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Lockdown Stories: Of those who lived, loved and lost during the pandemic

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The pandemic has affected each of us in ways we never thought of, and in the absence of normalcy, we have all been forced to look inward - into us, our lives and our close relationships. It is, unfortunately, the one big crisis to unite the whole world together, the first after the Second World War. Each of us carries scars from the pandemic. This collection of short stories is of people who lived, loved and lost during this time. While some of us became closer to people in our lives, many of us drifted away. The stories talk about longing for a natural, normal world and memories and wounds of growing up that became raw during the forced stay at home. Each of the eight main characters in the book deal with a story occuring in their lives, the nucleus of which is the pandemic and the lockdown.

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2021

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6 people want to read

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Priya Rajaram

2 books9 followers

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8 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Darshayita Thakur.
233 reviews25 followers
May 30, 2021
This is a collection of eight short stories that explore the changes that this pandemic and the ensuing world-wide lockdown brought about in our social behaviour and how we are dealing with it. Confined within our houses, this unprecedented situation has forced us to spend more time with ourselves and that has brought about alterations in our daily routine, both for the better and worse. These stories provide a sneak peek into those changes.

The stories have emotion, and an almost tangible tenderness in the way they are written. The author draws the reader's attention to the minutest of things which seem not important at first but later, as the story nears its end, the purpose becomes clearer. It will touch your hearts.

Below are brief glimpses into some of the stories that await your attention, they are also my favourites :

Lockdown stories -  This is about a couple on the brink of separation, who get to spend more unwanted time together, as the courts are not operational at full capacity.
While this is not an ideal scenario for the parents, the child enjoys the attention she receives. On the other hand, we see children being confined to their balconies, no longer playing outside. no more sharing food and laughing over inconsequential things. Human beings are social animals. The word social has somehow lost its meaning.

What's in a name -  Kamakhya realises the irony of her name. The Goddess she is named after is worshipped, but women remain oppressed and victims of abuse in the same country. We get to see how she comes to terms with this irony in her own way. She indeed does justice to her name.

United by law- A daughter in law has the perfect mother- in-law that one could wish for. Amma is non-interfering in her son's marriage, leads an independent life, is charismatic, is also an artist, and somehow manages to attract a lot of attention- in a good way. The narrator's complaint against her mother-in-law is that she does not fit into the category that other mothers-in-law do, which deprives her of gossip with her friend. She has nothing to rant or complain about. However, a work-from-home situation keeps the two together, changing their relationship and bringing them closer.

Memories: Meera plans her day in accordance with the level of intensity of her headache. She has a sharp nose and conjures up smells to remember her pre-lockdown days. Going to work is no longer exciting because of the virus. She has to work in an isolated cabin and cannot share her food with her colleagues. This particular story is what made me like this book so much more. The ending is just startling. This is the one I am most excited for others to read.
Profile Image for Shubhra.
114 reviews13 followers
April 6, 2021
Delightful read - Hopeful and Poignant at the same time...

Picked this little. delightful set of short stories on the recommendation of a friend.

It is filled with gems of short stories, some irreverent, some poignant, some quietly memorable - but all are beautiful. They deftly capture the intrinsic ways the 2020 pandemic touched peoples lives for better or worse - and how the same changes might touch us one day...

Recommend the author to write a follow-up book of humor, as that will be in short supply...
2 reviews
March 15, 2021
Hey Priya! I read your book finally. At the onset, thank U so much for sharing your precious work. What I loved about every single story is the fact that they are so relatable and connects with the heart direct. I loved the 1st one (lockdown stories) for innovative story narration through the eyes of every character therein. This reminded me of my statement I often use... "To every story, there is Your version, My version, Their version and The Truth."
I loved the 2nd one(mating eagles) for the introverts and the fears they hide while risking life despite the struggles.
I loved the 3rd one(what’s in a name) it literally made my hairs stand on ends with the character Kamakhya and the way it was given such a meaningful end,
I loved the 4th one(guess who) for the idea of the guessing game and the way it beautifully lead to a unique encounter,
I loved the 5th one (sound of silence) where I could relate the depth of friendship, the mild jealousy and obsession, to finally when reality of losing a loved one hits hard so unexpectedly. I silently shed a tear as I read the end - the lines of Tagore's poems echoing!
I loved the 6th one(Malai barfi) because of the typical indian twist it had and relating it to how the Indian mentality and attitude of women is yet to change in many parts of the country.
I loved the 7th one (united by law)for the typical scenario where the mil-dil relationship is always judged by other with so many inhibitions and perceptions beyond truth and acceptance.
I loved the 8th one(memories)for the concept that revolves around "Change is the only constant" and how we must learn to live with that everyday!
All in all, Priya darling- I enjoyed every single work like a bed time Story pushing me deeper and deeper into the depths of the other and keeping me yearning for more ..❤️
For me, I pick 2 best ones as I couldn't stick to which one was better- what's in a name and the sound of silence....
Best wishes for many more reading to come ⁨Priya, you rock! 💓
1 review1 follower
March 23, 2021
Lockdown stories by Priya Rajaram is a delightful and unput-downable read. Each story is unique and makes you delve into a different gamut of emotions. Each of the short stories has intertwined in it, the effects of the Covid -19 pandemic and the lockdown which ensued. Priya's writing style is articulate and crisp. What amazed me most was her attention to detail to even the tiniest of things in the book. She paints a vivid picture whenever she is describing anything: be it a situation or a character in her stories. She has also tackled many taboo social issues in may of her stories like What's in a name, Malai Burfi, Mating eagles and a special shout out to her for that because these issues need to be discussed more. Being a Bengali I was really touched to see Priya use lines from one of Tagore's poems in one her stories, The sound of silence. I would also like to quote Tagore at the end of my review of Priya's wonderful book:

