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DAFFODILS: A Bouquet of Short Stories

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A delectable collection of short stories of different flavours. They range from memorable personal incidents from the author's decades of experience in medicine to travel memoirs to fictional accounts. Each story takes the reader to a different world and stirs a different pot of emotions.

88 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2020

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Divya Narain Upadhyaya

4 books4 followers

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9 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Aparna Prabhu.
636 reviews46 followers
July 10, 2026
”Stories lurked in every corner of this house. Memories chased their tails in its airy veranda, hid behind the tall and dusty bookshelves filled with bulky books”

- Divya Narain Upadhyaya, Daffodils: A Bouquet of Short Stories

Daffodils: A Bouquet of Short Stories by Divya Narain Upadhyaya is a collection of accounts that have the potential to bloom into different vignettes of life. A recurring theme that is constantly observed in the tales is death.

A woman holds her baby close to her bosom and carries it through a hospital oblivious to its pale hands.

A tea stall owner's enthusiasm feels infectious for the couple who had come to visit Kasauli.

Microsurgery is called the "younger sibling" of plastic surgery and the procedure has been a boon to people with different ailments.

A ram and her child are increasingly happy staying at the abode of Saleem and his son, Abu.

Twists and turns that coursed through the first story were a brilliant start. It immediately sets the tone that this anthology will be distinctly unique.

The consecutive anecdotes and the observations in the clinical room are moulded into a form of a tale. For instance, the analogy of how Lord Ganesha's form came into being is compared with that of microsurgery.

The standing feature of this short anthology is the twists, whether it's the first story or the ones that follow. The woman chronicling her woes and the doctor on duty pronouncing the infant's condition were both central to these unexpected turns.

The first and second account brilliantly portray how the people in white coats have to work under intense pressure while suppressing their own emotions.

"This wasn’t going to be easy. It almost never was. Years of practising medicine and still, pronouncing the final verdict hadn’t got any easier than it was the first time."

Overall, this short read can be a great palate cleanser as it vividly showcases the author's versatility in handling different genres.
Profile Image for Prajkta Lad.
45 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2026
Have you ever wanted to read a collection of short stories where each story has its own distinct rhythm? A collection where one story makes you smile, another leaves you emotional, and yet another stays with you for days after you've turned the final page?

If that sounds like your kind of read, then DAFFODILS: A Bouquet of Short Stories by Divya Narain Upadhyaya deserves your attention.

Inspired by the author's diverse life experiences, this anthology brings together stories that are as varied as they are engaging. From his years as a doctor witnessing the many shades of human life to a seemingly ordinary holiday that takes an unexpected turn, each story offers a unique perspective, filled with warmth, insight, and gentle surprises. Although every story stands on its own, they are all connected by a shared understanding of people, emotions, and the little moments that shape our lives.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this collection was how accessible it is. The stories are concise, easy to read, and perfect for picking up during your daily commute, over a cup of tea, or whenever you have a few quiet moments to spare. Despite their length, each one manages to leave behind a lasting impression.

The writing reflects the author's years of experience, not just as a doctor, but as someone who has carefully observed people and the many complexities of life. You can sense that these stories are written by someone who has witnessed joy, grief, resilience, and hope firsthand. That authenticity is what stood out to me the most and made the collection feel sincere and relatable.

Overall, DAFFODILS: A Bouquet of Short Stories is a heartwarming and thoughtfully crafted collection that celebrates the beauty of everyday experiences. If you're looking for quick yet meaningful reads that can be enjoyed over a weekend, or simply want stories that entertain while quietly making you reflect, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for _bookbrew_.
127 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2026
There is something incredibly special about a collection of short stories that can make you laugh, reflect, and feel deeply within just a few pages. Daffodils does exactly that. Every story carries its own personality, making the reading experience feel fresh from beginning to end. Instead of following a single narrative, the book offers a variety of moments that capture different shades of life, from heartfelt memories to imaginative tales that leave a lasting impression.

What stood out to me the most was the sincerity in the writing. Nothing feels forced or overly dramatic. The emotions unfold naturally, making it easy to connect with the characters and their experiences. Some stories brought a smile to my face, while others quietly reminded me of the beauty hidden in ordinary moments. A few even left me thinking long after I had closed the book.

The author's ability to move effortlessly between personal experiences, travel, and fiction keeps the collection engaging throughout. Even though the stories are short, they never feel incomplete. Each one has a purpose and leaves behind a meaningful takeaway.

This is the kind of book you can read at your own pace, picking up a story whenever you have a few quiet moments, yet it still manages to leave a lasting emotional impact. If you enjoy stories that are thoughtful, comforting, and rich with emotion, Daffodils deserves a place on your bookshelf. It is a gentle reminder that the smallest stories often carry the biggest emotions, and that every page has the power to make you see life from a slightly different perspective.
Profile Image for Aarah.
78 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2026
After reading Finding Shankara, I knew I wanted to pick up another book by Dr. Divya Narain Upadhyaya and Daffodils felt like the perfect pick. Unlike his previous book, this one doesn't tell a single story. It brings together a little bit of everything...stories inspired by a doctor's life, travel experiences, mountains, ocean, mystery and different perspectives. Every chapter offers something different, so I never really knew what was coming next.

One story made me emotional, another left me wondering, while the travel chapters made me want to slow down and simply take in the beauty of the mountains and the ocean

A few moments that stayed with me:
🤍 "Golu Tea Stall" My favourite chapter in the book. It felt so ordinary in the beginning that I never expected where it was heading. Even after finishing it, I kept thinking about Golu and that quiet little tea stall in Kasauli

🤍 "Another Day in the Clinic" - "The child had probably died from nothing more complicated than a flu, or dehydration, or even simply a high fever." That one line says so much. It's heartbreaking to think that something so easily treatable could still become a tragedy.

🤍 "Happy Bakrid" Telling this story through innocent eyes made the ending much harder to read. Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective to see the world differently

The writing is very simple, honest and easy to connect with. There's no complicated words or dramatic storytelling. Instead, experiences speak for themselves and somehow that's what makes many of these stories linger

If you're looking for a collection of stories you can finish in a day but remember for much longer, I'd definitely recommend this one.
18 reviews
July 16, 2026
In Divya Narain Upadhyaya's beautifully picked compilation of short stories, DAFFODILS, the beauty and complexity of your everyday life is explored through a variety of interesting stories. I liked most of all the variety of stories. All of the stories are unique, with their own emotions, outlook and life experience making the collection fresh and interesting to readers, enabling them to identify with various characters and situations. The stories are written in a simple, clear and expressive style that allows them to be read without losing their impact. I loved the ability of the author to capture the mundane and make it into a meaningful story that is so warm, reflective and has some pretty simple life lessons. Some stories are inspirational, others make you stop and reflect on relationships, choices and emotions that guide our lives. Another nice thing about the collection is that it is a balance between fun and thought. The stories are told without frills, exciting drama, but also involving the reader with credible characters and experiences. This makes this book fun reading for those who enjoy realistic fiction and stories that impact quietly on the reader's mind. I highly recommend DAFFODILS: A Bouquet of Short Stories to readers of short stories, character-driven stories, and stories that look at human emotions in a sincere way. I gave this rating because the series is interesting, moving and a good read from start to finish.
Profile Image for The_reading_soul.
167 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2026
DAFFODILS: A Bouquet of Short Stories is a delightful collection that celebrates the beauty of everyday life through stories that are simple, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. Rather than following a single narrative, the anthology offers a variety of experiences from touching moments inspired by the author's decades in medicine to travel memoirs and fictional tales each carrying its own unique voice and emotional depth.

Every story feels distinct, yet they are connected by a shared understanding of human emotions, relationships, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives. Some stories leave you smiling, others encourage quiet reflection, while a few linger in your mind long after you've finished reading.

The writing is warm, accessible, and effortless, making it easy to immerse yourself in each narrative. Divya Narain Upadhyaya's experience as a doctor adds authenticity and compassion to the storytelling, allowing even ordinary moments to feel meaningful. The stories never rely on unnecessary drama; instead, they find beauty in life's quiet truths and everyday encounters.

This is the kind of book you can pick up whenever you have a few spare moments, whether with a cup of tea or during your daily commute, and still come away feeling enriched. If you enjoy short story collections that blend warmth, wisdom, nostalgia, and emotional honesty, DAFFODILS is a rewarding and memorable read.
Profile Image for DIVYANSHU PRIYA.
13 reviews
July 14, 2026
5 stars, no notes 🌼

I am so glad I picked this one up. "Daffodils" really is a bouquet every story is a completely different flower, and yet somehow the whole collection feels held together by this one warm, steady voice.

Dr. Upadhyaya is a practicing surgeon and it genuinely shows in the medical stories they hit different because they're not manufactured drama, they're real life. The chapter about the mother and her sick child absolutely gutted me. I had to sit with it for a minute before continuing. That's rare a story that trusts silence instead of over-explaining the grief.

And then just when you think you know what kind of book this is, it flips completely a story from the perspective of a stray dog, a ghost story that actually creeped me out (jasmine perfume in the dark?? no thank you, also yes please), a slow beautiful travel memoir about tea and mountains. It shouldn't work as one collection but it absolutely does.
This reads like someone who has spent decades quietly paying attention to the world and finally decided to write it all down.
Not a flashy book, not trying to be trendy just sincere, well-observed, and completely worth your time.
Recommend to: anyone who loves quiet character-driven short fiction, medical memoir fans, people who want stories rooted in real Indian life without exoticizing it.
Profile Image for AuthorHood.
134 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2026
Personally I feel that short story collections are difficult to connect with because just when you start getting attached to one story, it ends and another begins🙃
Daffodils, proved me wrong, for it's one of those beautiful collections that changed that feeling for me🤌

I loved how every story carried a different mood and the book never felt scattered.
Whether the Author, Mr. Divya Narain Upadhyay, was drawing from His experiences in medicine, sharing moments from His travel or presenting a fictional narrative, there was always a lot of sincerity in the writing.

Since the stories were brief, they were easy to finish in one sitting, but many of them left me thinking, even after I'd moved on to the next one🤞
Particularly liked how the book didn't at all tell what to feel, but simply presented a situation and allowed all the possible space to think on it in my own way🫶

Because of the writing, which is simple, clean and easy to follow, the collection became comforting rather than demanding.
It's the kind of book one can pick up whenever there's a little time to spare and still end up feeling like you've read something meaningful❣️

"Daffodils" is a gentle and heartfelt reminder that meaningful stories don't always have to be long, for sometimes, a few well written pages are enough to leave a lasting impression🌟
Profile Image for Jàññàt Zèèñàt.
126 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2026
Daffodils is a small book consisting of short stories. The book is small and unique in its own way. It shows us the through a different lens. I liked how the author chose to show different stories so uniquely. It's quick read but it's comforting.

Daffodils is not just a story book bit a collection of emotions while one story will leave you with a smile another will leave sniffing at the end. It's tone is very gentle, comforting. So if you want to read something different perhaps a little break from the overwhelming world this is a good read for you.

"That moment I became one with her, feeling her pain, her helplessness, her bitterness, her loneliness, her anger at the state of things, and her feeling of Godlessness"

"‘His tea stall was a favourite haunt of several regular customers, who used to sit there for hours, and chat with him about the hills’, he paused, ‘till last year’"

The author beautifully weaves diverse life experiences into an anthology filled with a variety of heartfelt stories. I truly loved this book every story was engaging and captivating in its own way. What makes this collection special is not just the storytelling but also the unique perspectives, warmth, and gentle surprises woven throughout the pages.
15 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2026
I have read Divya Narain's sir 'Finding Shankara' which is so good i had to read his another work. Daffodils - a bouquet of short stories is a collection of unique, soulful and different flavours of stories. It will take you from a powerful life lessons to author's personal medicinal experiences to incidents of his travelling in mountains. All those will take you in a different world of different emotions.
All stories are amazing but my favourites are 'How to kill a tree' and 'Happy Bakrid- A Kid's story' written from a tree and an animal's perspective respectively which stirred my emotions hard and imparted a powerful life lesson. It's amazing that such a short story can impact and express a thousand words.
There are some light hearted and leasurely stories for mountain lovers as well - 'Up in the Mountain' it will definitely take you on a quick beautiful stroll to hills and some are haunting yet thought provoking like - 'The Ocean Whisperer' and 'Golu Tea Stall'.
No matter which type of stories you may enjoy some of these you will definitely like it.
An amazing collection for quick reads for different flavours of genres.
61 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2026
Daffodils: A Bouquet of Short Stories feels like a bouquet where every story brings a different fragrance, emotion, and experience.

What worked for me the most was how unusual and unique these stories felt. Some of them seem inspired by real-life experiences, especially those revolving around medicine and travel, which made them even more engaging and believable. Although it is a short read yet the depth it carries is surprising.

There are 11 short stories that can be read in any order, and each one of them brings something new. From emotional moments to thought-provoking scenarios, the variety keeps you hooked. I loved the medical stories, they reminded me of The Good Doctor with their intensity and emotional weight. The way the author blends clinical experiences with storytelling is truly impressive.
Some stories made me smile, while others left me quietly reflecting. There’s a recurring sense of life, death, and human vulnerability that ties the collection together beautifully.
My most favorites were Golu’s story, it was absolutely jaw-dropping, and Happy Bakrid, which stayed with me for its warmth and emotion.

The writing is simple, very beginner-friendly, and the themes are very profound.

If you like reading short stories that blends emotions, human experiences, and a mix of genres in a subtle yet impactful way, this book is definitely worth your time.
118 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2026
A quick read but with an great feeling. Yes this book might be small read of 11 short stories but they are all unique and soulful. The stories travel mostly in medicine and traveling.

Some of the lines from the book ✨️

✨️ How long has the child not been moving?

✨️ Remember my words Son, DON’T BE AFRAID.

✨️ Let’s have some tea here before we turn back.

✨️ Maybe taking this alley was not such a good idea after all.

Each story is different and you can choose and read whichever chapter first. And I loved reading Happy Bakrid - A Kid's Story and Another Day in the Clinic was also stayed together with me.

A short and simple story which will stay with you. Beautifulky written, which are raw and comforting. If you wanna experience different genre and also a quick read then this is for you.
Profile Image for SHREYA MUKHERJEE.
Author 4 books6 followers
July 24, 2026
This book brings together eleven short stories that look at life from different angles. Some are seen through a doctor’s eyes, while others speak through a child, a tree, or even a stray dog. The variety of voices keeps things interesting, and each story carries its own small idea or feeling. A few moments stay with me, especially where everyday situations quietly reflect deeper thoughts about care, loss, and connection.

The writing is clear and easy to follow, which makes it a quick read. Some stories felt stronger than others, but overall it offers a mix of perspectives that make you pause for a bit. It is the kind of book you can pick up when you want something thoughtful without getting into something too heavy.
Profile Image for TwainReads.
110 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2026
Like the title, the book is a bouquet of different stories, each with its own emotions and perspective. Every story is unique in its own way. There was always something new waiting on the next page.
I like how the author explores different themes without making every chapter feel the same.

Of all the stories I've read As a person working in healthcare, the hospital related stories resonated with me the most , Especially the story of Ganapati. I really love how the author has connected it with microsurgery.

Overall it's an engaging and easy read. I like how every chapter had something to offer. If you like short stories that potray different aspects of life, explore different experiences then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Souradip Basu.
58 reviews
September 19, 2020
This book is a collection of short stories. The author wrote here about his ideas on different flowers, flavors, medicines, etc. Every story will take you to another world.

The cover of the book is the fine and got some connection with the plot of the book.

This book got a good flow and is not boring in the middle at all. The author has used easy words which will certainly help the beginner's to read the book.

The title of the the book is also good and this title remembers me about the poem daffodils.

If you are finding a book which is related nature and some emotion then this is going to be one of the best book. Thus I will recommend this book every nature lover.
175 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2026
Reading this book feels like sitting on a quiet veranda at dusk with a warm cup of tea, listening to a masterful storyteller unwrap the layers of his life. What makes this anthology so incredibly special is its vivid, cinematic imagery. The author writes with a raw, observant precision—capturing the exact smell of mountain smoke, the visual texture of dark clouds conquering peaks, and the complex inner world of a doctor finding peace outside the clinic. It is deeply nostalgic, beautifully written, and switches effortlessly from comforting slice-of-life travelogues to intense, spine-chilling psychological suspense. A truly unforgettable reading experience!
Profile Image for Books You and Me.
224 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2026
This book is a collection of 11 short stories which can be read in any order like the author mentions. The stories are short and simple. They mostly revolve around the fields of medicine and travel. Each story is different from its previous one, carrying its own tale and emotion. Although the stories are short, the essence and themes are profound.

I personally liked the 2 stories on medicine, I felt like I was watching The Good Doctor all over again.

PS: I read this in about an hour or so, give it a read if you like short reads.
32 reviews
July 25, 2026
If you want to read different flavours of short stories that are filled with every kind of emotion then this book is your good choice. Each story has an individual experience. This collection of short stories feels like a bunch of emotions. However all narratives are short but it's a greater impact in your life. The writing style is so comfortable and smooth that you can finish the reading in one sitting. Here, I mostly liked the experience of the "golu's tea stall" where it's a unique kind of read and some stories have greater impact in my mind forever.
6 reviews
July 10, 2026
A Bouquet of Short Stories is a pleasant collection of stories that captures everyday emotions, relationships, and life's simple moments. The writing is clear and easy to follow, making it a comfortable read. While a few stories had a stronger impact than others, the collection as a whole is engaging and thoughtful. If you enjoy short stories with emotional depth and relatable themes, this book is worth reading. Overall, it's a satisfying collection that leaves a positive impression.
14 reviews
July 16, 2026
Each story acts as its own distinct world, exposing the fragile, structural vulnerabilities of ordinary lives and the quiet choices people make in moments of transition. Instead of relying on loud, dramatic twists, the narrative derives its true power from intense emotional precision and deep psychological depth.
27 reviews
July 24, 2026
Beautifully written, short read that serves as the ultimate palate cleanser. The plot is brilliantly portrayed, packing clever twists that keep you thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Poetic, comforting, and wonderfully crafted.
Profile Image for thesadiereads .
139 reviews
July 25, 2026
Daffodils: a bouquet of short stories is exactly what its title promises. It’s a collection of stories set in different ways, each leaving behind a unique feeling. I could appreciate the variety of story in this book, each story had its own voice and theme, and it never felt repetitive. The writing is simple at engaging making it easy to get immersed to each new tale. Short story collections can sometimes feel uneven, but this one maintains a consistent charm throughout. I found myself slowing down to appreciate each story instead of rushing to the next and that’s what made the experience memorable for me.
Profile Image for Ashish Rawat.
66 reviews
July 19, 2026
This was such a refreshing read. The author put together a really interesting mix of short stories, and I loved how varied they were. One minute you are reading about fascinating medical incidents, and the next you are transported to a different part of the world through a travel memoir. There is even some fiction thrown into the mix.

Because each story tackles a different theme, it never gets boring. Some parts made me smile, while others were surprisingly touching. It is the perfect book to pick up when you just want a quick escape into a few different worlds. I am really glad I gave this one a try!
31 reviews
October 13, 2020
Unusual stories

The stories are very unique,nay be they are from life experiences
Its a short read.
Could have been more interesting.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews