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Litost: Sliced Stories
'Litost' is an untranslatable Czech word, that loosely means a state of being in an inexplicable mix of remorse and misery that someone has brought upon oneself by her / his own actions.
This collection of short stories or rather slice stories have been chosen to be compiled under this particular title because each of these stories deals with the way emotional urges change the course of human lives and lead the characters into a state of ‘litost’.
Individual urges have the power to bind our destinies together across the labyrinth of human connections; across national, religious and ideological divides. Through these pages, you will meet some characters and some remains of characters, some stories and some abstractions. There are a few stories from this side of life and a few from the other side. The enormous upheavals that occur in our lives are too miniscule on the immense atlas of emotional energies, which don’t just keep the world going through evolution towards its own end, but also bind the other dimensions of this world around us, that’s inaccessible to senses of the living.
At this very moment, while you are reading the summary of this book, somewhere in this world, souls are leaving the bodies they inhabited – some willfully, many unwillingly. Somewhere new lives are entering this world – almost all crying, while people around them smile, and those who are born with no tears in their eyes or wails in their throats, are surrounded by anxious eyes. All this is happening within thick layers of emotions, while you settle down to get lost in these pages full of stories.
After all, we are just products of one urge or another!
This collection of short stories or rather slice stories have been chosen to be compiled under this particular title because each of these stories deals with the way emotional urges change the course of human lives and lead the characters into a state of ‘litost’.
Individual urges have the power to bind our destinies together across the labyrinth of human connections; across national, religious and ideological divides. Through these pages, you will meet some characters and some remains of characters, some stories and some abstractions. There are a few stories from this side of life and a few from the other side. The enormous upheavals that occur in our lives are too miniscule on the immense atlas of emotional energies, which don’t just keep the world going through evolution towards its own end, but also bind the other dimensions of this world around us, that’s inaccessible to senses of the living.
At this very moment, while you are reading the summary of this book, somewhere in this world, souls are leaving the bodies they inhabited – some willfully, many unwillingly. Somewhere new lives are entering this world – almost all crying, while people around them smile, and those who are born with no tears in their eyes or wails in their throats, are surrounded by anxious eyes. All this is happening within thick layers of emotions, while you settle down to get lost in these pages full of stories.
After all, we are just products of one urge or another!
- GenresShort Stories
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2021
About the author
Samir Satam
5 books22 followersSamir Satam is a poet, photographer (@humminglens), writer (short stories, reviews) and an IT professional (Cloud Security). His first collection of poems 'Postcards From Memory' was published in 2014. He is an avid reader, a serious cinema lover who loves to explore films made in all languages.
In addition to pursuing his career in IT industry, Samir also works as a content curator with 'Kaafiya' and is actively involved in the literary movement that aims at bringing poetry to mainstream readership.
In addition to pursuing his career in IT industry, Samir also works as a content curator with 'Kaafiya' and is actively involved in the literary movement that aims at bringing poetry to mainstream readership.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
January 23, 2021
Litost: Sliced Stories by Samir Satam is a collection of short stories. Litost here means a state of being in an inexplicable mix of grief, remorse, sympathy and an unexplained longing.
'In The Library' is the first short story in this book and by far the best according to me. In this we see how the person used to visit libraries and how his writing journey has started. I enjoyed the author's previous poetry book more than this.
The next few stories deals with complex human actions and what consequences we face based on it. The short story 'What Did We Lose?' talks about his mother died in sleep due to overdose of sleeping pills.
'By The River' is about Keshav and Rabia's love story. All of these short stories are very well written. It's a really great collection with complex emotions and feelings attached to it. The book will leave you thinking about many things.
'In The Library' is the first short story in this book and by far the best according to me. In this we see how the person used to visit libraries and how his writing journey has started. I enjoyed the author's previous poetry book more than this.
The next few stories deals with complex human actions and what consequences we face based on it. The short story 'What Did We Lose?' talks about his mother died in sleep due to overdose of sleeping pills.
'By The River' is about Keshav and Rabia's love story. All of these short stories are very well written. It's a really great collection with complex emotions and feelings attached to it. The book will leave you thinking about many things.
January 24, 2021
Title - Litost
Author - Samir Satam
Genre - short stories
Pages - 60
Format - kindle
'Litost'by Samir Satam is a beautiful collection of 12 short stories. Each story is interesting,engaging,straightforward and strange to catch one's attention. The title of the book is unique which made me buy it.
'Litost' is a czech word which is non translatable into any other language. It designates a feeling as infinite as an open accordion, a feeling that is a synthesis of many others : grief, sympathy, remorse and an indefinable longing.
The author has narrated every story beautifully and language used is simple. Characterisation done is very strong and superb as it is very difficult in case of short stories due to the lack of space. These stories are philosophical and has different mood. The flow of the stories are well paced.
Overall, a nice collection.
Rating - 4.8/5
I recommend this book to all.
Author - Samir Satam
Genre - short stories
Pages - 60
Format - kindle
'Litost'by Samir Satam is a beautiful collection of 12 short stories. Each story is interesting,engaging,straightforward and strange to catch one's attention. The title of the book is unique which made me buy it.
'Litost' is a czech word which is non translatable into any other language. It designates a feeling as infinite as an open accordion, a feeling that is a synthesis of many others : grief, sympathy, remorse and an indefinable longing.
The author has narrated every story beautifully and language used is simple. Characterisation done is very strong and superb as it is very difficult in case of short stories due to the lack of space. These stories are philosophical and has different mood. The flow of the stories are well paced.
Overall, a nice collection.
Rating - 4.8/5
I recommend this book to all.
May 20, 2021
An interesting collection of short stories that express emotions and life changing events.
Told more in a poetic fashion rather than simple narration.
Demonstrating a wide grasp of the English language which betrays a writer who loves words that paint colour and engage our senses.
The language and flow is quite beautiful but I wanted more. It was to me like a 12 course taster meal with never enough to truly form an opinion or satisfy.
They left me wanting more; but I guess each story is an work of art you could re-read them with equal pleasure.
A talented author to look out for; as an example of his work this is something he can be very proud about.
A new author to me; a unique approach to writing short stories that is rooted in literature and language. I felt both drawn into his tales and also an active by-stander.
Strong on character, often depicting dramas where uncertainty may dominate, and when control is lost beyond the limits of the account shared.
Told more in a poetic fashion rather than simple narration.
Demonstrating a wide grasp of the English language which betrays a writer who loves words that paint colour and engage our senses.
The language and flow is quite beautiful but I wanted more. It was to me like a 12 course taster meal with never enough to truly form an opinion or satisfy.
They left me wanting more; but I guess each story is an work of art you could re-read them with equal pleasure.
A talented author to look out for; as an example of his work this is something he can be very proud about.
A new author to me; a unique approach to writing short stories that is rooted in literature and language. I felt both drawn into his tales and also an active by-stander.
Strong on character, often depicting dramas where uncertainty may dominate, and when control is lost beyond the limits of the account shared.
February 6, 2021
Litost as it’s defined is a feeling that is the synthesis of many others: grief, sympathy, remorse and an indefinable longing. The feeling that we all go through at one point or other in our lives but sometimes just are unable to understand the reasons behind it. The stories in Samir Satam’s this book were talking to me and reasoning with me about those feelings.
Starting with a different style of introduction and followed by the mind blowing story “What did we lose?” was enough for me to be glued to the book. At this point I wanted to read the next but at the same time take a break and keep thinking about the characters in the story. This continued throughout the entire book so you can imagine the effect this book had on me. This collection of thought provoking stories with a poetic touch is certainly one should not miss. I have read and been an admirer of Samir Satam’s previous books of poems and am looking forward to read more of his work!
Starting with a different style of introduction and followed by the mind blowing story “What did we lose?” was enough for me to be glued to the book. At this point I wanted to read the next but at the same time take a break and keep thinking about the characters in the story. This continued throughout the entire book so you can imagine the effect this book had on me. This collection of thought provoking stories with a poetic touch is certainly one should not miss. I have read and been an admirer of Samir Satam’s previous books of poems and am looking forward to read more of his work!
January 28, 2021
If you are looking for a book to keep your eyes open, this is it. My sister brought the book home and asked me to read but I lost interest the moment she told me the book contains short stories. So, yesterday, I picked it up to lure me to sleep, I didn't know the excellence I bargained with. This is a book that exposes to you the vanities of life as much as the essence of same. The opening story of the boy who lost his mother drew some tears from me as I could really relate. I finished the book in a day, kept opening page by page. The synergy in the string of words as well as the characters gripped my presence so much. I just gave out the book to my fiancée whom I know will enjoy it to the fullest and that's the way I'll keep telling people about this book. I greatly recommend! Samir Satam's work is brilliant. I am going to dig up more books by this author.
January 23, 2021
Litost is a collection of 12 short stories and author has done complete justice to the title as each story has something different to tell and it takes the reader to a different mental state at some level.
Language used in the book is pretty easy and the writing style is quite simple too which makes it a great pick for newbie readers.
I personally feel writing short stories is not everyone's cup of tea as it needs a lot of time and practice to convey your idea properly and build that character and detail in just a few pages. And while some of the stories from this collection did reach that level of detail, few of them lacked it.
Apart from that I loved few of the stories from this collection and the one titled "In the library" is my favorite.
Language used in the book is pretty easy and the writing style is quite simple too which makes it a great pick for newbie readers.
I personally feel writing short stories is not everyone's cup of tea as it needs a lot of time and practice to convey your idea properly and build that character and detail in just a few pages. And while some of the stories from this collection did reach that level of detail, few of them lacked it.
Apart from that I loved few of the stories from this collection and the one titled "In the library" is my favorite.
December 26, 2020
Litost: Sliced Stories by Samir Satam, with a foreword by the renowned poet Dr. Ampat Koshy, who is an Assistant Professor in the English department of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, is a collection of short musings on various aspects of life, as seen through a range of diverse characters. Some of the pieces are poetic soliloquies, including “Hungry creatures,” in which a photographer wanders through an urban landscape looking for the perfect shot and “Moongazing,” in which the lyrics of a song penned by Gulzar Sahaab blend with the narrator’s recall of his close physical relationship with a woman whom he held dear. Others contain more exterior action, but, nevertheless, are very much involved with the interior monologue of the protagonists, such as “What did we lose?”, which concerns a son finding his father, for the first time in his life, on his mother’s fatal overdosing on sleeping pills, only to find that the latter murdered his promiscuous mother’s lover, and the devastating nature of the broken relationships concerned.
Litost: Sliced Stories by Samir Satam is a thought-provoking read that will no doubt leave the reader wondering about the complexities of life. The graphic nature of the violence that is portrayed in some of the stories reflects the underlying angst that besets a society torn apart by inner conflict that has at least some of its roots in the religious divide between Muslim and Hindu that so characterizes the state of India. Definitely fodder for the more intellectually and esoterically minded, these stories are marked by their exploration of character and by their tone of longing and regret, in many instances.
April 17, 2021
Uważam, że im więcej czytamy, tym mniej się zachwycamy, gdyż coraz trudniej jest nas zaskoczyć, oczarować i sprawić, że zawrzą w nas emocje. Pewnie dlatego też rzadko kiedy zdarza mi się oceniać książki na 5*, jednak w przypadku tego zbioru opowiadań, od pierwszych stron wiedziałam już, że to będzie jedna z najlepszych pozycji, jakie od bardzo dawna miałam okazję przeczytać.
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„Litost” to czeskie słowo, które trudno przetłumaczyć na inne języki świata, gdyż niesie ze sobą ogromne pokłady, ciężkich do wytłumaczenia, emocji. Dla nas to „litość”, którą można odczuwać na wiele różnych sposobów. Można „brać kogoś na litość”, starając się wzbudzić w kimś uczucia, można „litować się nad kimś”, czyli współczuć komuś, można też „być litościwym”, krzyczeć „na litość boską” lub wyrażać „politowanie”. Paleta wielorakich interpretacji tego samego słowa zawarta została w opowiadaniach, które nie kończą się, a jedynie urywają, dając czytelnikowi szerokie pole do snucia przypuszczeń co do dalszych losów bohaterów.
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Poetyckość, nieszablonowość oraz niecodzienność tych opowiadań sprawiła, że czytałam je kilka razy, przy każdym czytaniu wyłapując coś innego i zachwycając się na nowo. Duszny klimat, absurdalność, emocje i autentyczność zawarte w tym zbiorze na długo zapadną w mojej pamięci.
.
„Litost” to czeskie słowo, które trudno przetłumaczyć na inne języki świata, gdyż niesie ze sobą ogromne pokłady, ciężkich do wytłumaczenia, emocji. Dla nas to „litość”, którą można odczuwać na wiele różnych sposobów. Można „brać kogoś na litość”, starając się wzbudzić w kimś uczucia, można „litować się nad kimś”, czyli współczuć komuś, można też „być litościwym”, krzyczeć „na litość boską” lub wyrażać „politowanie”. Paleta wielorakich interpretacji tego samego słowa zawarta została w opowiadaniach, które nie kończą się, a jedynie urywają, dając czytelnikowi szerokie pole do snucia przypuszczeń co do dalszych losów bohaterów.
.
Poetyckość, nieszablonowość oraz niecodzienność tych opowiadań sprawiła, że czytałam je kilka razy, przy każdym czytaniu wyłapując coś innego i zachwycając się na nowo. Duszny klimat, absurdalność, emocje i autentyczność zawarte w tym zbiorze na długo zapadną w mojej pamięci.
May 28, 2021
I read Samir Satam’s two books before Litost. Those books were collections of his poems while this is a collection of 12 short stories.
Apart from my interest in reading stories, I was also keen to explore how a poet would perform in story writing (or say storytelling). Happy to mention that for me, his debut as a storyteller is successful.
Good narration, succeeded in creating an air of suspense in his stories and leaving the endings open for the readers... Unlike usually, I liked those heart palpitations I felt reading most of them...
So, these are 12 stories in around 100 pages… Each story has its own theme…theme of Life, Relationships, Culture, Death, Art, Dilemmas, and more…The characters are placed in different situations of life and beyond… go through their own unique emotional journeys…
Some stories like "In The Library", "Until We Meet", "Hungry Creatures" are beautiful because of their simplicity while all others are beautiful because of their emotional intensity…As you finish each story, some leave you with a charm while others do stun you with inexplicable feelings of grief, remorse, longing, melancholy… meaning Litost.
Some of my favorites...
• Home: It is a story of a father who is caught in a situation... the turmoil inside him is so intensely narrated...the theme may sound common but the way it’s narrated and the unexpected turn the story takes, is worth praising.
• A Trespasser: This is really beautifully composed. The narration is enthralling in this… The writer demonstrates his creativity throughout...His mention of a brief story by a Mountain is phenomenal.
• Moongazing: This is simply mesmerizing and perhaps, is his masterpiece in my view. This will surely deepen your reminiscence or longing for someone…
Once the book is over, you would want to keep revisiting it, as it creates a different world in you and you want to peep in that world every now and then.
Overall, to me, the writer’s forte is in character building, his peculiar and boundless imagination embellished by his captivating narration….I am especially fond of his lucid and elegant writing style and not to forget, his metaphors.
If I have to caution the readers for anything, I would say, “Read it only if you can handle melancholy, grief, that mellow & constant heartache accompanied with acute longing for someone or something…Even if you are a happy soul, the author's writing has the power to bring you down :)…So, if you don't find any beauty or thoughtfulness in sadness…his books may not be a right choice for you…”
Before ending...my two cents... if he likes to continue writing stories, I would encourage him to give a shot to write around some unexplored or lesser explored topics too. That may be more thrilling!
Cheers and 5/5 for me for this one too.
Apart from my interest in reading stories, I was also keen to explore how a poet would perform in story writing (or say storytelling). Happy to mention that for me, his debut as a storyteller is successful.
Good narration, succeeded in creating an air of suspense in his stories and leaving the endings open for the readers... Unlike usually, I liked those heart palpitations I felt reading most of them...
So, these are 12 stories in around 100 pages… Each story has its own theme…theme of Life, Relationships, Culture, Death, Art, Dilemmas, and more…The characters are placed in different situations of life and beyond… go through their own unique emotional journeys…
Some stories like "In The Library", "Until We Meet", "Hungry Creatures" are beautiful because of their simplicity while all others are beautiful because of their emotional intensity…As you finish each story, some leave you with a charm while others do stun you with inexplicable feelings of grief, remorse, longing, melancholy… meaning Litost.
Some of my favorites...
• Home: It is a story of a father who is caught in a situation... the turmoil inside him is so intensely narrated...the theme may sound common but the way it’s narrated and the unexpected turn the story takes, is worth praising.
• A Trespasser: This is really beautifully composed. The narration is enthralling in this… The writer demonstrates his creativity throughout...His mention of a brief story by a Mountain is phenomenal.
• Moongazing: This is simply mesmerizing and perhaps, is his masterpiece in my view. This will surely deepen your reminiscence or longing for someone…
Once the book is over, you would want to keep revisiting it, as it creates a different world in you and you want to peep in that world every now and then.
Overall, to me, the writer’s forte is in character building, his peculiar and boundless imagination embellished by his captivating narration….I am especially fond of his lucid and elegant writing style and not to forget, his metaphors.
If I have to caution the readers for anything, I would say, “Read it only if you can handle melancholy, grief, that mellow & constant heartache accompanied with acute longing for someone or something…Even if you are a happy soul, the author's writing has the power to bring you down :)…So, if you don't find any beauty or thoughtfulness in sadness…his books may not be a right choice for you…”
Before ending...my two cents... if he likes to continue writing stories, I would encourage him to give a shot to write around some unexplored or lesser explored topics too. That may be more thrilling!
Cheers and 5/5 for me for this one too.
February 4, 2021
Several sentences in this book were stand out beautiful and enough to warrant a solid 4 star review.
The deducted star is because some of the stories were not interesting. There was a huge discrepancy between the ones that blew me away and the ones that failed to hold my attention, as though they were not written by the same person.
The title and the title's description first drew me in. Litost is a concept of longing and lost, described by Milan Kundera in the Book of Laughter and Forgetting.
"Litost is Czech word with no exact translation into
any other language. It designates a feeling as infinite as an
open accordion, a feeling that is a synthesis of many others:
grief, sympathy, remorse, and an indefinable longing. The
first syllable which is long and stressed, sounds like the wail
of an abandoned dog....I have never found an
equivalent in other languages for this sense of the word
either, though I do not see how anyone can understand the
human soul without it."
This idea is furthered in the Preface. .
Everyone went through a Milan Kundera phase in their early twenties so this boded well. However the foreword was incredibly poorly written, yet well placed, because it meant the first story absolutely leapt off the page.
"What Did We Lose" is hauntingly beautiful, eerie and plot-driven.
Betrayal and anxiety and picking up on unconscious nuances are all common themes. Murderous rage is also featured quite often. "Night Errands" has a whiff of Japanese literature to it - no spoilers, it's very Murakami esque.
"Until we meet again" is also evocative but a little pointless and aimless maybe?
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The deducted star is because some of the stories were not interesting. There was a huge discrepancy between the ones that blew me away and the ones that failed to hold my attention, as though they were not written by the same person.
The title and the title's description first drew me in. Litost is a concept of longing and lost, described by Milan Kundera in the Book of Laughter and Forgetting.
"Litost is Czech word with no exact translation into
any other language. It designates a feeling as infinite as an
open accordion, a feeling that is a synthesis of many others:
grief, sympathy, remorse, and an indefinable longing. The
first syllable which is long and stressed, sounds like the wail
of an abandoned dog....I have never found an
equivalent in other languages for this sense of the word
either, though I do not see how anyone can understand the
human soul without it."
This idea is furthered in the Preface. .
Everyone went through a Milan Kundera phase in their early twenties so this boded well. However the foreword was incredibly poorly written, yet well placed, because it meant the first story absolutely leapt off the page.
"What Did We Lose" is hauntingly beautiful, eerie and plot-driven.
Betrayal and anxiety and picking up on unconscious nuances are all common themes. Murderous rage is also featured quite often. "Night Errands" has a whiff of Japanese literature to it - no spoilers, it's very Murakami esque.
"Until we meet again" is also evocative but a little pointless and aimless maybe?
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 28, 2021
"Litost: Sliced Stories" was inspiring yet heartbreaking to read, as a compilation of short stories, or better yet “sliced stories,” the topic and mood in each piece ranged. I think my absolute favorite had to be the first story, “In The Library,” and I might be biased because I am a reader but I just loved how the short piece explored a young child going to the library and being enthralled after picking up a book. They come to understand the power that literature holds and the impact of stories and I just personally resonated the most with this story. I also found that placing this at the beginning of a collection of short pieces was smart, especially as you will find that these short stories have their own impact.
I definitely think that some of these are more emotional than others as they tackle the idea of being lonely and lost and cover suicide. A couple short stories like “The Walk” and “Night Errands,” explore the idea of feeling lost and specifically losing a loved one but not to death like one might think, but rather as a result of just people changing.
Many of these stories deal with inner turmoil of trying to find comfort in living, and it's comforting to think that we all struggle, however scary it may be. I found myself reflecting on my own life and experiences after reading some of these stories and I think it would be impossible for someone to read this and not reflect on their own lives. The writing itself was beautiful and it made me want to be a better writer. I cannot recommend this enough, this collection will keep you thinking.
I definitely think that some of these are more emotional than others as they tackle the idea of being lonely and lost and cover suicide. A couple short stories like “The Walk” and “Night Errands,” explore the idea of feeling lost and specifically losing a loved one but not to death like one might think, but rather as a result of just people changing.
Many of these stories deal with inner turmoil of trying to find comfort in living, and it's comforting to think that we all struggle, however scary it may be. I found myself reflecting on my own life and experiences after reading some of these stories and I think it would be impossible for someone to read this and not reflect on their own lives. The writing itself was beautiful and it made me want to be a better writer. I cannot recommend this enough, this collection will keep you thinking.
February 5, 2021
When I started reading this book, I was expecting traditional short stories, with a start, middle and a definite end. As I read the first story 'In The Library', I realised, it was more of an introduction by the author. However it is a smartly written introduction in a form of a story. This somehow made me thrash away all my thoughts of expecting anything traditional from the book. The second story 'What Did We Lose' took me to altogether different highs and lows of emotions. It kept me on the edge throughout with the strangeness of its events and characters. By the time I started reading the next story 'The Trespasser', I realised that the strangeness of the previous story was so mild compared to this one! Though 'The Trespasser' is far shorter than a short story, it comes with sharp edges of imagination. It's so bizzare that it's delicious!
What the author seems to be trying to achieve in most of these stories is to capture a moment thoroughly, instead of dwelling on a plot. It's as if these stories were photographs clicked in words. I later looked up the other titles of books written by Samir Satam and found that he is a poet. And I wasn't surprised, especially because the language throughout 'Litost' has a poetic flow. Especially in the last story 'Moongazing'. It took me inside the heart of a man missing his lover. But that's it... That's the story... And that's exactly the beauty of it. Only a poet could have pulled something like that with such free flowing language.
What the author seems to be trying to achieve in most of these stories is to capture a moment thoroughly, instead of dwelling on a plot. It's as if these stories were photographs clicked in words. I later looked up the other titles of books written by Samir Satam and found that he is a poet. And I wasn't surprised, especially because the language throughout 'Litost' has a poetic flow. Especially in the last story 'Moongazing'. It took me inside the heart of a man missing his lover. But that's it... That's the story... And that's exactly the beauty of it. Only a poet could have pulled something like that with such free flowing language.
February 12, 2021
I instinctively knew I was going to like the book when I saw the title and the cover. It just felt like something I needed to read, and I’m glad that I was a hundred percent right about it!
Litost is a collection of short or ‘sliced’ stories, as the author puts it. The thing with short stories that have deliberate indefinite endings is it can easily frustrate the reader. To satisfy yet leave the reader wanting more is a tricky balance and most writers will probably manage to get it in some stories but Samir Satam has beautifully managed to get it right in all the 12 stories in this collection.
It’s a short and crisp book with each story as different and fresh as the previous one, all held together by ‘litost’, which according to Milan Kundera, is “a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one's own misery.” ( The title is taken from Kundera’s book, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting. )
Absolutely loved this book! It's a book I wish I could write! I can’t wait to re-read it soon. What Did We Lose, A Trespasser and Until We Meet Again are my top three stories from the book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Litost is a collection of short or ‘sliced’ stories, as the author puts it. The thing with short stories that have deliberate indefinite endings is it can easily frustrate the reader. To satisfy yet leave the reader wanting more is a tricky balance and most writers will probably manage to get it in some stories but Samir Satam has beautifully managed to get it right in all the 12 stories in this collection.
It’s a short and crisp book with each story as different and fresh as the previous one, all held together by ‘litost’, which according to Milan Kundera, is “a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one's own misery.” ( The title is taken from Kundera’s book, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting. )
Absolutely loved this book! It's a book I wish I could write! I can’t wait to re-read it soon. What Did We Lose, A Trespasser and Until We Meet Again are my top three stories from the book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
January 27, 2021
One thing I'll like to commend the author for is the extensive use of personification and anthropomorphism. For a short story with few characters, these literary devices breathes life into the stories. Put in another way, they coaleased with the characters to add essence and vigor to the story overall. The emotions exhumed and preached by this book: “Litost” are what I'll consider apt as it comprises almost all feelings that we humans have. From hatred, to war, to love, to despair, to disappointment and betrayal; from family to friends to even your enemies. I like how it captures human and how everything we have or do not have affect us so much. I took a lot out from this book and I must say the author has done well. I'll definitely recommend this book to my students. It was worth every read. Awesome Satam! I love this.
October 29, 2023
In Litost: Sliced Stories, Samir Satam presents a thought-provoking and introspective collection that delves into the complexities of the untranslatable Czech word 'Litost'. With a masterful exploration of grief, remorse, sympathy, and an indescribable longing, Satam weaves a tapestry of narratives that touch upon the various facets and nuances of this enigmatic emotional state.
Through a series of poignant and evocative tales, the author invites readers to contemplate the diverse experiences and perspectives that embody the essence of litost. From existential ponderings to metaphysical musings, each story within the collection serves as a lens through which readers can glimpse the multifaceted nature of human emotions and the intricacies of the human experience.
Satam's skillful storytelling and evocative prose create a rich and immersive reading experience that resonates with a profound sense of introspection and contemplation. As readers immerse themselves in the diverse narratives and delve into the lives of the characters, they are confronted with the universal truths and existential dilemmas that define the human condition.
While the collection successfully captures the essence of litost and its emotional complexities, a minor deduction from a perfect rating is attributed to certain pacing elements that could have been further streamlined to ensure a more cohesive narrative flow. Additionally, some stories could have been further developed to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the characters' inner struggles and emotional journeys.
In conclusion, Litost: Sliced Stories is a compelling and thought-provoking read that invites readers to delve into the depths of the human psyche and contemplate the profound complexities of the human experience. Samir Satam's nuanced exploration of emotions and existential reflections makes this collection a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between grief, longing, and the enigmatic nature of the human spirit.
Through a series of poignant and evocative tales, the author invites readers to contemplate the diverse experiences and perspectives that embody the essence of litost. From existential ponderings to metaphysical musings, each story within the collection serves as a lens through which readers can glimpse the multifaceted nature of human emotions and the intricacies of the human experience.
Satam's skillful storytelling and evocative prose create a rich and immersive reading experience that resonates with a profound sense of introspection and contemplation. As readers immerse themselves in the diverse narratives and delve into the lives of the characters, they are confronted with the universal truths and existential dilemmas that define the human condition.
While the collection successfully captures the essence of litost and its emotional complexities, a minor deduction from a perfect rating is attributed to certain pacing elements that could have been further streamlined to ensure a more cohesive narrative flow. Additionally, some stories could have been further developed to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the characters' inner struggles and emotional journeys.
In conclusion, Litost: Sliced Stories is a compelling and thought-provoking read that invites readers to delve into the depths of the human psyche and contemplate the profound complexities of the human experience. Samir Satam's nuanced exploration of emotions and existential reflections makes this collection a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between grief, longing, and the enigmatic nature of the human spirit.
January 27, 2021
I find it highly commendable that a book would invoke from me so strong emotions reading its first few pages. The division of the stories into 12 different stories, I think, is figurative. Figurative because, how else can an author explain the discord between humans and the myriad of the emotions that they feel. Believe me, I had to take several pauses through this book as the emotions overweighed me sometimes. In a long time, I haven't read a book embedded with literary devices as this. Samir Satam, has indeed done great work with these stories. The figures of speech extensively utilized show erudite and passion, even the diction is so beautiful knitted This is worth every penny
I highly recommend 💯
I highly recommend 💯
February 9, 2021
This book is a collection of short stories in which the author shows betrayal, grief, pain, and other such emotions.
Some of the stories which I liked the most are:
Honor
Night Errands
Waking up
What Did we lose?
The author has written the book very beautifully. Every other story is different from the other and is having great depth. The author has pulled out emotions by using very few words. The stories are short but it conveys the message quite brilliantly. The emotions that it stirs are the kind of emotions that are not very often talked about in our society. The author goes beyond the usual and presents you with a wonderful book that is good enough to require a re read. I would love to read more from the author in future.
Some of the stories which I liked the most are:
Honor
Night Errands
Waking up
What Did we lose?
The author has written the book very beautifully. Every other story is different from the other and is having great depth. The author has pulled out emotions by using very few words. The stories are short but it conveys the message quite brilliantly. The emotions that it stirs are the kind of emotions that are not very often talked about in our society. The author goes beyond the usual and presents you with a wonderful book that is good enough to require a re read. I would love to read more from the author in future.
January 26, 2021
"Easy read with plenty of emotions"
After reading the book title "Litost: Sliced Stories," I felt it was unique, making me curious to read it. There are 12 short stories in this book, which carry independent plots and genres. Each level leaves a sufficient passion at the end. The writing style is pretty unique and plays a significant role in keeping the reader engaged. Few stories of this book deal with complex human actions and what consequences we face based on them. It's a great collection with complex emotions and feelings attached to it, and one can learn a lot from them. The book will leave you thinking about many things. Overall this was a good, quick, and interesting read.
After reading the book title "Litost: Sliced Stories," I felt it was unique, making me curious to read it. There are 12 short stories in this book, which carry independent plots and genres. Each level leaves a sufficient passion at the end. The writing style is pretty unique and plays a significant role in keeping the reader engaged. Few stories of this book deal with complex human actions and what consequences we face based on them. It's a great collection with complex emotions and feelings attached to it, and one can learn a lot from them. The book will leave you thinking about many things. Overall this was a good, quick, and interesting read.
February 5, 2021
Thanks NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Samir Satam for an ARC to review.
A collection of short stories written in an elaborate literary style that will steal you away for the time you spend reading the book, and some will even stay behind for a little longer.
Like the title which stands to untranslatable Czech word that loosely means an inexplicable mix of remorse and misery that someone has brought upon oneself by their actions, the stories portray various array of so called feelings under different situations.
The book has lots of valuable quotes, too many to write down in a review actually.
I absolutely loved it.
A collection of short stories written in an elaborate literary style that will steal you away for the time you spend reading the book, and some will even stay behind for a little longer.
Like the title which stands to untranslatable Czech word that loosely means an inexplicable mix of remorse and misery that someone has brought upon oneself by their actions, the stories portray various array of so called feelings under different situations.
The book has lots of valuable quotes, too many to write down in a review actually.
I absolutely loved it.
February 3, 2021
How does one not fall in love with this book? How is it possible to not feel and just read these stories? How is it possible to not be awed by the completely different stories that occur in diverse settings yet are united by the central theme of Litost?
However, I must warn, this book is not for everyone. If you are ready to read a story without expecting a traditional story, if you are willing to keep aside the book after each story and let your mind absorb all the feelings which that story conjured up, if you are open to experiment with your stories and are willy to go with the flow of words,
'Litost: Sliced Stories' is an exceptionally moving read!
However, I must warn, this book is not for everyone. If you are ready to read a story without expecting a traditional story, if you are willing to keep aside the book after each story and let your mind absorb all the feelings which that story conjured up, if you are open to experiment with your stories and are willy to go with the flow of words,
'Litost: Sliced Stories' is an exceptionally moving read!
February 4, 2021
I've always loved short stories after reading some that got my fancy, however, Litost has touched me in a different way. When I picked up the book, the suspense just piqued my interest into wanting so much more from the book and keeps drawing me into the vacuum of its ecstasy and became overwhelmed with myriad of emotions. I highly recommend this book, Samir Satam is an excellent writer. I mean not all writers can get and hold their readers' attention like this book did mine. I recommend this book.
February 27, 2021
Litost is a book of exquisite short stories that show many emotions; grief, love, beginnings and endings. I enjoyed some of the stories better than others but they all convey a message to the reader. You may interpret the stories differently than I did but that is what makes these short stories wonderful. The author may have been expressing a certain feeling or situation but I think we each get something different as our lives reflect on how we think. Overall a wonderful book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ebook.
June 14, 2023
I recently read and am so happy I did - it made for the perfect escape! I was mesmerized by the fantastic writing style, engaging plot and heartfelt characters. Seriously, this is one of the best books I've ever read.
The author surely deserves a big round of applause for this super amazing book! Even if you normally don’t read much in this genre, you'll find something enjoyable in here. If you're looking for a book that will steal your heart away, look no further. Grab your copy right away if you haven't already done so!
The author surely deserves a big round of applause for this super amazing book! Even if you normally don’t read much in this genre, you'll find something enjoyable in here. If you're looking for a book that will steal your heart away, look no further. Grab your copy right away if you haven't already done so!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
Litost surely like it's meaning, made me feel different moods, sending me to a different place away from the dreadful and dull routine.
I am in admiration of the literature of the book because of the perfectly woven stories which were eloquent and intellectually stimulating.
Perfect solace for a person who has philosophical curiosity and like to romanticize reality. Early morning when you are sipping tea and are introspecting, this book will make a perfect company for your tiny musings.
I am in admiration of the literature of the book because of the perfectly woven stories which were eloquent and intellectually stimulating.
Perfect solace for a person who has philosophical curiosity and like to romanticize reality. Early morning when you are sipping tea and are introspecting, this book will make a perfect company for your tiny musings.
January 26, 2021
The writing style is persuasive , making you feel one with the characters. The plot of most stories is engaging, the author manages to shock the reader. It's hard to guess on what note the author would leave the story.
One is transported in the world of betrayals, agony and intellectual conversation. The dry humour makes you smile. The feeling of litost is aptly expressed and one seems to be lost in all the haunting experiences modern life can possibly offer. Must read.
One is transported in the world of betrayals, agony and intellectual conversation. The dry humour makes you smile. The feeling of litost is aptly expressed and one seems to be lost in all the haunting experiences modern life can possibly offer. Must read.
January 24, 2021
Litlost is a beautiful collection of meaningful stories. It's a short quick read which can be finished in an hour maximum. The stories are meaningful and heartwarming. One can learn a lot from them. I am sure the reader will enjoy the reading the stories
April 15, 2022
Litlost : Sliced Stories by Samir Satam is a collection of moments and emotions. 12 stories in this book are 12 short movies brought together in words. Whether it was the crisp conversation between Rishi and Myra from Until We Meet Again or the urgency of Night Errands, I preferred reading no more than 1 story at a time and this allowed me to cherish the aroma of each story while the characters and their journey brewed for a bit longer in the back of my mind. These 12 stories by Samir Satam will not only keep you engaged with his art of storytelling but also entangle you with myriad solved-unsolved feelings. I wish Samir Satam many more literary success.
July 4, 2021
I picked up reading Litost during a phase where I wanted something to jerk me and get me back to reading again, and I think this book absolutely did what it meant to.
You’ll find the pages that reflects how vivid stories brew in author’s mind, and astonishingly, each one paints a new colour. I love the dynamism of these various stories that covers the reader’s judgement right till the end, yet having a gripping effect throughout.
It’s a must pick for those who like short tales, and who want to find themselves amidst various emotions and thought-provoking instances.
You’ll find the pages that reflects how vivid stories brew in author’s mind, and astonishingly, each one paints a new colour. I love the dynamism of these various stories that covers the reader’s judgement right till the end, yet having a gripping effect throughout.
It’s a must pick for those who like short tales, and who want to find themselves amidst various emotions and thought-provoking instances.
March 7, 2021
I recieved this from NetGalley-first time review.
I really liked parts of this collection, especially the first half. The writing style is poignant in parts, really moving me to feel what the character was feeling. I have never read anything quite like this, and will be picking up more from this author in the future. My only critique is with the editing toward the end, there are about 6 different spelling errors that are distracting, but this could have been due to it being transferred to e-format. Either way, a great read.
I really liked parts of this collection, especially the first half. The writing style is poignant in parts, really moving me to feel what the character was feeling. I have never read anything quite like this, and will be picking up more from this author in the future. My only critique is with the editing toward the end, there are about 6 different spelling errors that are distracting, but this could have been due to it being transferred to e-format. Either way, a great read.
review-copies
June 7, 2021It is always a delight to read a collection of short stories. This book is a collection of short stories covering various topics and themes of life. Litost is a Czech word which can be summarized as being in an inexplicable mix of grief, remorse, sympathy and an undefined longing. Language is simple and the narration is good. Some stories were excellent and some were okay. My favorite was 'A trespasser'. I enjoyed reading it.
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