"অন্তরে অতৃপ্তি রবে
সাঙ্গ করি মনে হবে
শেষ হয়ে হইল না শেষ।"

A rough translation is , you will feel immersed and satisfied with the experience of the story but still you will keep longing more, even when it ends, and the beauty of the words will linger on.
Profile Image for Deepak M.R..
Author 8 books6 followers
March 22, 2021
The collection of short stories titled Lockdown stories offers a collection of tales that revolve around the lockdown in some way or the other, Each of the stories focuses on relationships between people and relates it to the lockdown. This is a very short collection of stories with 8 stories.

The book is a quick read that you can get through fast. What I liked about the book was the writing style of the author. The author is extremely well-versed with the use of the English language. Her prose seems like poetry and she strings together words to convey her meaning in a beautiful way.
I liked some of the stories a lot. Guess who and Malai Burfi were the two stories I liked the most. I am sure all readers will like Guess who as the reader takes you on a journey of discovery to reveal an interesting ending. Some of the stories did not have satisfying endings (probably after reading too much of Jeffrey Archer, i look forward to twists in every tale, which is not possible).

There are too many long paragraphs that could probably have been broken down. Also, more dialogs in the story would have enriched it.

Overall, it's a good read. If you like stories that tug you at the heart, then you will probably like this short collection.
Profile Image for Madhura.
1,215 reviews47 followers
June 4, 2021
Pandemic attack, social distancing, isolation and lockdown these words define today's life. In these catastrophic days the author comes with 8 realistically relatable stories. 

1. The first story is about a nuclear family and the effect of lockdown on them. If this is reality is time we correct ourself.

2. The second is the story of Asmi, an independent woman who finds its hard to open up and move on in life. What's stopping Asmi?

3. This story is special because it redefines, no it explains motherhood.

4. I loved this story, let me not say more...

5. This story is something every reader can connect with, a time when we are losing our loved one's and a charm of childhood friendship. The story has a painful end but it will also reminded my some old memories.

6. First love or should I call it childhood crush, we all have one; but have you met your first crush again?

7. This is the funniest story in the lot - Mother-in-law... 😆

8. Dear author, this story is a nightmare and its gonna haunt me (at least for a while).

Rating : 4.2/5
1 review
March 12, 2021
I loved the 1st one(lockdown stories) for the way you made each character show up their importance and aspect...very different and innovative
I loved the 2nd one(mating eagles) for a much relatable “asmi’s” character
I loved the 3rd one(what’s in a name)for each and every bit of it(not bcos it women centric😜)
I loved the 4th one(guess who)Which is the need of the hour
I loved the 5th one(sound of silence)for the way you narrated the relationship of the characters and took it to a point where I was totally into their bonding and then the sudden drop of sequence-hit hard!
I loved the 4th one(Malai barfi) again a very very happening scenario in life.
I loved the 5th one (united by law)for the flow of relatable words/feelings/situations.
I loved the 6th one(memories)for striking that common chord of adapting!
Overall-Priya Rajaram-enjoyed it till the end..❤️
Best one-“what’s in a name”/“the sound of silence”
Profile Image for Priya Biswas.
43 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2021
❣Book Name~ Lockdown Stories: of those who lived, loved and lost during the pandemic.
❣Author~ Priya Rajaram
❣Genre~ Short Stories.
⭐⭐⭐.⭐

🔷A short story collection of how the Pandemic posed lockdown has substantially affected our lives. How it has brought upon the unforeseen losses of relations for many of us. But it has also helped us to gain relations in the places that were least expected. A character-driven book where the author has created a few personas for us to correspond. As we follow their journey of love, loss, reconciliation, parting and reunion throughout the pandemic.

🔷The best thing about this book was the free-flowing nature of her writing. Despite choosing such a concerning subject she managed to keep it lighthearted for the reader. A few of my favourites were "What's in the Name" "Guess Who"  & "The Sound of Silence".

🔷This is a very short read of 41 pages only. One could easily finish it in one hour, but I took my time enjoying them with intervals. I definitely recommend this one. As it won't take much of your time and will give you something to linger on.
Author 4 books13 followers
April 11, 2021
Each story depicts an aspect of the lockdown

Priya Rajaram's "Lockdown Stories" is a great collection. The cover is nondescript. That should not put you off. The characters of this collection will stay with you long after the reading is done.

'Lockdown Stories' - the opening story is adeptly handled in POVs with the author's voice not getting in the way. 'Mating Eagles' is another lockdown story of how companionship finds its way into a lonely divorcee life via her also-ice-cream-loving neighbours. The best story for me is what's in a name. It is a complete story but has the potential to be tweaked into a novel. So many aspects of the lockdown and the author has managed to depict each story in this backdrop. For a first collection, this is very good. Recommended.
Profile Image for Megha Malik.
363 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2021
My Rating 3.7 🌟
A great short and one time read which you can finish in one sitting only and that will not consume much of your time. Taling 8 stories in shortest and simplest way possible, the authoress has portrayed the emotions of love, joy, anger, glee, happiness and what not quite raw and unfiltered through these stories. United by Law, and what's in the name was my favorite stories. All the stories woven in 41 pages draws a true picture of human nature. Writing was as simple and easy as ABC by providing gripping and light hearted stories.Would love to read more stories and writings by the authoress. And lastly the cover was also very catchy and beautiful.
1 review
March 23, 2021
The writing flows so easily- it was a breeze reading the stories. I felt the first two stories had a little more to say and finished without saying that little bit more- just a personal impression. But other than that it was just easy to slip into every story, feel the atmosphere, know the characters, relate to them. Just plain and simple, great story telling.
2 reviews
March 12, 2021
This is a gem of a read - brings out beautifully the ups and downs of the pandemic that we all went through. My personal favourite is - what’s in a name.
11 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2021
Lockdown stories is a collection of different short stories with an element of realism in them. They are soothing to heart and relaxing to mind. Reading these stories streams anger, sorrow, joy, love or every other emotion that we experience. Every story in the book has an emotional connect which you will find out while reading the book.
I loved every story but I’ll give shoutout to ‘The sound of silence’, ‘Malai Burfi’ and ‘United by Law’.
Profile Image for Avinash Matta.
Author 1 book10 followers
March 18, 2021
Beautiful prose and poignant emotions

These short stories will touch a chord with anybody who has lost or found love during the lockdown. Priya's narration is sparkling and her characters are as real as us.

I particularly loved 'Malai Burfi' and 'What's in a name' the most.
1 review
March 30, 2021
Perfect for quick reads on a lazy day

Beautiful stories woven through fabric of pandemic time . Interesting short stories enriched with poems , vivid images of nature and people.These stories have a capacity to take you through a street less travelled and yet give a neighborhood feel. Best wishes to the author. Looking forward to more .
Profile Image for NIDHI TIWARI.
106 reviews
May 31, 2021
This pandemic affected lives in many ways. Some lost their job, some lost their dear one, some lost their live. Even we can't go out for our as well for other's safety. It's so heart wrenching to see people suffering. There are many stories that we witnessed, heard and there are many which are yet to be heard.

This book comprises of such 8 short stories in 41 pages from the lockdown period. All of these are beautifully written and are relatable.
Language of the book is very simple. I wanted some stories to be long as I found those interesting. I read second story and thought it would be my favourite from the book but after reading third, fourth and further, I was unable to decide which one is my favourite now. Because all are equally beautiful but the theme is different.

You can feel the emotion, emphasize with the characters and will get to know how some things which we imagine for a person can be a completely opposite. These are lot more beyond the stories as I felt. These are not very heavy instead stories are light and short. You can easily finish it in one or two hours I loved it and will recommend to those who love short stories
105 reviews
May 30, 2021
Spoiler free review of book 'Lockdown stories' by author 'Priya Rajaram'

Description-

This book is a collection of short stories of people who lived, loved and lost during this time. The stories talk about longing for a natural, normal world and memories and wounds of growing up that became raw during the forced stay at home.

My review-
The book is a combination of eight short stories based on the long-term experience of different persons.

These stories are emotional, happy, sad and more of a narration of a person's point of view, and very minimal dialogues are used in them.

The narration is detailed and it created a scenario of the words used in the book in front of my eyes.

I liked reading there this short story, knowing the experiences of 8 different people. I could relate with them but that is no better way to communicate our feelings then writing.

My Rating-4/5 ⭐
Author - Priya Rajaram

Final Say -
A relatable read in this difficult time.
Would recommend to anyone looking for a short quick read.

Profile Image for allineedisbooks_.
111 reviews
June 2, 2021
LOCKDOWN STORIES by Priya Rajaram is a collection of eight short stories and is a quick read. It is full of emotions that people in their daily lives feel. May it be someone who got divorced or the couples having their fight for a little thing especially the toll lockdown is taking on everyone nowadays. How old people are affected due to lockdown, how lonely they feel from inside. With all the childhood crush to old age, it was a nostalgic read for me.
You can feel connected with the characters as each character share their stories. The difference made between single and relationships is explained well. The writing style of the author is captivating and the language used is simple and easy to understand. My favourite story was "WHAT'S IN A NAME" as it made me think hard about the reality of man driven society and what a girl has to face all over. The religious beliefs are also discussed well. The part about adoption was heart touching.
The character development could have been better.
Profile Image for Abhinav Kumar.
347 reviews
June 6, 2021
The pandemic accepted people, lives and relationships all around the world. Some are brutally affected and some experience worst but the soothing part is that everyone understood the value of individuals, belong to them or as a human being.

Staying at home, too difficult for a working individual converts into work from home and give a pleasing time with family and relatives.

The book covers the stories, shaped around us silently and unnoticed but has some bittersweet memories with some pinch of happiness. Some of them are too good and some feel practical bit overall they are a beautiful mixture of emotions connecting many lives, memories and individuals.

The author's observation of human behaviour is noticeable. As we shift from one story to another, the memory of characters resides in the mind and pulls the memories connected to the reader.

Although there are eight stories their essence is pure and delightful. Lively characters with bound to the ground stories feel a better partner in this lockdown.
Profile Image for thereadingsoul_17.
42 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2021
Lockdown changes everyone living in one or another manner. Some will enjoy it or some have to accept it. During the time of lockdown, we all expect different things. Like how to manage household single handled. We get time to spend with our loved ones and came to know about them and their lives and so many other things.
Lockdown story is all about these experiences which is a collection of the short story read. It consists of 9 stories. Nine different stories share different experience during this lockdown. Each story has something to say and tell. The best one I like is "what is in the name." The rest of the others are also good. But this one is so wonderful to read. Short stories are always my favourite ones to read. But The book is beautifully written no doubt and the language is easy to understand. Seriously say I don't enjoy all the stories as I feel they are a need to be something more in them.
Profile Image for S.Readss.
553 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2021
The book is a collection of 8 short stories all themed around lockdown because of a pandemic. This phase reminded us how easily we take things for granted. It forced us to look more closely into those who share homes and lives with us. More importantly, it forced us to look more closely into ourselves. The stories are about love, loss and longing. There is about an extramarital affair, the kids being happy to have parents at home, old people left alone, a woman going through a divorce, childless mother, death in the family, etc.

All the stories are heartwarming and intriguing to read. The characters are really good and well thought of. The language used is easy to understand and the narration is lucid. 

My favourites from the collection would be-
-Lockdown stories
-What's in a name( This one was amazing to read and raises some important questions for the society)


🌻Overall, it is a good read.
Profile Image for Cenoritta.
172 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2021
This is a short book, comprising of 41 pages, that tells different stories about the lockdown in our country. This compilation of short stories have been done eloquently by the author. Each story explores a different element - of unexplored relations and love, loss of a loved one to the virus, longing to see others, adapting to the new normal and the reminiscence of old memories when everything was normal.

I especially loved the stories "What's In A Name" and "Guess Who". I loved the way the author has written these stories - lucid and easy to understand while her words hold the power to remind us of similiar situations in our life. All stories show how this pandemic and lockdown has changed our lives, maybe even irreversibly.

I recommend this to all who'd like to pick up a short and good read.
Profile Image for Shweta Shenoy.
267 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2021
"Lockdown stories" is a small book (41 pages to be precise) of short stories focused on some higher middle class people whose approach towards life changes during the pandemic.

Though I was expecting intense stories of heartbreak, loss and sorrow, these stories were surprisingly lighthearted. Each story emphasizes on emotions such as bereavement, understanding, empathy, adjustment, misjudgement, sensibility in a subtle way.

The narration is fluid and easy going. While some made me sad, some stories brought a smile to my face. The characters and their nature is so relatable that we must have been either of them at some stage of our lives. The observations and expressions captured by the author are commendable.
Profile Image for Vidhika Yadav.
675 reviews31 followers
May 26, 2021
As evinced from the title and cover itself, this book is based on the lockdown due to the pandemic. It started more than a year ago and we are still in the same situation.
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This book is a compilation of eight short stories revealing different facets of the pandemic. These stories are relatable and feel real. It's just a short read of 41 pages but profoundly presents some of the impacts of a pandemic. How the virus brought anxiety, confusions along with it and how it changes relationships, the life of people. It is stories of those who lived, loved and lost during the pandemic and filled with so many emotions.
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The writing style is lucid. The cover is catchy as well as the title. Narration is smooth and all stories are complete in themselves.
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Overall a heart warming read!
Profile Image for Pankhi Sarma.
66 reviews
May 31, 2021
Book: Lockdown Stories
Author: Priya Rajaram

This book is a compilation of 9 short stories set during the lockdown times. The lockdown given due to the pandemic changed everything within a course. Normal busy life got replaced with staying at home 24×7, free from outside work but got involved in the untouched home matters. Suddenly every unattended home matter starts functioning.
Romance blooming alone with other specified emotions was sculpted into nine short stories describing the different experiences each and everyone faced. While the experiences were good to read, it's simple words had an attraction yet few enhancement is necessary for the last few chapters. But overall a book worth reading. And a must-buy short storybook.
557 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2021
😷SYNOPSIS: The lockdown stories have been written by compilation of short 8 stories and quite a short read which can easily be completed and read in less than an hour. This book deals about the looking inside than outside. How lockdown has impacted at certain things positively as well.

😷NOVELTY: As I have read quite a few books on same theme. Thus I couldn't find any thing new in this.

😷GUESSWORK: Though stories are short and in a form of anthology therefore predictability was not there.

😷LANGUAGE: The language was lucid and error free.

😷FINAL CALL: If you are looking for something which can be act as a splash of positivity. Such a short read which can be reading while running errands.
19 reviews
June 2, 2021

The book is a beautiful collection of 8 separate lighthearted stories of people you can find yourself in. You may find the book predictable but you will definitely love it because you will surely get connected with one lockdown story or the other.

Each story beautifully emphasizes on emotions like understanding, empathy, sensibility, adjustment, etc and revolves around middle class people whose approach towards life changes during the pandemic.

The narration of this book is easy going and expressions captured by the author are commendable. I was amazed to know that the author is a Chartered accountant and an equally intelligent writer. You can read this if you are looking for a light, short and relatable read.
Profile Image for Ritika Srivastava.
280 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2021
This book is a collection of eight different shirt stories written by Priya Rajaram. These stories are basically based on these pandemic and lockdown times which revolves around the floors like love, emotions, marriages, loneliness, solitude, etc.
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The stories share an insight of the emotions one feels when he leaves she is bound to be in a certain situation. The stories are absolutely enriching and enjoyable. It appeared to be more jovial and fun read. A few characters were strong and a few appeared a bit shady. The language used is simple yet sparkling. The cover could have been more captivating and vibrant. The narration was simple and good. I definitely liked the way the rash of emotions have been portrayed. It's a short read and can be done in one sitting.
Profile Image for Bhoomikhajuria.
83 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2021
📍Lockdown stories is a collection of short stories, that revolves around the lockdown
This is a very short collection of 8 stories
📍The book is a quick read that you can get through fast. What I liked about the book was the writing style of the author. The author is extremely well-versed with the use of the English language. Her prose seems like poetry and she strings together words to convey her meaning in a beautiful way.
📍this is a short read I completed reading this in an hour, the language is lucid, u can fully relate what you ve experienced during this terrible pandemic, I liked mostly every story and hope you people will to love them!
Profile Image for Karlin.
47 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2021
Lockdown stories by Priya Rajaram is a collection eight breezy simple short stories. This collection of short stories is of people who lived, loved and lost during this time.
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I liked all the eight short stories. These stories are actually relatable as we are also experiencing the new normal due to this pandemic. I was not satisfied with the climax of the first story but rest of the stories were all very short and sweet. Malai barfi is my favorite amoung these eight stories. I finished this book in just two hours as it is a very short read. Language is very simple.
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If you like to read short stories then you can go for it!
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