with varied genres so as to speak and different pace and a little different style in every story.
Some set you thinking while others are soon forgotten too ...
Some set you thinking while others are soon forgotten too ...
October 1, 2017
The first of the thirteen stories is Razor-Sharp, from which the book derives its title, which is an amusing tale of relationships confusion and clarity. The author exhibits brilliant word play here during his session with the road side barber. I have a few favorites in the book Prejudice, which depicts the ironical lens with which we judge people and the circumstances that pressures of the society lead us to, emphasizing the point that the exterior is just a coat. The writing style of the writer and the brilliant depiction of the ending is powerful and perfect. A Breath of Fresh Air, which to me was a perfect flash fiction.
Read on...my link text
Read on...my link text
August 23, 2017
A collection of short stories is always hard to analyse for a reader since there is so much context switch in between the stories and the writing style might vary as the stories collected are written over a period of time of months or maybe years. On picking up Abhinav Kumar's debut work I had similar feelings. I took my time to read them as I felt the urge to read carefully to understand better and enjoy a collection of short stories at the same time. Maybe you might not agree with this point on me, or maybe you do but this one works for me when it comes to short stories.
Titled rightly as Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 stories, few of them quite short in length but will leave you amazed by being crisp and astonished by how the author plays with your imagination even with less amount of words. That's a rare quality and this book emphasise on it. Each story consists of a world of its own, a relationship that might be already developed between the characters and you are a spectator to see what happens next. Just like in the story Lust.
In the story Razor Sharp, he explores a new heights of development that exist for a shorter period of time similar to real life when you share a moment with a stranger more than just few minutes. It had a drastic effect on me, this one, especially the climax of the story. It was unexpected, with humour and absolute pleasure to my imagination. Similar is the follow-up, Prejudice, but very opposite in the manner of plot, and complexity but share the exact concept of dwelling between two strangers and is astonishing.
The above stories and more in the book that you have to find for yourself displays the sign of a versatile writer who can maintain a consistent writing style playing with new characters and creating new worlds for them to breathe in. I was amazed by his consistency as I have seen that it is very hard for a writer to maintain his writing style for over a period of time in writing such short works.
I was hooked by this and I recommend you it if you are a fanatic for or looking for a short story collection or something that can astonish you but at the same time is pleasurable and these stories will stay with you for a long period of time.
4 out of 5!
Titled rightly as Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 stories, few of them quite short in length but will leave you amazed by being crisp and astonished by how the author plays with your imagination even with less amount of words. That's a rare quality and this book emphasise on it. Each story consists of a world of its own, a relationship that might be already developed between the characters and you are a spectator to see what happens next. Just like in the story Lust.
In the story Razor Sharp, he explores a new heights of development that exist for a shorter period of time similar to real life when you share a moment with a stranger more than just few minutes. It had a drastic effect on me, this one, especially the climax of the story. It was unexpected, with humour and absolute pleasure to my imagination. Similar is the follow-up, Prejudice, but very opposite in the manner of plot, and complexity but share the exact concept of dwelling between two strangers and is astonishing.
The above stories and more in the book that you have to find for yourself displays the sign of a versatile writer who can maintain a consistent writing style playing with new characters and creating new worlds for them to breathe in. I was amazed by his consistency as I have seen that it is very hard for a writer to maintain his writing style for over a period of time in writing such short works.
I was hooked by this and I recommend you it if you are a fanatic for or looking for a short story collection or something that can astonish you but at the same time is pleasurable and these stories will stay with you for a long period of time.
4 out of 5!
August 24, 2017
It’s such a delight to read this book. Firstly when author contacted me i was really not sure whether i should read this book or not. Like many others i have a preconceived notion that since author is from law background there are high chances that all stories might contain elements related to law. But gladly the book didn’t turn out the way i expected it to be.
There are thirteen different short stories in this book. Each story talks about relationship- it can be a husband-wife , childhood friends, girlfriend- boyfriend or college. Most characters in most of the stories are in their twenties. while reading the book you get an image that author has carefully studied people around him and is reflecting his thoughts through these stories.
The one story that took away my heart was the one where both husband and wife were into infidelity. And they both knew about each other. The point is that “what one can do when we are bind by the law or societal rules in a relationship but our heart belongs some were else “. I wonder why we have created such rules and regulations which bind people to do what one feels is right thing to do in a given situation. I really appreciate the subtleness with which author has touched upon some sensitive topics which we still hesitate to discuss with our elders or shy away when we hear people talking about them.
This whole book is filled with rich words and idioms that captivates its reader. Towards the end of every chapter author has added a twist which will make you realise that people who go against society are not doing anything wrong. They are right in their place. This book has really changed my perspective towards a lot of things and enlightened me with some new thoughts to ponder over.
There are thirteen different short stories in this book. Each story talks about relationship- it can be a husband-wife , childhood friends, girlfriend- boyfriend or college. Most characters in most of the stories are in their twenties. while reading the book you get an image that author has carefully studied people around him and is reflecting his thoughts through these stories.
The one story that took away my heart was the one where both husband and wife were into infidelity. And they both knew about each other. The point is that “what one can do when we are bind by the law or societal rules in a relationship but our heart belongs some were else “. I wonder why we have created such rules and regulations which bind people to do what one feels is right thing to do in a given situation. I really appreciate the subtleness with which author has touched upon some sensitive topics which we still hesitate to discuss with our elders or shy away when we hear people talking about them.
This whole book is filled with rich words and idioms that captivates its reader. Towards the end of every chapter author has added a twist which will make you realise that people who go against society are not doing anything wrong. They are right in their place. This book has really changed my perspective towards a lot of things and enlightened me with some new thoughts to ponder over.
June 29, 2018
A crisp collection much like it's name
Thirteen stories of different kinds, some nostalgic and some enthralling: I got what I was expecting when I bought this book. Be it the pleasure of committing a minor crime with full knowledge or the pang you feel at the separation of a best friend or just the joy of a good head massage, Abhinav does a great job of keeping his reader engaged.
Two of the stories seemed incomplete though (Gone and Lust). If you're looking for a book to chill out with that makes your loop curl with a smile on occasion or raise an eyebrow with mild wonder, this is a great book to buy.
Keep writing, Abhinav!
Thirteen stories of different kinds, some nostalgic and some enthralling: I got what I was expecting when I bought this book. Be it the pleasure of committing a minor crime with full knowledge or the pang you feel at the separation of a best friend or just the joy of a good head massage, Abhinav does a great job of keeping his reader engaged.
Two of the stories seemed incomplete though (Gone and Lust). If you're looking for a book to chill out with that makes your loop curl with a smile on occasion or raise an eyebrow with mild wonder, this is a great book to buy.
Keep writing, Abhinav!
July 3, 2022
A collection of short stories is always hard to analyse for a reader since there is so much context switch in between the stories and the writing style might vary as the stories collected are written over a period of time of months or maybe years. On picking up Abhinav Kumar's debut work I had similar feelings. I took my time to read them as I felt the urge to read carefully to understand better and enjoy a collection of short stories at the same time. Maybe you might not agree with this point on me, or maybe you do but this one works for me when it comes to short stories.
Titled rightly as Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 stories, few of them quite short in length but will leave you amazed by being crisp and astonished by how the author plays with your imagination even with less amount of words. That's a rare quality and this book emphasise on it. Each story consists of a world of its own, a relationship that might be already developed between the characters and you are a spectator to see what happens next. Just like in the story Lust.
In the story Razor Sharp, he explores a new heights of development that exist for a shorter period of time similar to real life when you share a moment with a stranger more than just few minutes. It had a drastic effect on me, this one, especially the climax of the story. It was unexpected, with humour and absolute pleasure to my imagination. Similar is the follow-up, Prejudice, but very opposite in the manner of plot, and complexity but share the exact concept of dwelling between two strangers and is astonishing.
The above stories and more in the book that you have to find for yourself displays the sign of a versatile writer who can maintain a consistent writing style playing with new characters and creating new worlds for them to breathe in. I was amazed by his consistency as I have seen that it is very hard for a writer to maintain his writing style for over a period of time in writing such short works.
I was hooked by this and I recommend you it if you are a fanatic for or looking for a short story collection or something that can astonish you but at the same time is pleasurable and these stories will stay with you for a long period of time.
4 out of 5!
Titled rightly as Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 stories, few of them quite short in length but will leave you amazed by being crisp and astonished by how the author plays with your imagination even with less amount of words. That's a rare quality and this book emphasise on it. Each story consists of a world of its own, a relationship that might be already developed between the characters and you are a spectator to see what happens next. Just like in the story Lust.
In the story Razor Sharp, he explores a new heights of development that exist for a shorter period of time similar to real life when you share a moment with a stranger more than just few minutes. It had a drastic effect on me, this one, especially the climax of the story. It was unexpected, with humour and absolute pleasure to my imagination. Similar is the follow-up, Prejudice, but very opposite in the manner of plot, and complexity but share the exact concept of dwelling between two strangers and is astonishing.
The above stories and more in the book that you have to find for yourself displays the sign of a versatile writer who can maintain a consistent writing style playing with new characters and creating new worlds for them to breathe in. I was amazed by his consistency as I have seen that it is very hard for a writer to maintain his writing style for over a period of time in writing such short works.
I was hooked by this and I recommend you it if you are a fanatic for or looking for a short story collection or something that can astonish you but at the same time is pleasurable and these stories will stay with you for a long period of time.
4 out of 5!
November 16, 2017
Review:
I love reading short story collection as they are quick reads and you do not have to remember the story. Just the number of the story in that collection and you're good to go.
Reading Razor Sharp was an enjoyable experience. The stories are short and make a place in your heart. They are about the common thingswhich happen to common people like you and me. Some stories make you ponder while some leave you surprised. They leave a mark upon the reader. They stay with the reader.There are 13 stories in this collection. My favorite ones are Razor Sharp, Prejudice, Memory and 13(1)(vii).
At times, we have to take tough decisions about our lives. We are usually confused about these decisions. Pondering about it in a cool place and with a calm mind can help us a lot. A similar kind of situation happens with the protagonist of the story, Razor Sharp. I could very much relate to him.
The second story that I loved the most is Prejudice. Marital rape is something that not everyone speaks about. I've seen some women suffer. I could understand the feelings of the girl.
Revenge is something which most of us like reading. I don't know why but this story reminded me of the movie Table No. 21
And lastly, 13(1)(vii). When I read this title, I couldn't understand what the story could be. And that made me grow my interest in this story. Love can walk into your life at any point of time. And you've to take a step towards that love. This is what this storu taught me.
The narration and language is excellent. I loved the way author has narrated the stories. There's a personal touch to each of the story.
I noticed a peculiar trait about this author. When you start reading a story and believe it, it is during this time that the story surprises you with a twist. This has happened with me while reading all the stories of this collection. I came across many new words which enhanced my vocabulary. The author's note towards the end of the story is something I've seen for the first time. He says that his stories were not published and rejected. I wonder who wouldn't want to publish such interesting tales.
I rate Razor Sharp with 3.5/5 stars.
I love reading short story collection as they are quick reads and you do not have to remember the story. Just the number of the story in that collection and you're good to go.
Reading Razor Sharp was an enjoyable experience. The stories are short and make a place in your heart. They are about the common thingswhich happen to common people like you and me. Some stories make you ponder while some leave you surprised. They leave a mark upon the reader. They stay with the reader.There are 13 stories in this collection. My favorite ones are Razor Sharp, Prejudice, Memory and 13(1)(vii).
At times, we have to take tough decisions about our lives. We are usually confused about these decisions. Pondering about it in a cool place and with a calm mind can help us a lot. A similar kind of situation happens with the protagonist of the story, Razor Sharp. I could very much relate to him.
The second story that I loved the most is Prejudice. Marital rape is something that not everyone speaks about. I've seen some women suffer. I could understand the feelings of the girl.
Revenge is something which most of us like reading. I don't know why but this story reminded me of the movie Table No. 21
And lastly, 13(1)(vii). When I read this title, I couldn't understand what the story could be. And that made me grow my interest in this story. Love can walk into your life at any point of time. And you've to take a step towards that love. This is what this storu taught me.
The narration and language is excellent. I loved the way author has narrated the stories. There's a personal touch to each of the story.
I noticed a peculiar trait about this author. When you start reading a story and believe it, it is during this time that the story surprises you with a twist. This has happened with me while reading all the stories of this collection. I came across many new words which enhanced my vocabulary. The author's note towards the end of the story is something I've seen for the first time. He says that his stories were not published and rejected. I wonder who wouldn't want to publish such interesting tales.
I rate Razor Sharp with 3.5/5 stars.
November 13, 2017
Razor-Sharp: 13 Short Stories
By Abhinav Kumar
Review By Ila Garg
Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 short stories by Abhinav Kumar. The author himself has published it as a kindle version. The cover has a very simple feel to it. With the yellow backdrop and just the title and author’s name on it, not much can be inferred about the stories from the cover. But I like how the colour is bright and the cover is minimalist.
Abhinav Kumar is a 24-year-old corporate lawyer from New Delhi, India. He has been writing (and collecting rejections) for two years now, and regrets not having begun earlier. His life acquired a new meaning the day he completed (and later, published) his first short story, and now ideas come charging at him at random at all times of the day. He believes that if he can put down even 10% of them in writing, he'll count himself lucky. He loves to read - general fiction, historical fiction and political non-fiction.
The blurb reads as, “In my debut collection of short stories, I explore relationships and friendships, bits of the past and the present, and changing times. Each story explores a world, a relationship or an incident unto itself: while they are disjointed, my sole purpose is to touch the reader's mind and enhance his or her pleasure. Too many short stories, I believe, aim to befuddle and confuse, and in the process, lose sight of what is most important. Having been in this position several times in the past, in this collection, I present little bits of myself in the hope that you, the reader, feel happy or sad, laugh or despair - but never feel cheated. Happy reading!”
Read the complete review here - http://www.ilagarg.com/2017/11/razor-...
By Abhinav Kumar
Review By Ila Garg
Razor-Sharp is a collection of 13 short stories by Abhinav Kumar. The author himself has published it as a kindle version. The cover has a very simple feel to it. With the yellow backdrop and just the title and author’s name on it, not much can be inferred about the stories from the cover. But I like how the colour is bright and the cover is minimalist.
Abhinav Kumar is a 24-year-old corporate lawyer from New Delhi, India. He has been writing (and collecting rejections) for two years now, and regrets not having begun earlier. His life acquired a new meaning the day he completed (and later, published) his first short story, and now ideas come charging at him at random at all times of the day. He believes that if he can put down even 10% of them in writing, he'll count himself lucky. He loves to read - general fiction, historical fiction and political non-fiction.
The blurb reads as, “In my debut collection of short stories, I explore relationships and friendships, bits of the past and the present, and changing times. Each story explores a world, a relationship or an incident unto itself: while they are disjointed, my sole purpose is to touch the reader's mind and enhance his or her pleasure. Too many short stories, I believe, aim to befuddle and confuse, and in the process, lose sight of what is most important. Having been in this position several times in the past, in this collection, I present little bits of myself in the hope that you, the reader, feel happy or sad, laugh or despair - but never feel cheated. Happy reading!”
Read the complete review here - http://www.ilagarg.com/2017/11/razor-...
October 23, 2017
Abhinav Kumar has an impeccable writing style. His style is very plain yet very matured. Some of the stories are long and a few are very short. His style has an unique way of conveying the stories and he leaves elements of surprise and shock towards the end without revealing much. Doing so, the reader's interest in the story piques and one will want to know eagerly about what happens in the end. After a long time I read a book with short stories that really touched my heart.
Short stories always catches my attention since they are short and can be finished at your own pace and whims. This book has different flavoured stories. From stories with social issues to stories about life and loss, this book has all. What I loved about this book is that the book tells you the story without giving away much. It is up to the readers how they want to interpret it. My personal favourite is the story called 'Prejudice'. Though the stories are a one time read, I feel that Abhinav Kumar's short story collection has lot to teach us. It taught me about love, trust, friendship, companionship and childhood nostalgia. This book comes with 'oohs' and 'aah' moments, and the sudden surprises in the end of each story will either put a smile on your face or will make you scowl with sudden realization. This book is definitely a book that you should read.
For a detailed review go to http://www.diaryofabookgirl.in/2017/1...
Short stories always catches my attention since they are short and can be finished at your own pace and whims. This book has different flavoured stories. From stories with social issues to stories about life and loss, this book has all. What I loved about this book is that the book tells you the story without giving away much. It is up to the readers how they want to interpret it. My personal favourite is the story called 'Prejudice'. Though the stories are a one time read, I feel that Abhinav Kumar's short story collection has lot to teach us. It taught me about love, trust, friendship, companionship and childhood nostalgia. This book comes with 'oohs' and 'aah' moments, and the sudden surprises in the end of each story will either put a smile on your face or will make you scowl with sudden realization. This book is definitely a book that you should read.
For a detailed review go to http://www.diaryofabookgirl.in/2017/1...
November 26, 2021
A passable one
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews