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Strange: Stories
Shreya Sen-Handley’s new HarperCollins book of short stories which the great Ruskin Bond has described as “masterful”, and best-selling author Prajwal Parajuly, as “profoundly unsettling and unusual” comprises….
“Thirteen twisted tales of the unexpected
A disenchanted wife embarks on a one-night stand…
A wheelchair-bound poet comes home to roost, upsetting the balance of his carer’s life…
A troubled mother finds solace in an unusual place…
A man in an office begins to steal stationery for no apparent reason…
The stories in Shreya Sen-Handley’s Strange are about everyday people whose lives take unforeseen turns. Suddenly, they find themselves drawn inexorably into encounters and situations that weren’t part of their plan, but which result in the shocking revelation of buried parts of their psyches.
Strange is a book that will have you engrossed, as you try to guess what happens at the end of each story; and its characters will haunt you for a long time after you’ve turned the last page.”
“Thirteen twisted tales of the unexpected
A disenchanted wife embarks on a one-night stand…
A wheelchair-bound poet comes home to roost, upsetting the balance of his carer’s life…
A troubled mother finds solace in an unusual place…
A man in an office begins to steal stationery for no apparent reason…
The stories in Shreya Sen-Handley’s Strange are about everyday people whose lives take unforeseen turns. Suddenly, they find themselves drawn inexorably into encounters and situations that weren’t part of their plan, but which result in the shocking revelation of buried parts of their psyches.
Strange is a book that will have you engrossed, as you try to guess what happens at the end of each story; and its characters will haunt you for a long time after you’ve turned the last page.”
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2019
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Shreya Sen-Handley
3 books6 followersA CNBC and MTV journalist and producer, and East India head for Australasian Channel [V], Shreya Sen-Handley has authored three books for HarperCollins: the award-winning ‘Memoirs of My Body’ (2017), short story collection ‘Strange’ (2019), hailed by beloved Indian-English author Ruskin Bond as "masterful", and new travelogue ‘Handle with Care’ (2022), described by author and naturalist Lee Durrell as "a fabulous read...written lustrously and wittily".
A Welsh National Opera librettist, the first South Asian woman to write international opera, she has written for their film series ‘Creating Change’ (2020), and operas ‘Migrations’ (a 200-performer production touring Britain in 2022, listed by The Times as one of 50 best shows to watch this year) and ‘Blaze of Glory’ (2023). Her play ‘Quiet’ premiered in London with award-winning Tara Theatre (2021).
A columnist for National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, and more, she also writes a syndicated newspaper column for India. Her essays can be found in anthologies, including the University of East Anglia’s ‘Writing Places’ (2019) and Hodder Education’s British secondary school English textbook, ‘Detectives’ (2020).
Her short stories and poetry have been published in award-winning anthologies, broadcast by the BBC and Australian radio, and shortlisted for prizes in Britain, India and Australia. Her poetry has also spearheaded British national social justice campaigns.
She teaches creative writing at British and Indian institutions, including the University of Cambridge, illustrates for Hachette, HarperCollins, Welsh National Opera, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, translates literature for National Literacy Trust, and commentates on BBC Radio.
A Welsh National Opera librettist, the first South Asian woman to write international opera, she has written for their film series ‘Creating Change’ (2020), and operas ‘Migrations’ (a 200-performer production touring Britain in 2022, listed by The Times as one of 50 best shows to watch this year) and ‘Blaze of Glory’ (2023). Her play ‘Quiet’ premiered in London with award-winning Tara Theatre (2021).
A columnist for National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, and more, she also writes a syndicated newspaper column for India. Her essays can be found in anthologies, including the University of East Anglia’s ‘Writing Places’ (2019) and Hodder Education’s British secondary school English textbook, ‘Detectives’ (2020).
Her short stories and poetry have been published in award-winning anthologies, broadcast by the BBC and Australian radio, and shortlisted for prizes in Britain, India and Australia. Her poetry has also spearheaded British national social justice campaigns.
