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Whiskey And Suicide: And other stories
Whiskey and Suicide paints a kaleidoscope of myriad emotions of the Indian middle class families. In a very informal storytelling style, it narrates the dilemmas of the urban families in dealing with the conflicting emotions arising due to contradictory desires. It is the bonds of family and friendship that allow the protagonists to deal with these crises which are depicted by Manik Bal in a detached but empathetic narrative style reminiscent of the great “slice of life” storytellers of the east and the west.
Modern India is a complex place with the variety of demographics ranging from the multi billionaires to people who are not able to get a day's meal. The financial liberalization and the IT revolution has created a middle class that is ambitious both in economic aims and spiritual aims. Whiskey and Suicide is empathetic without being condescending.
Modern India is a complex place with the variety of demographics ranging from the multi billionaires to people who are not able to get a day's meal. The financial liberalization and the IT revolution has created a middle class that is ambitious both in economic aims and spiritual aims. Whiskey and Suicide is empathetic without being condescending.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2020
11 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Manik Bal
10 books11 followersManik Bal is an author who resides in the beautiful city of Bangalore, known for its contribution to the information technology revolution in India and also known for having the worst traffic among all cities in India. You can find him also at:
https://twitter.com/authormanik/
https://www.Instagram.com/authormanik/
https://www.facebook.com/authormanikbal
https://www.amazon.com/author/manikbal/
https://www.quora.com/profile/Manik-B...
Once a pensioner’s paradise, Bangalore retains its phenomenal weather that attracted Manik to make it his home. Manik writes poetry, short stories and novels exploring the Indian middle class, its aspiration and its dilemmas. His characters explore life in situations that are not heroic or exceptional but are mundane and ordinary. They show their uniqueness by facing life as it is.
Manik lives with his wife and two kids in a buzzing neighborhood in the city allowing him to observe the young and the old chasing the Indian dream. Yes, it exists and is both similar and different than the American dream. It retains the career ambition, a desire for affluent life and the upward mobility that the American dream symbolizes but adds a unique flavor of family ties, emotional relationships with friends and love for melodrama just like the Bollywood movies.
https://twitter.com/authormanik/
https://www.Instagram.com/authormanik/
https://www.facebook.com/authormanikbal
https://www.amazon.com/author/manikbal/
https://www.quora.com/profile/Manik-B...
Once a pensioner’s paradise, Bangalore retains its phenomenal weather that attracted Manik to make it his home. Manik writes poetry, short stories and novels exploring the Indian middle class, its aspiration and its dilemmas. His characters explore life in situations that are not heroic or exceptional but are mundane and ordinary. They show their uniqueness by facing life as it is.
Manik lives with his wife and two kids in a buzzing neighborhood in the city allowing him to observe the young and the old chasing the Indian dream. Yes, it exists and is both similar and different than the American dream. It retains the career ambition, a desire for affluent life and the upward mobility that the American dream symbolizes but adds a unique flavor of family ties, emotional relationships with friends and love for melodrama just like the Bollywood movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 30, 2021
Many thanks to the author for introducing this collection to me. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
Phew, what an emotional roller coaster ride!
If you are interested in taking a journey thru an entire spectrum of colors, be sure to read this collection of short stories by author Manik Bal.
Beginning with BAPU, which gives us memories of comfort and contentment, till WHY ME? that leaves the reader with a lump in their throat, each story offers a slice of life reflecting the varied and diverse spices of the human emotions. If BAPU offered us a loving grandfather, the very next story HER FATHER’S KILLER shows us the exact opposite. As sinister as the title, the story is also a dark look into the abuse of alcohol.
There’s a story and an emotion for everyone, bringing the flavor of college friendships, worrying about status and peer pressure, tensions and responsibilities that hover over a middle-class family, middle-age crisis, a look into the Indian diaspora who actually celebrate Indianness much more than all the Indians put together, loss of a friend and the sadness it leaves behind…. YES, there’s definitely something for everyone here.
It is also a realization for me that reading a book set around the place that you live in adds an extra zing to the stories coz the characters are real, he or she is someone you know, just around the corner and whilst reading, I felt like a bug on the wall, coz the events are extremely relatable. The short story collection is also peppered with songs which made me wanna listen to all of them again.
Whiskey and Suicide and other stories is definitely an eclectic mix with multiple themes offering a plethora of emotions and a hard look into the dreams of an average middle-class Indian.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, and Twitter.
Phew, what an emotional roller coaster ride!
If you are interested in taking a journey thru an entire spectrum of colors, be sure to read this collection of short stories by author Manik Bal.
Beginning with BAPU, which gives us memories of comfort and contentment, till WHY ME? that leaves the reader with a lump in their throat, each story offers a slice of life reflecting the varied and diverse spices of the human emotions. If BAPU offered us a loving grandfather, the very next story HER FATHER’S KILLER shows us the exact opposite. As sinister as the title, the story is also a dark look into the abuse of alcohol.
There’s a story and an emotion for everyone, bringing the flavor of college friendships, worrying about status and peer pressure, tensions and responsibilities that hover over a middle-class family, middle-age crisis, a look into the Indian diaspora who actually celebrate Indianness much more than all the Indians put together, loss of a friend and the sadness it leaves behind…. YES, there’s definitely something for everyone here.
It is also a realization for me that reading a book set around the place that you live in adds an extra zing to the stories coz the characters are real, he or she is someone you know, just around the corner and whilst reading, I felt like a bug on the wall, coz the events are extremely relatable. The short story collection is also peppered with songs which made me wanna listen to all of them again.
Whiskey and Suicide and other stories is definitely an eclectic mix with multiple themes offering a plethora of emotions and a hard look into the dreams of an average middle-class Indian.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, and Twitter.
February 15, 2021
Book Title: Whiskey And Suicide: And other stories
Author: Manik Bal
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ' Whiskey and Suicide ' is interesting and novel.
Book Cover:
The book's cover image is a man standing on the edge of a high-raised place that correctly explains the title.
My review:
This book by author Manik Bal is a bouquet of feelings. Every story describes the new face of a person's life. The realistic and traditional story-telling reminded me of some famous Telugu authors like Yuddhanapudi Sulochana Rani and KoKu. They were famous for showcasing the middle-class life in our country. Reading this book at these times is nostalgic.
What I like:
1. The honest writing
2. The emotional quotient in every story
3. The multi-faceted life of an Indian in India
4. The middle-class life memories and struggles
5. Life and emotional crisis
What I didn't like:
There is nothing to dislike.
Characters:
Every story has one character with which a reader resonates with one's own life. As the stories are set up in the Indian cities, the places, the incidents and the people are much relatable.
Narration:
The narrative in which each story is illustrated summarizes the writing and narration skills of the author. The intrinsic details and warming story-telling brings the readers closer to the stories.
Language & Grammar:
Easy and simple English language is used in the book. Every short story has relevance to a place or person or even feeling that a reader will identify with.
My Final Verdict:
A garland of emotions and life!
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Inside the book: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
Author: Manik Bal
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ' Whiskey and Suicide ' is interesting and novel.
Book Cover:
The book's cover image is a man standing on the edge of a high-raised place that correctly explains the title.
My review:
This book by author Manik Bal is a bouquet of feelings. Every story describes the new face of a person's life. The realistic and traditional story-telling reminded me of some famous Telugu authors like Yuddhanapudi Sulochana Rani and KoKu. They were famous for showcasing the middle-class life in our country. Reading this book at these times is nostalgic.
What I like:
1. The honest writing
2. The emotional quotient in every story
3. The multi-faceted life of an Indian in India
4. The middle-class life memories and struggles
5. Life and emotional crisis
What I didn't like:
There is nothing to dislike.
Characters:
Every story has one character with which a reader resonates with one's own life. As the stories are set up in the Indian cities, the places, the incidents and the people are much relatable.
Narration:
The narrative in which each story is illustrated summarizes the writing and narration skills of the author. The intrinsic details and warming story-telling brings the readers closer to the stories.
Language & Grammar:
Easy and simple English language is used in the book. Every short story has relevance to a place or person or even feeling that a reader will identify with.
My Final Verdict:
A garland of emotions and life!
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Inside the book: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
May 15, 2021
A pretty compact book with little stories written for everyone who seeks for a book not too lengthy or twisty. Just kept simple. The book has stories set up mostly on realistic grounds nothing of fantasy.
It actually the other way around of what one gets from a total fiction or fantasy book. It has short hard core but straightforward stories, like i said anyone can just pick it up and give it a read and it does not matter whether you are very good with the language or not. But the message each short story holds is the spotlight aspect of it. It deals with almost every cards that a individual comes across in one's life in India. Whether it has to do with finding your passion, the long gone bond or the yearnings of a family. It revolves entirely around places in India, people who get stuck up in situations and what comes out of it. Either a learning or a loss or a discovery or a pain or a fulfillment.
The names in each of the story seems pretty confusing when you read the entire book in one stretch as the book is not entirely set up in one particular background. So the switch of characters and the story set up confuses you in the beginning. But you get used to it with reading. If still confused with the scenario change in each of the paragraph try reading each of short story separately at different times.
The swapping or change of scenes with each paragraph was a very different move from the author as per my opinion. But a reader of beginner stage may find it a bit confusing initially.
When weighed as a whole it's a good pick for anyone who are a fan of realistic storylines.
It actually the other way around of what one gets from a total fiction or fantasy book. It has short hard core but straightforward stories, like i said anyone can just pick it up and give it a read and it does not matter whether you are very good with the language or not. But the message each short story holds is the spotlight aspect of it. It deals with almost every cards that a individual comes across in one's life in India. Whether it has to do with finding your passion, the long gone bond or the yearnings of a family. It revolves entirely around places in India, people who get stuck up in situations and what comes out of it. Either a learning or a loss or a discovery or a pain or a fulfillment.
The names in each of the story seems pretty confusing when you read the entire book in one stretch as the book is not entirely set up in one particular background. So the switch of characters and the story set up confuses you in the beginning. But you get used to it with reading. If still confused with the scenario change in each of the paragraph try reading each of short story separately at different times.
The swapping or change of scenes with each paragraph was a very different move from the author as per my opinion. But a reader of beginner stage may find it a bit confusing initially.
When weighed as a whole it's a good pick for anyone who are a fan of realistic storylines.
October 26, 2020
Short story compilations are always fun to read because I never know what to expect. This book was one that I will not soon forget. The stories were captivating and original. It was such a delight to read a perspective from a region that is very unknown to me and still be able to relate. It just goes to show that as human beings we are not so different from each other. The realism in these stories hits hard. I recommend. Worth it, and stays with you.
December 23, 2020
#suicide #whiskey #India
🥀🥀🥀
Whiskey And Suicide: And other short stories
by Manik Bal
This short crispy read of indelible stories comprises of enchantments from the different genres of issues in our country. The book is a combined force to allow the reader think about the various perspectives connecting to the essence of life. There are various beautiful expressions which would make the reader delve into the opinions and thoughts of the author.
Although one would have read a lot of stories but this one obviously would not be an exception to state the fact that this small book is an epitome of freestyle creative writing.
The author has given us a collection of stories, a huge chunk of ideas, imaginative essence and memories. He has spanned his stories through an uncommon theme it seems, and so the stories are irregular in terms of consistency of narrative, vibrancy and the overall expressive prowess. However, each of his stories come to us without any shyness, gleefully expressing what they’ve been written for.
Variety of intricate topics and unusual metaphorical contrast become an accustomed feat of the author. He encompasses very unique comparisons in order to coat his tales with a layer of relevance. However, a little more depth of the theme was expected. There could have been an increased flow in the structure, so that they did not appear broken. Nonetheless, the book is a very light and heartwarming read throughtout!
🥀🥀🥀
#stories #book #books
🥀🥀🥀
Whiskey And Suicide: And other short stories
by Manik Bal
This short crispy read of indelible stories comprises of enchantments from the different genres of issues in our country. The book is a combined force to allow the reader think about the various perspectives connecting to the essence of life. There are various beautiful expressions which would make the reader delve into the opinions and thoughts of the author.
Although one would have read a lot of stories but this one obviously would not be an exception to state the fact that this small book is an epitome of freestyle creative writing.
The author has given us a collection of stories, a huge chunk of ideas, imaginative essence and memories. He has spanned his stories through an uncommon theme it seems, and so the stories are irregular in terms of consistency of narrative, vibrancy and the overall expressive prowess. However, each of his stories come to us without any shyness, gleefully expressing what they’ve been written for.
Variety of intricate topics and unusual metaphorical contrast become an accustomed feat of the author. He encompasses very unique comparisons in order to coat his tales with a layer of relevance. However, a little more depth of the theme was expected. There could have been an increased flow in the structure, so that they did not appear broken. Nonetheless, the book is a very light and heartwarming read throughtout!
🥀🥀🥀
#stories #book #books
January 6, 2021
Rating: 3.5⭐
Yeah! I know, 3.5 star doesn't exist on Goodreads but that's what I want to rate.
My review solely depends on my perspective and perception of this book.
Whiskey and Suicide is a collection of short stories based in India.
Stories were not particularly dedicated to any genre. They felt more like real life incidents, that could have happened to any person living in India. It was like a visual into Indian lifestyle, culture and beliefs.
There were many stories featuring people of 30s age group with what we call, 'Mid Life Crisis'. Cultural differences, career, marriage, living style, poverty, college life and caste were few things highlighted.
This book hits too close to home.
Only problem, It was not my cup of tea. It was very realistic and that is something I stay away from. Because let's accept, life is already full of struggles and reading these stories felt depressing to me.
Yeah! I know, 3.5 star doesn't exist on Goodreads but that's what I want to rate.
My review solely depends on my perspective and perception of this book.
Whiskey and Suicide is a collection of short stories based in India.
Stories were not particularly dedicated to any genre. They felt more like real life incidents, that could have happened to any person living in India. It was like a visual into Indian lifestyle, culture and beliefs.
There were many stories featuring people of 30s age group with what we call, 'Mid Life Crisis'. Cultural differences, career, marriage, living style, poverty, college life and caste were few things highlighted.
This book hits too close to home.
Only problem, It was not my cup of tea. It was very realistic and that is something I stay away from. Because let's accept, life is already full of struggles and reading these stories felt depressing to me.
February 19, 2021
Whiskey and Suicide is like the rainbow with multiple colors that display multiple emotions in the life of a middle class Indian. There are stories like "Subtlety" that talk about love between a book loving couple and there are also stories like "Her Father's Killer" that talk about a totally different emotion. There are stories about mid-life crisis, friendship that helps mitigate stress, desire of people in cities to move to smaller, quieter places. Overall it is a great introduction to the multiple facets of the Indian society.
The writing style is subtle. The author seems to have a lot of insight in what makes people tick and is a keen observer of emotional life of various strata of people. Nalini of "Two Friends" and Pandu are two characters that bring alive a complex person in a story.
Overall, it is a great read if you like to read subtle, emotionally rich short stories about relationships, personal growth, coping with stress and love. Highly recommended.
The writing style is subtle. The author seems to have a lot of insight in what makes people tick and is a keen observer of emotional life of various strata of people. Nalini of "Two Friends" and Pandu are two characters that bring alive a complex person in a story.
Overall, it is a great read if you like to read subtle, emotionally rich short stories about relationships, personal growth, coping with stress and love. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2020
Wow collection of stories!!
Book Whiskey And Suicide: And Other Stories
Author: Manik Bal
Publisher: Nivant Publishing
Genre: Short Stories (Family & Relationship)
Format: Kindle
Pages: 234
Rating: 4/5
This book is a collection of many stories. Each story has its own flavor. I will try aroma of few reaches you so that you read the book yourself and cherish each story. As I opened the book, I first went straight to the story ‘ Whiskey and Suicide’ . I liked it. Though there were many characters but I liked it. Then , one by one I read them all. One thing that I noted was every story as I read, I felt like it was real. I felt as if Author has written things that might have actually happened.
Language was Easy. But I felt writing style was a bit different. Author introduces the characters too soon without giving the reader an idea about their character sketch. On one hand it makes reader a bit curious and on other hand reader takes a bit longer to synchronize to the writing style. But its not that big of an issue.
Cover page is really beautiful and the moment I saw the cover page and title , many questions rushed into my mind ‘Is this guy about to suicide?’ ‘Who on earth is he?’ ‘Why at all does he want to give up on his life’. Thus in nutshell, cover page and title both are captivating.
If you are looking for short stories and you like this genre, definitely give this book a try
Book Whiskey And Suicide: And Other Stories
Author: Manik Bal
Publisher: Nivant Publishing
Genre: Short Stories (Family & Relationship)
Format: Kindle
Pages: 234
Rating: 4/5
This book is a collection of many stories. Each story has its own flavor. I will try aroma of few reaches you so that you read the book yourself and cherish each story. As I opened the book, I first went straight to the story ‘ Whiskey and Suicide’ . I liked it. Though there were many characters but I liked it. Then , one by one I read them all. One thing that I noted was every story as I read, I felt like it was real. I felt as if Author has written things that might have actually happened.
Language was Easy. But I felt writing style was a bit different. Author introduces the characters too soon without giving the reader an idea about their character sketch. On one hand it makes reader a bit curious and on other hand reader takes a bit longer to synchronize to the writing style. But its not that big of an issue.
Cover page is really beautiful and the moment I saw the cover page and title , many questions rushed into my mind ‘Is this guy about to suicide?’ ‘Who on earth is he?’ ‘Why at all does he want to give up on his life’. Thus in nutshell, cover page and title both are captivating.
If you are looking for short stories and you like this genre, definitely give this book a try
December 24, 2020
The bunch of Short stories Whiskey and Suicide and other stories presents a picture of urban life in India. Most of the stories are set in Mumbai and Bangalore. The plots and the characters seem inspired by lives of common man in today’s Indian society, thus making them quite relatable. Various stories and characters seem soaked in various emotions love, hate, envy, sympathy, empathy, companionship etc. How stress of day to day life effects mental health of people and how important it is to talk and reach out to friends under such circumstances, the title story talks about that. Bapu and Her Father’s killer plots are weaved around two completely opposite emotions. Nalini of Two Friends comparing her life with that of her friends’ was quite relatable.
I liked the reference of books and famous tracks weaved in the stories, made them closer to reality.
Overall the book was an absorbing ones, the stories are absorbing and ring a bell in your mind.
I liked the reference of books and famous tracks weaved in the stories, made them closer to reality.
Overall the book was an absorbing ones, the stories are absorbing and ring a bell in your mind.
October 21, 2020
This book consists of short stories, where first few short stories speak about Indian culture and basically the common man of India whose dreams have not been fulfilled due to certain reasons, especially due to the norms and traditions , this book revolves around telling about Indian culture and tradition in profound manner , the second set of stories mainly concentrate on how the the new India is lost materialism and when they find happiness in small things all of the sudden it intrigues them , they are perplexed as they are pulled between their culture and their urgue to better than the west , in this process some values and prominent relations are lost.The second set of stories reminds me about how life becomes complicated in metropolitan city for most people but it can't stop. The author has penned in amazing manner about how emotions of human keep on evolving.
December 22, 2020
Whiskey And Suicide by Manik Bal happens to be a thought-provoking read. It is a collection of short stories which will gradually grab your attention and knock on the doors of your perspective.
The characters in the stories are well built. I loved the author's style of narrating the incidents. Minimal yet precise. The language is lucid throughout. Above all, a note of appreciation goes to the author for picking such a theme to write on i.e., country India.
Verdict : This is a must read for beginners, if you wish to dive into the world of literature.
The characters in the stories are well built. I loved the author's style of narrating the incidents. Minimal yet precise. The language is lucid throughout. Above all, a note of appreciation goes to the author for picking such a theme to write on i.e., country India.
Verdict : This is a must read for beginners, if you wish to dive into the world of literature.
October 27, 2020
WHISKY AND SUICIDE by MANIK BAL is short but enlightening. It’s a deeper read than I thought it would be but absorbing. It’s a fascinating inside glimpse at dysfunctional family life in modern India in real-world times, subtlety told with enough detail to make your hair curl. I’d recommend you read this book. 5 Stars. Posted by Elijah, son of Michael S.
December 11, 2020
Whiskey and Suicide caught my attention right from the title, a thousand images spun in my head, wondering what the book carried within. I would do no justice to this piece and author if I failed to salute his courage in delving into pivotal issues, like mental health, affecting not only Indian communities, but the world at large, and weaving it into stories that seek to heighten awareness and consciousness. Bapu, Her Father's Killer, WHISKEY & SUICIDE & all the other stories, all the way to WHY ME? are a collection of short stories with powerfully outstanding characters like Vikram, Ravi, Jitendra & Rujuraj that's strikes familiarity with the reader and exhibits the intended message with cognition. The heart or the author is easily felt with every line, as the lives of the characters seep in, and it is impossible not to get carried by their wave. A thought out piece. Great work Manik Bal
October 21, 2020
I love reading books that have various short stories. All of the stories had different themes, and it was various. Love how the themes focused all throughout the country of India. It was well written and formatted. Making it easy to read, and I highly recommend it to people who love reading short stories.
October 22, 2020
I do love short stories about different people's lives. These stories are so heart aching, realistic and so compelling. It was well written and a must read.
October 21, 2020
As well as being an easy read, this story is well written and well edited.
It gives us a unique window into a dysfunctional family in modern India.
This is not Bollywood!
The social inequities that persist in the sub-continent are well depicted.
A Gem of modern India
It gives us a unique window into a dysfunctional family in modern India.
This is not Bollywood!
The social inequities that persist in the sub-continent are well depicted.
A Gem of modern India
January 20, 2021
Whiskey and Suicide is a collection of short stories, most of them featuring young or middle-aged Indians who battle the stresses and strains of modern life: trying to balance aspirations with ability, seeing friends drift away, coping with disappointments, going through mid-life crisis.
The good bit about this book is the author’s insight into how people think and feel. Bal is good at showing what moves people, and there are many moments in these stories where he vividly brought alive an emotion that resonated with me. Some of the stories (the one about Pandu, the clothing store salesman, for one) depict a character very well and in a few others, there’s a description of a situation (the life of an NRI versus that of a visiting desi, for example) that was done well.
On the flip side, there is far too much that left me feeling dissatisfied with the overall book. For one, there is a tendency for characters to slip into a lot of prolonged and deep philosophizing that I found unrealistic in some instances. (I tend to prefer philosophy to come through in the way people behave, not in long monologues they utter). For another, pretty much every story ends abruptly, and in a way that left me feeling deflated.
Lastly, there are so many grammatical and other errors, the reading of this book was a bit tedious for me. This one had potential, and if a good editor had taken it in hand, it might have been way better.
The good bit about this book is the author’s insight into how people think and feel. Bal is good at showing what moves people, and there are many moments in these stories where he vividly brought alive an emotion that resonated with me. Some of the stories (the one about Pandu, the clothing store salesman, for one) depict a character very well and in a few others, there’s a description of a situation (the life of an NRI versus that of a visiting desi, for example) that was done well.
On the flip side, there is far too much that left me feeling dissatisfied with the overall book. For one, there is a tendency for characters to slip into a lot of prolonged and deep philosophizing that I found unrealistic in some instances. (I tend to prefer philosophy to come through in the way people behave, not in long monologues they utter). For another, pretty much every story ends abruptly, and in a way that left me feeling deflated.
Lastly, there are so many grammatical and other errors, the reading of this book was a bit tedious for me. This one had potential, and if a good editor had taken it in hand, it might have been way better.
February 23, 2021
You know some books make you feel happy, some make you sad, many make you laugh, and some make you think. Very often I find books that make me feel. And my reviews are often inspired by emotions. I thrive in books that make me feel.
This book did. Each story made me go through the journeys of the protagonists. I was in their heads, seeing through their eyes, feeling through their hearts, crying, laughing and even was terrified. I felt overwhelmed. Some protagonists are nameless. Just called ‘he’ or ‘she’. I felt like it can be anyone, me and you.
To read the detailed version of this review, please visit my blog https://bookishveenita.wordpress.com/...
This book did. Each story made me go through the journeys of the protagonists. I was in their heads, seeing through their eyes, feeling through their hearts, crying, laughing and even was terrified. I felt overwhelmed. Some protagonists are nameless. Just called ‘he’ or ‘she’. I felt like it can be anyone, me and you.
To read the detailed version of this review, please visit my blog https://bookishveenita.wordpress.com/...
March 1, 2021
Whiskey and suicide : And other short stories by Manik Bal
This is a collection of short stories that give us an in- depth persective of the modern Indian middle class.
I found almost all the stories to be relatable on some level on the other. Kudos to the author for having touched such a wode range of topics. I liked how the author holds a mirror to the society with out the whole Holier- than-thou attitude. He paints a very realistic picture of our society - with all of its goods and bads. I found the stories in the first half of the book to be more enjoyable than the second half, that felt slighty clunky.The language is simple and easy to understand, with uncomplicated storylines. So this is a nice book for beginners.
Overall a great book, for people looking for short but moving "slice of life" stories.
Looking forward to reading more books from this promising author.
This is a collection of short stories that give us an in- depth persective of the modern Indian middle class.
I found almost all the stories to be relatable on some level on the other. Kudos to the author for having touched such a wode range of topics. I liked how the author holds a mirror to the society with out the whole Holier- than-thou attitude. He paints a very realistic picture of our society - with all of its goods and bads. I found the stories in the first half of the book to be more enjoyable than the second half, that felt slighty clunky.The language is simple and easy to understand, with uncomplicated storylines. So this is a nice book for beginners.
Overall a great book, for people looking for short but moving "slice of life" stories.
Looking forward to reading more books from this promising author.
October 21, 2020
A perceptive account of Indian urban class over the last many decades. The author has obviously lived some of this but has observed many more people to come to an account that tells tales of various protagonists you would love or love to hate. Whether it is the alcoholic father who takes the wrong path after his wife's death or the sensitive couple in "Subtlety", most characters are sketched in details. The details of growing up in small towns, the struggle in big cities and frustration of midlife sketched in humane yet humorous way is the hallmark of the book. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2021
Edit : I re-read this wonderful book and appreciate it even more. I did it after reading Raymond Carver's short stories - especially "What we talk about when we talk about love". Several of Manik's stories are of the same kind. The subtle characterization that comes across through conversations grows on you.
A nice little book that shows relationships as they exist in the real world. The characters are people you probably know in your daily life if you are resident of a urban jungle. I liked "Bapu", which reminisces about a relationship between a grandfather and a grandson, "Whiskey and Suicide", that shows the price one pays for the career race and the value of friendship and "Her father's killer" about the complex relationship between a daughter and a father. Recommended quick read.
A nice little book that shows relationships as they exist in the real world. The characters are people you probably know in your daily life if you are resident of a urban jungle. I liked "Bapu", which reminisces about a relationship between a grandfather and a grandson, "Whiskey and Suicide", that shows the price one pays for the career race and the value of friendship and "Her father's killer" about the complex relationship between a daughter and a father. Recommended quick read.
April 16, 2021
For a debut by an indie author, this book is good. The stories are universal, are about common people, and are in the tradition of Raymond Carver or Alice Munro. The themes are varied. Love for grandparents, dysfunctional parenting, quest for self realization, mid-life crisis are only some themes. Each story is unique and makes you think. Highly recommended.
(p.s. Some reviews talked about the grammatical issues. I found none. Maybe the author edited the book recently. Anyway, I do not care much about them, if the story is good.)
(p.s. Some reviews talked about the grammatical issues. I found none. Maybe the author edited the book recently. Anyway, I do not care much about them, if the story is good.)
October 18, 2020
I didn't expect short stories to have impact as much as novels, but this one did. The author's varied stories are realistic, sometimes bleak but always compelling. This is an author to watch.
October 13, 2021
Whenever I am either about to go on a reading slump or I am at one, I try to either pick up quick reads or a collection of short stories. They always help me get out of the slump + I love the little stories!
Whiskey and Suicide: And the other stories is one of the collection that i picked up without any set expectations. I just wanted to read short stories. I read the first one, then on to the second, and by now I was hooked.
Main reasons I LOVED the book!
- The concepts/storyline is so relatable. Things which you and I talk about on a daily basis. My job isn't giving me happiness, is this what we are going to do all our life? Questioning and Answering anything and everything with friends.
- Friends! This collection of short stories potrays really beautiful the concept of friends being the catalyst in your life. How you can talk to them about anything. How everything makes sense when it comes out of your friend's mouth.
- Mental Health: Man! A book by Indian Author that speak about mental health so vividly yet easily. The story does not make it a point to prove the point, but life questions you ask to yourself, how one's son's answers irritates you yet you smile ans reply. How you have 1000s of things in your mind yet you respond to people.
I loved it!
I personally loved the story "Subtlety" the relationship between Ravi and Ananya! wow. That relationship is so pure, flawed yet such a beauty! how the couple talks about books and music, how they question and know each other! amazing! amazing!
Why Anyone should read this book:
a) Its a collection of beautiful short stories, if you want to come out of a slump or want to begin reading- this is a perfect pick.
b) Easy to read, talks about relationships, relatives, marriages, jobs, careers, passions - sounds like your life? Yes, because its realtable!
Whiskey and Suicide: And the other stories is one of the collection that i picked up without any set expectations. I just wanted to read short stories. I read the first one, then on to the second, and by now I was hooked.
Main reasons I LOVED the book!
- The concepts/storyline is so relatable. Things which you and I talk about on a daily basis. My job isn't giving me happiness, is this what we are going to do all our life? Questioning and Answering anything and everything with friends.
- Friends! This collection of short stories potrays really beautiful the concept of friends being the catalyst in your life. How you can talk to them about anything. How everything makes sense when it comes out of your friend's mouth.
- Mental Health: Man! A book by Indian Author that speak about mental health so vividly yet easily. The story does not make it a point to prove the point, but life questions you ask to yourself, how one's son's answers irritates you yet you smile ans reply. How you have 1000s of things in your mind yet you respond to people.
I loved it!
I personally loved the story "Subtlety" the relationship between Ravi and Ananya! wow. That relationship is so pure, flawed yet such a beauty! how the couple talks about books and music, how they question and know each other! amazing! amazing!
Why Anyone should read this book:
a) Its a collection of beautiful short stories, if you want to come out of a slump or want to begin reading- this is a perfect pick.
b) Easy to read, talks about relationships, relatives, marriages, jobs, careers, passions - sounds like your life? Yes, because its realtable!
October 11, 2021
Book review : Whiskey and Suicide : And Other stories
Pages : 104
Author : Manik Bal
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Several stories compiled together ...
Showing an enormous amount of human emotions ...
Thoughts keep us busy and it's a recurring phenomenon. We might be master of our own thoughts still we are slaves of our emotions. The first story itself ...Bapu ...was extremely emotional to read .
Challenges drown at times and yet we can't imagine life without challenges . It's a part and parcel of a process called ...LIVING ..
Manik has tried to create a panorama of middle class family . Their dreams , struggles and expectations .
Although the world recently saw the COVID crisis ...it did severely affect the middle and the lower economic groups . The life of people who are the migrators to metro cities face lots of challenges . They leave their roots in order to embark on the journey of fortune .
** Embracing the journey , the ups and downs are the opportunity for life transformation .
The relationships are also shown in a decent manner . How friends get together and forget their worries .
**Friends are catalyst in this modern world fully of worries and stress.
A good read ...and the author has undoubtedly taken a close view of challenges faced by middle class people ...All stories are worth not only reading ...these stories make you think ...
Pages : 104
Author : Manik Bal
Star Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Several stories compiled together ...
Showing an enormous amount of human emotions ...
Thoughts keep us busy and it's a recurring phenomenon. We might be master of our own thoughts still we are slaves of our emotions. The first story itself ...Bapu ...was extremely emotional to read .
Challenges drown at times and yet we can't imagine life without challenges . It's a part and parcel of a process called ...LIVING ..
Manik has tried to create a panorama of middle class family . Their dreams , struggles and expectations .
Although the world recently saw the COVID crisis ...it did severely affect the middle and the lower economic groups . The life of people who are the migrators to metro cities face lots of challenges . They leave their roots in order to embark on the journey of fortune .
** Embracing the journey , the ups and downs are the opportunity for life transformation .
The relationships are also shown in a decent manner . How friends get together and forget their worries .
**Friends are catalyst in this modern world fully of worries and stress.
A good read ...and the author has undoubtedly taken a close view of challenges faced by middle class people ...All stories are worth not only reading ...these stories make you think ...
December 23, 2020
Title:-WHISKEY AND SUICIDE: And other short stories.
Author: Manik Bal
Primarily the book is a compilation of some intruing and breath holding short stories of peoples which may be noticed by a common man in his day to day life.Different stories contains different emotions and put lights into different problems in and around us.
Stories tells about different kinds of people in locals who have failed to fulfill their dreams, failed to maintain a perfect relationship and many unavoidable situation which eventually turned into hate,stress, alcoholism and mental trauma.
Stories in the book were quite relatable at some points and at few moments when you can't relate much to the situation, and that's where readers can realise that this can be faced by common folks too!
Author touched the topics which are genuine and not vague and that gives the book a great advantage to exite the readers.
One thing that can't be missed in this review is about it's cover page. Yes, the cover page of the book looked very attractive which makes a person curious to know what's inside that. And the title too was just giving it a more perfection.
Author: Manik Bal
Primarily the book is a compilation of some intruing and breath holding short stories of peoples which may be noticed by a common man in his day to day life.Different stories contains different emotions and put lights into different problems in and around us.
Stories tells about different kinds of people in locals who have failed to fulfill their dreams, failed to maintain a perfect relationship and many unavoidable situation which eventually turned into hate,stress, alcoholism and mental trauma.
Stories in the book were quite relatable at some points and at few moments when you can't relate much to the situation, and that's where readers can realise that this can be faced by common folks too!
Author touched the topics which are genuine and not vague and that gives the book a great advantage to exite the readers.
One thing that can't be missed in this review is about it's cover page. Yes, the cover page of the book looked very attractive which makes a person curious to know what's inside that. And the title too was just giving it a more perfection.
December 23, 2020
Author- Manik Bal
This book is a collection of short stories, which is divided in two parts, the first half introduce about Indian culture, and all the stories of first part speaks about Indian culture and I can say the problems of common man whose dreams have not fulfilled due to societal norms, traditions and culture.
Then let's talk about the 2nd part , the second set of stories mainly concentrate on how the the new India is lost materialism and when they find happiness in small things all of the sudden it intrigues them , they are perplexed as they are pulled between their culture and their urgue to better than the west , in this process some values and prominent relations are lost.The second set of stories reminds me about how life becomes complicated in metropolitan city for most people but it can't stop.
The author has penned down, as by way of his writing, he proved how human behaviour evolved. Lucid language simplified writing style. Must read.
This book is a collection of short stories, which is divided in two parts, the first half introduce about Indian culture, and all the stories of first part speaks about Indian culture and I can say the problems of common man whose dreams have not fulfilled due to societal norms, traditions and culture.
Then let's talk about the 2nd part , the second set of stories mainly concentrate on how the the new India is lost materialism and when they find happiness in small things all of the sudden it intrigues them , they are perplexed as they are pulled between their culture and their urgue to better than the west , in this process some values and prominent relations are lost.The second set of stories reminds me about how life becomes complicated in metropolitan city for most people but it can't stop.
The author has penned down, as by way of his writing, he proved how human behaviour evolved. Lucid language simplified writing style. Must read.
October 27, 2021
Short stories are a treat for people who like short halts in their hectic schedule and wish to have a light read. They often picture vivid realities and make one traverse through various facets of life, that too in just a few pages. The book is a collection of many such stories.
The stories paint the realism and the fervour of life, beliefs, mentality, culture set across the places in India. The title chosen for each of the stories holds a special meaning to which a reader could relate. From families and their tryst to growing up and delving into bonds and memories, one would get to immerse into nostalgia. They would many times feel like your own story.
While most of the stories are written lucidly with a unique writing style, I would like to name a few which I loved. One is ‘Subtlety’ and another is ‘Seeking Freedom.’ While some of them are light and breezy, some would get etched to you. I would love to recommend it to the readers especially for the evenings or during travel.
The stories paint the realism and the fervour of life, beliefs, mentality, culture set across the places in India. The title chosen for each of the stories holds a special meaning to which a reader could relate. From families and their tryst to growing up and delving into bonds and memories, one would get to immerse into nostalgia. They would many times feel like your own story.
While most of the stories are written lucidly with a unique writing style, I would like to name a few which I loved. One is ‘Subtlety’ and another is ‘Seeking Freedom.’ While some of them are light and breezy, some would get etched to you. I would love to recommend it to the readers especially for the evenings or during travel.
October 30, 2021
This book is a collection of beautiful short stories.
These stories are very realistic without any extra drama.
These stories are mostly the stories of middle class families.
Every story had some meaning to convey.
While reading these stories sometimes I felt that book is written for me.
Some questions which always come mainly to a person in middle class family.
These stories conveyed many life lessons but mental health and friendship are given more importance.
I really loved how author told about friendship and mental health.
Anyone can read this book easily even you're a beginner.
These stories are very realistic without any extra drama.
These stories are mostly the stories of middle class families.
Every story had some meaning to convey.
While reading these stories sometimes I felt that book is written for me.
Some questions which always come mainly to a person in middle class family.
These stories conveyed many life lessons but mental health and friendship are given more importance.
I really loved how author told about friendship and mental health.
Anyone can read this book easily even you're a beginner.
December 23, 2020
Whiskey And Suicide: And other stories - A collection of short stories.
This book is a collection of short stories touching upon most of the human emotions. The stories mentioned in the book is closely relatable.
The language used is clean and simple due to which the book becomes a quick read.
The storytelling by Manak brings life to the characters portrayed
I would recommend this book to all those who a looking for a quick read.
This book is a collection of short stories touching upon most of the human emotions. The stories mentioned in the book is closely relatable.
The language used is clean and simple due to which the book becomes a quick read.
The storytelling by Manak brings life to the characters portrayed
I would recommend this book to all those who a looking for a quick read.
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