She teaches creative writing at British and Indian institutions, including the University of Cambridge, illustrates for Hachette, HarperCollins, Welsh National Opera, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, translates literature for National Literacy Trust, and commentates on BBC Radio.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 18, 2020
Shreya Sen-Handley’s Strange is a lovely little eccentric collection that merits a place on any bookshelf. One would call it a success simply by how badly one wants to invite the author to tea point at various passages and demand more details. Such as what was on the chit that was passed to Arnie. Each story is so well interlinked so finely constructed that the reader tends to go back and forth to ensure there is no tiny detail that has escaped the first read. Handley’s is a refreshing voice in the scares department and one hopes it will only get louder and creepier. If you are into the ‘chills’ this is not to be missed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
'Strange' does live up to its name. It is a collection of bizarre and gripping short stories, however, certainly not for the faint-hearted looking for a regular one-time breezy read. It's a collection that promises to gradually grow on you, haunt you ( not in the supernatural or spooky sense though) - forcing you to experience (and savor) unconventional pattern of thoughts, long after you are done reading..
Each story is one of it's kind, dealing with a unique theme and emotion; characters are diverse and multidimensional. However, one common thread that binds all stories is the quirkiness, the unconventional storyline for each and shreya's powerful ability to delve into her characters' psyche.
In 'Full Circle', we witness a biracial ( indian and British ancestry) girl's confusion and discomfiture as she tries to partake in her mom's (indian - bengali) side of the family festivities, the unusual camaraderie she shares with her mom and the latter caught in the exact emotional maelstrom. Then there's another tale of a man who suffers from a compulsion of stealing office stationeries. In 'Lean on Me', we come across a mature love story blossoming between a disabled poet and his caregiver wherein we anticipate a happy ending - we are jolted out of our reverie when the seemingly innocuous characterization of the poet acquires dark undertones towards the end.
Shreya's literary flair, without being ostentatious is remarkable. Added to it is her ability to pique the reader's imagination wherein she allows room for individual interpretations - the trademark of a good short storyteller.
'The lust list' is a complex and intriguing tale of a seemingly contented woman married for 2 decades, whose husband out of the blue, puts forward the idea of an "open relationship". The woman who hitherto thought her marriage was perhaps normal and perfect, for the first time could realize the monotony that had plagued their two decades of companionship.
Was the husband covering up for his past infidelity?
Is it a commentary on the age-old institution of marriage and its relevance today in the urban society? Is a monogamous commitment in a marriage contract an overrated idea?
It is for a us to reflect upon the answers to these questions.
The collection is certainly meant for avant-garde' readers, to be relished at a leisurely pace, literally devouring every word in order to enjoy the journey. Finally, I would love to revisit the entire collection after a hiatus, and I am sure I would see the stories in a newer light and have fresh interpretations and perspectives to share.
September 24, 2019
Strange Stories is a collection of stories across various plots, where the author encounters mysterious characters throughout the novel. The cover of novel is quite haunting to give you chills down the spine. The plots described in every story have a relative different perception the moment you start reading it and it drives you to a distinct conclusion, unpredictable ending. There are few stories which have less characters and the added drama is high, whereas there are plots like Never Alone, which consists of a list of characters driving the plot insane. I have been glued to the book for quite few days now, however there have been times when I was really scared to pick the novel to finish it. One good thing about the book: it is not a novel, whereas it is a collection of stories which allows the reader to experience varied plots running in the author's mind. Some from real life experiences and some from the fictional world. My personal favorite from the book is the last story: Room For Two, where I was aghast flipping the last page from the book. Also, I loved the story : The Problem with Potatoes, where the struggle of a girl being in the city is described. Though the story was a bit disturbing but the struggle of a working lady in an unknown city has been depicted well by the author. I am sure most of the readers would love this collection of strange stories by the author. I loved reading mine.
June 29, 2021
One of the worst books I have ever read. Author's writing style is basically that of leaving out some crucial information which keeps you confused and then revealing it at the end like some kind of "gotcha" moment. But it feels like she is just trying to shock readers. Long paragraphs full of useless information are given interspersed with few mildly interesting bits. No one should waste their time on such a piece of crap
September 3, 2020
This is a wonderful collection of short stories, mysterious, beguiling, heart breaking and realistic. I will concentrate on three stories, but I could have enthused about them all.
"Long in the Blue Tooth" may be a play on words, but how the words play is remarkable. I’m not sure how many twists and turns there are in this story. You think you are on track then you are kicked into another situation before falling for another until the denouement comes and you are sent flailing into a dystopian abyss. This is an incredible story, full of evil intent lingering over an apparently peaceful home for the elderly.
In "Lean on Me," Sen-Handley tells how a conman, Karan, inveigles his way into the life of Samrat and his mother. She thinks he loves her, but it is so much more complex than that. We have to try to work out who is leaning on whom, which is not easy. How people take advantage of others feelings is highlighted here in much more depth than I can describe in a few words, but it is sombre reading, well written.
Finally, "The Lust List": this was intriguing and right until the very end I had no idea of where it was heading. Indeed, in the denouement I am still unsure! It is the tale of a husband's infidelity, a man who suggests his wife takes other partners to cover his guilt at his betrayal of her. She goes on a business trip, flirts uneasily as this is not her scene, but then connects with a pair of strangers who follow her to her room. They whistle as they stroll down the corridor following her. She runs but leaves the door open. What happens next is down to our imagination. I flirted with the idea it was role play or if her husband would reappear - that it had all been a test; but what was it testing, her resolve or his or their marriage? That is the beauty of these stories. They ask questions of the reader. The reader can assume nothing, there is a twist to every tale, several twists in some cases. You really do have to read this collection.
"Long in the Blue Tooth" may be a play on words, but how the words play is remarkable. I’m not sure how many twists and turns there are in this story. You think you are on track then you are kicked into another situation before falling for another until the denouement comes and you are sent flailing into a dystopian abyss. This is an incredible story, full of evil intent lingering over an apparently peaceful home for the elderly.
In "Lean on Me," Sen-Handley tells how a conman, Karan, inveigles his way into the life of Samrat and his mother. She thinks he loves her, but it is so much more complex than that. We have to try to work out who is leaning on whom, which is not easy. How people take advantage of others feelings is highlighted here in much more depth than I can describe in a few words, but it is sombre reading, well written.
Finally, "The Lust List": this was intriguing and right until the very end I had no idea of where it was heading. Indeed, in the denouement I am still unsure! It is the tale of a husband's infidelity, a man who suggests his wife takes other partners to cover his guilt at his betrayal of her. She goes on a business trip, flirts uneasily as this is not her scene, but then connects with a pair of strangers who follow her to her room. They whistle as they stroll down the corridor following her. She runs but leaves the door open. What happens next is down to our imagination. I flirted with the idea it was role play or if her husband would reappear - that it had all been a test; but what was it testing, her resolve or his or their marriage? That is the beauty of these stories. They ask questions of the reader. The reader can assume nothing, there is a twist to every tale, several twists in some cases. You really do have to read this collection.
September 3, 2020
The title of this immensely enjoyable collection sets it up for a fall. We’re a blasé, boxset-sated generation; not easily surprised by a turn of the plot. So we shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover — rather, it’s title in this case. Some of these short fictions have us guessing more than others, but the ‘twist’ isn’t what keeps us reading, immersed and fascinated to the last sentence. Just as politics usually comes down to the economy, in the case of these stories, it’s the characters — finely and believably drawn, their worlds observed acutely and sensitively. Some of the stories are set in India, most in Britain, most are inflected by both countries. The principals typically find themselves trapped by their situations, and by their immediate histories. Emancipation is a frequently recurring theme: a wife from her husband’s unilateral redefinition of their relationship; a young intern in Delhi from shiftless precarity; a mother seeking to free her daughter from cultural mores as stifling as the many turns of a sari in Bengali Britain. The paths to freedom can take surprising turns: a stationery pilferer — with a more serious matter on his conscience — seeks and finds release in exposure and arrest. Sometimes buried secrets are brought to light in unexpected ways. Occasionally, we find we have been led into territory made unsettling by mental illness; where the tricks of the psyche appear (at least) to blur into the supernatural. The occasional arrival of the police heralds — for me — the only false note; we have seen too many procedurals to believe in these plods, but this is a minor quibble. ‘Stange Stories’ is a daringly varied collection; the writing is assured and resourceful, the stories deftly unfolded; a novel from this writer would be a treat indeed.
October 27, 2020
This book made me fall in love with reading again. I'd been going through a non-fiction phase, and I just realized one day that reading was starting to feel a bit like work. So I figured short stories are the best way to ease my way back into fiction. I opened a random story in Strange [It's called 'Never Alone', and perhaps my favourite], and basically ended up reading the entire thing in two days. The author has absolutely mastered switching gears smoothly, because this genre-fluid collection makes for quite the journey. These stories enabled my imagination, pushing me to participate in the narrative by picturing each setting. Short stories are incredibly difficult to master in my opinion, so I consider it quite a big deal that Shreya Handley wrote an entire collection with such skill. I really hope we get some more.
August 4, 2022
Strange is a collection of stories that comfort you precisely because they are so discomforting. The language is bold and feels always like the pulsing nerve at the side of one’s neck—anticipating and on edge. Not all stories are about sex, some not at all. There is however a libidinal investment that the protagonist of every story has, which travels off the page and washes over the reader as well. My favourite story was The Memory Project, which like the other 12 stories, trespasses from being simply a “strange” tale to something that is psychologically terrifying. The chapter holds a strong message—memories and stories are nothing in themselves, but instead only amount from the conscious act of narrativisation.
March 6, 2020
Wow! I just finished reading this twice and the second read through was as good, actually better than the first. I am a HUGE fan of tales and stories that twist and turn in the most unexpected of ways and this collection of stories didn’t disappoint. Conjured images of Poe, Black Mirror, Gone Girl ans so many more. There actually wasn’t a single one of the individual stories that I didn’t love even though I will say I have my definite favorites. What I love about this collection also is the mix of stories that are fantasy/super natural in nature but also others which twist but in totally everyday kinds of ways. I highly recommend the read!!
April 10, 2020
The author had really studied human psyche in-depth, to create such a wonderful balance of scary, eerie and addictive narrative. I had similar feelings when I used to read Roald Dahl in my younger days, the same feelings yet with a completely original voice. An absolute treat for any bibliophile. Each story hits you with a completely unexpected plot twist, anything more will go into a spoiler territory, so to sum it up all I can say is, I highly highly recommend this book for readers of all levels.
December 5, 2023
What a delightful book! The writing is super than superlative and the stories are so much fun! The jokes had me chortling to myself. So much humour, such twisty, colourful wickedness, so much craft. In terms of story, I liked Never Alone best; and for exquisite language, I will pick Beyoncé and Jay-Ji which, owing to the almost overwhelming multiplicity of candidates, was a really difficult choice.
October 28, 2020
The writer expressed her innovative ideas about the stories published in Strange. Unforeseen turns and situations faced by the characters are worth mentioning. It is very difficult to guess what will happen next and feel a suspense about the stories of Strange. Good work and all the best to the author for this type of work.
January 6, 2020
Gripping and deliciously creepy! Each story keeps you entertained!
April 12, 2020
Shreya's an amazing writer. If you have a penchant for the supernatural, then this is a must read.. I loved it!
April 13, 2020
I'd great fun reading the book. Finished it in one go, despite it being a collection of short stories! 10/10 would recommend!
December 8, 2019
These short stories are unique. You will have to finish each one at one go and if possible at one breath. You can't wait for the end!
December 4, 2019
These are wonderful stories that keep you guessing till the very end.
December 4, 2019
Great book, one I'd read again!
November 10, 2019
Strange
'Secrets begets secrets.'
This is a very unique book which I've come across lately & I'm glad that I've picked it up. What's interesting is that each story here is different from the other & has no connection with each other. The book comprises of 13 stories entirely. They're totally new, refreshing & delightful in nature. The beginning & ending of each story is justified accordingly. The unpredictable nature in every aspect & turns made it very exciting to read. It's very small, so it hardly took anytime for me to finish it. Basically, it's an anthology. Some are adventurous, whereas others are strangely mysterious.
The title of the book suits very well according to the content given here. It's totally new, captivating & aptly selected. Cover is really beautiful & has been designed very well. It's one of the reason why I picked it up in the first place. The bizarre yet captivating writing style kept me hooked till the last page. Language is excellent accompanied by a sheer good refined quality of vocabulary which gave me thrills while reading it.
Storytelling is really good, written with tremendous detail & well researched orientation gives the narrative a good touch. It's incorporated with a very good presentation which is likely yet another important aspect which I admired here. Characterisation is balanced. Synchronisation is well achieved. Overall, a really good read.
'Secrets begets secrets.'
This is a very unique book which I've come across lately & I'm glad that I've picked it up. What's interesting is that each story here is different from the other & has no connection with each other. The book comprises of 13 stories entirely. They're totally new, refreshing & delightful in nature. The beginning & ending of each story is justified accordingly. The unpredictable nature in every aspect & turns made it very exciting to read. It's very small, so it hardly took anytime for me to finish it. Basically, it's an anthology. Some are adventurous, whereas others are strangely mysterious.
The title of the book suits very well according to the content given here. It's totally new, captivating & aptly selected. Cover is really beautiful & has been designed very well. It's one of the reason why I picked it up in the first place. The bizarre yet captivating writing style kept me hooked till the last page. Language is excellent accompanied by a sheer good refined quality of vocabulary which gave me thrills while reading it.
Storytelling is really good, written with tremendous detail & well researched orientation gives the narrative a good touch. It's incorporated with a very good presentation which is likely yet another important aspect which I admired here. Characterisation is balanced. Synchronisation is well achieved. Overall, a really good read.
November 9, 2019
I have been reading short stories for a while now and I'm feeling really comfortable going in this pace because I've been simultaneously watching heavy romantic or emotional movies a lot these days, thanks to Netflix! Yet this book came as a rescue to me to find myself sitting comfortably— completely engrossed in reading.
Strange Stories by Shreya Sen Handley is an anthology of bizarre yet really interesting stories that will cool down your daily haste in a blink of an eye and a click of a thumb on index. When I saw the book for the first time I thought there would be strange yet paranormal stories but I was wrong, thanks to the author who kept a small amount of shock factors in each story written in the book that aren't really long and neither are too fast to guess.
The storytelling was really easy to follow and the execution of the storylines was really good, as per me. And I'd really like to read more of Shreya's works in future because I think she can include more such anthologies which will amuse, intrigue and excite the readers.
Book: Strange Stories.
Author: Shreya Sen Handley. ( @shreyasenhan )
Publishing house: Harper Collins, India. ( @harpercollinsin )
ISBN: 978-93-5357-145-0
Genre: Fiction/Short Stories.
.
A special note of thanks to @harpercollinsin for sending me this really interesting and unputdownable book!
Strange Stories by Shreya Sen Handley is an anthology of bizarre yet really interesting stories that will cool down your daily haste in a blink of an eye and a click of a thumb on index. When I saw the book for the first time I thought there would be strange yet paranormal stories but I was wrong, thanks to the author who kept a small amount of shock factors in each story written in the book that aren't really long and neither are too fast to guess.
The storytelling was really easy to follow and the execution of the storylines was really good, as per me. And I'd really like to read more of Shreya's works in future because I think she can include more such anthologies which will amuse, intrigue and excite the readers.
Book: Strange Stories.
Author: Shreya Sen Handley. ( @shreyasenhan )
Publishing house: Harper Collins, India. ( @harpercollinsin )
ISBN: 978-93-5357-145-0
Genre: Fiction/Short Stories.
.
A special note of thanks to @harpercollinsin for sending me this really interesting and unputdownable book!
November 17, 2019
Unusual stories with surprising ends that I found thoroughly enjoyable
October 15, 2019
13 stories, 13 stories with unexpected endings. Just unputdownable.
November 10, 2019
Shreya Sen-Handley does it again. A bunch of breath-taking and hair-raising short stories to keep your attention unwavering. A must-read book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews