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A Case of Indian Marvels - Dazzling Stories from the Country’s Finest New Writers
A Case of Indian Marvels is the first major anthology of short stories by India’s most exciting new writers. The book pulls together the very best work of authors belonging to the millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (born between the late 1990s and early 2010s). The forty stories in the volume explore every aspect of the Indian ethos in original and electrifying ways. Some stories deal with the dark times India is passing through, others are about life in the country’s villages, small towns, and big cities; there are tales about various aspects of contemporary Indian society and others set in the future or the ancient past. Some of the writers, including Kanishk Tharoor, Madhuri Vijay, Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, Meena Kandasamy, Prayaag Akbar, Samhita Arni, Neel Patel, and Avinuo Kire, have already received considerable acclaim for books they have published, others are working on debut collections of stories and novels that are expected to be published soon. These writers will dominate the literary scene in the twenty-first century, and on the evidence of the work represented in this volume, the future of Indian literature is in very good hands.
408 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2022
4 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
David Davidar
16 books200 followersDavid Davidar is an author and publisher. He was educated at Madras (now Chennai) and Harvard University (where he obtained a diploma in publishing). In 1985, while still in his mid-twenties, he became one of the founding members of Penguin in India, where he edited or published authors like Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, Vikram Seth, Vikram Chandra, Rohinton Mistry, and Salman Rushdie.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 14, 2022
This book is a collection of anthology set in India. You will find stories from authors belonging to different generations with some flavourful tales from the different parts of the country. There are stories about villages and country side, hope and hopelessness, love and hate. Though every story was different but still something or the other felt relatable.
The authors takes us on a roller coaster journey which will excite you one moment and scare you the other. I totally enjoyed reading the book. Definitely recommended.
October 12, 2022
I started reading it with very high expectations and it turned out to be so much more than what I had anticipated!💙There are some amazing short stories based in India, each with a very different flavor, and yet a sense of familiarity. These stories are by some fantastic Indian millennial and Gen Z writers. They have collectively presented every aspect of the Indian ethos. There are stories from villages, small towns, and even big cities. These are the stories of hope and hopelessness. Some of these stories are based on the dark and difficult times India is passing through, while others are set in the future or ancient past. There are stories about the various aspects of contemporary Indian society. There is so much that goes on in every story, that I found it difficult to assign them a particular genre. Some were based on our Indian mythology and history. The writers have given them an alluring spin and presented them in a new light. I found them refreshing and super interesting!
I found some stories to be darker than others. Many of them turned out to polar opposite of what I anticipated them to be about. And that made them all the more exciting! When I started reading Eggs Keep Falling from the Fourth Floor by @bhavikagovil, I anticipated it to be a classic horror read. It did turn out to be a horror read but in a very different sense. It turned out to be so much more. I loved how layered it was. In just a few pages, the author shed light on so many issues that often get neglected and result in a tragedy that could have been prevented.
The beauty of these stories lies in their simple conversations. The kind of conversations we often hear in our homes, schools, markets, society, buses, and metros. The stories which we often hear as gossip in a hush-hush tone. The ones which we often try to convince ourselves are just rumors but deep down know how real they are.
It is hard to pick a favorite amongst them as all of them were thought-provoking!
I found some stories to be darker than others. Many of them turned out to polar opposite of what I anticipated them to be about. And that made them all the more exciting! When I started reading Eggs Keep Falling from the Fourth Floor by @bhavikagovil, I anticipated it to be a classic horror read. It did turn out to be a horror read but in a very different sense. It turned out to be so much more. I loved how layered it was. In just a few pages, the author shed light on so many issues that often get neglected and result in a tragedy that could have been prevented.
The beauty of these stories lies in their simple conversations. The kind of conversations we often hear in our homes, schools, markets, society, buses, and metros. The stories which we often hear as gossip in a hush-hush tone. The ones which we often try to convince ourselves are just rumors but deep down know how real they are.
It is hard to pick a favorite amongst them as all of them were thought-provoking!
November 16, 2022
Different stories with different flavour from different part of country India. This is the book a case of Indian marvel’s.
Every story has a different essence. Some are of dark times and some of future or past
but every story is Unique, vivid, interesting & engaging.
A very interesting collection of stories for you to look forward to.
Every story has a different essence. Some are of dark times and some of future or past
but every story is Unique, vivid, interesting & engaging.
A very interesting collection of stories for you to look forward to.
November 19, 2022
A Case of Indian Marvels is a collection of stories by some of the most prominent Indian writers. The variety in the stories range focuses on family relations to political scene of India, dealing with major issues by providing awareness and insight.
The book should go down as one of the most valuable in terms of content. Each story is filled with the scent of India and its culture. While some stories give the sense of home and family, the others make you think and shed light on the dark aspect of society. This contrast when fuelled with these talented writers narration, makes each page of the book a journey to remember.
Some of my favourites were-
*The Teeth on the Bus Go Round and Round
by DINESH DEVARAJAN
*
The Adivasi Will Not Dance by HANSDA SOWVENDRA SHEKHAR
*The Demon Sage’s Daughter by VARSHA DINESH
*It Ends with a Kiss by RIDDHI DASTIDAR
Read this to explore the true power of Indian Literature and to get a glimpse of the distinguished writers of India.
The book should go down as one of the most valuable in terms of content. Each story is filled with the scent of India and its culture. While some stories give the sense of home and family, the others make you think and shed light on the dark aspect of society. This contrast when fuelled with these talented writers narration, makes each page of the book a journey to remember.
Some of my favourites were-
*The Teeth on the Bus Go Round and Round
by DINESH DEVARAJAN
*
The Adivasi Will Not Dance by HANSDA SOWVENDRA SHEKHAR
*The Demon Sage’s Daughter by VARSHA DINESH
*It Ends with a Kiss by RIDDHI DASTIDAR
Read this to explore the true power of Indian Literature and to get a glimpse of the distinguished writers of India.
November 20, 2022
A Case Of Indian Marvels is a tree put together by David Davidar. He has scourged the nooks and corners of the Indian literary scene and put together eclectic branches of the most exciting and young fiction writers (under age 40) in the country. Once you read a branch, a whole world of stories and books opens up for you.
Diversity is the key aspect of this book. Davidar not only collects stories of writers from various geographies but also in sense of different genres, craft, form and structures of storytelling. The reader comes across a plethora of experimental work within the book. The topics dealt with range from family, climate, society, sexuality and politics. Here we have a collection of fearless new crop of writers who do not believe in hiding behind flowery prose.
Some stories will make your jaw drop. Not all of them struck a chord with me and I took the liberty of skipping a few. In a sense, there is something for every reader. You will find many well known names in the Indian literary circuits, and the lesser known writers are a breath of fresh air. This is many interesting books rolled into one.
Aggregating and editing this must have been a task. Another beautiful addition to the impressive Aleph stable of short fiction anthologies. Highly recommended.
Diversity is the key aspect of this book. Davidar not only collects stories of writers from various geographies but also in sense of different genres, craft, form and structures of storytelling. The reader comes across a plethora of experimental work within the book. The topics dealt with range from family, climate, society, sexuality and politics. Here we have a collection of fearless new crop of writers who do not believe in hiding behind flowery prose.
Some stories will make your jaw drop. Not all of them struck a chord with me and I took the liberty of skipping a few. In a sense, there is something for every reader. You will find many well known names in the Indian literary circuits, and the lesser known writers are a breath of fresh air. This is many interesting books rolled into one.
Aggregating and editing this must have been a task. Another beautiful addition to the impressive Aleph stable of short fiction anthologies. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2022
My interest in Indian writers and authors augments every day! Indian fiction writers, in English or regional languages across India, are setting high standards regarding story-telling and plot. To acknowledge and laud a writer’s work is not only to hold literary festivals, functions, competitions, and awards but also to recognize the unsung talent from every nook and corner of the country. India is a vast and diversified land of traditions, cultures and languages; many writers and authors are to be brought into the broad limelight.
Today’s Indian writers ( fiction and non-fiction ) are yet to be celebrated largely because, somewhere, the readers are still stuck with the writers from the 1960s to 1980s. Of course, that was the Golden era of poets, writers and authors in all the main languages, but a gap was found as the decades passed. Gen Z or people from the post-2000 era have been reading mostly the English language and probably foreign authors, precisely from the US and UK. Whereas the translated Japanese fiction also made its way, Indian writers that cater to the young generation were missing. Fortunately, after 2003, writers like Chetan Bhagat, Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi, Preeti Shenoy, Sudha Murthy, Ravinder Singh and so on have paved a new path in the new age of Indian writing. Thus, new writers emerged, and Indian writing started seeing fresh work. Many independent agencies and publishing houses thus came into action, and Aleph Book Company being one, also has a huge role. All these publishing houses and their affiliates started felicitating the young writers, which was inspiring.
This book - A case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, the founder of Aleph Book Company, has compiled 40 stories written in English or translated into English from many languages and is a commendable job. While I applaud David’s idea behind bringing out this book, it also takes immense pleasure to share that one of the stories by a Telugu writer Vempalle Shareef, who happens to be a good friend of mine, makes a place in this book!
It is also important to share with the readers that Aleph Book Company has brought a series - The Greatest Short Stories Ever Told. The stories are picked up from 9 regional Indian languages. Including these 9 books, I recommend A case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, strongly.
Today’s Indian writers ( fiction and non-fiction ) are yet to be celebrated largely because, somewhere, the readers are still stuck with the writers from the 1960s to 1980s. Of course, that was the Golden era of poets, writers and authors in all the main languages, but a gap was found as the decades passed. Gen Z or people from the post-2000 era have been reading mostly the English language and probably foreign authors, precisely from the US and UK. Whereas the translated Japanese fiction also made its way, Indian writers that cater to the young generation were missing. Fortunately, after 2003, writers like Chetan Bhagat, Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi, Preeti Shenoy, Sudha Murthy, Ravinder Singh and so on have paved a new path in the new age of Indian writing. Thus, new writers emerged, and Indian writing started seeing fresh work. Many independent agencies and publishing houses thus came into action, and Aleph Book Company being one, also has a huge role. All these publishing houses and their affiliates started felicitating the young writers, which was inspiring.
This book - A case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, the founder of Aleph Book Company, has compiled 40 stories written in English or translated into English from many languages and is a commendable job. While I applaud David’s idea behind bringing out this book, it also takes immense pleasure to share that one of the stories by a Telugu writer Vempalle Shareef, who happens to be a good friend of mine, makes a place in this book!
It is also important to share with the readers that Aleph Book Company has brought a series - The Greatest Short Stories Ever Told. The stories are picked up from 9 regional Indian languages. Including these 9 books, I recommend A case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, strongly.
November 16, 2022
I read short stories very consistently, precisely because I find their intent fascinating. It is like taking a bite out of a large, tasty thing and savouring the flavours as long as it stays in your mouth. Speaking of flavours, ‘A Case of Indian Marvels’ offers it in plenty. A bunch of writers, from twenty to forty years of age—who roughly constitute India’s young layer of fiction-makers—have contributed some of their best short stories in this collection.
The newness in the context of the stories is indeed refreshing. The stories glide with surprising agility, varying in forms, figures and temperaments—yet end up being representative enough to classify Indian ideals into readable terms. Here, you will find smooth fiction, wordy fiction, streamlined fiction, metaphorical fiction, hard-hitting shattering fiction, noisy fiction, pleasant fiction—and all others which constitute a myriad of genres.
Some stories are evolved, sticking true to age-old recipes and dusty rulebooks which provide them with a gratifying charm. On the other hand, some are rebellious and experimental, skidding away from prescribed fictional forms and offering something fresh and unheard of. There are mix and matches. Some stories hit the right chord, say all the true things in all their true ways, never crossing the line to become monotonous. Whereas some try too hard to imbibe a snazzy, colourful exterior—ultimately losing their literary aspect, wherein a skeleton of themes and backdrops remains behind.
Not all of these stories are superbly executed, but most are. Some are just ‘meh’ and some are ‘whoa’, therefore I can guarantee you an eclectic mix. Majority of the authors are award winning; their contributed story being the one which got the award—so you have a chance to witness what ticked the boxes. But on the contrary, there are authors whose writing prowess will make you doubt the selection criteria.
I think readers should pick this collection because young writers are playing their game extremely well, and should be given an equitable chance of getting represented.
Thanks Aleph Book Company for the copy.
The newness in the context of the stories is indeed refreshing. The stories glide with surprising agility, varying in forms, figures and temperaments—yet end up being representative enough to classify Indian ideals into readable terms. Here, you will find smooth fiction, wordy fiction, streamlined fiction, metaphorical fiction, hard-hitting shattering fiction, noisy fiction, pleasant fiction—and all others which constitute a myriad of genres.
Some stories are evolved, sticking true to age-old recipes and dusty rulebooks which provide them with a gratifying charm. On the other hand, some are rebellious and experimental, skidding away from prescribed fictional forms and offering something fresh and unheard of. There are mix and matches. Some stories hit the right chord, say all the true things in all their true ways, never crossing the line to become monotonous. Whereas some try too hard to imbibe a snazzy, colourful exterior—ultimately losing their literary aspect, wherein a skeleton of themes and backdrops remains behind.
Not all of these stories are superbly executed, but most are. Some are just ‘meh’ and some are ‘whoa’, therefore I can guarantee you an eclectic mix. Majority of the authors are award winning; their contributed story being the one which got the award—so you have a chance to witness what ticked the boxes. But on the contrary, there are authors whose writing prowess will make you doubt the selection criteria.
I think readers should pick this collection because young writers are playing their game extremely well, and should be given an equitable chance of getting represented.
Thanks Aleph Book Company for the copy.
October 4, 2022
Aleph book co. is a pioneer in bringing forth some fabulous, thought-provoking work of fiction and non-fiction. In the past we have had multiple fiction and non-fiction from the publication that has stood out in terms of its finesse, plot, characters, narratives. In short, books by Aleph have a lasting impact on all of us. A case of Indian marvels edited by David Davidar, is one such offering by the publishing house. It is an anthology that consists of 40 short stories from the new-age writers.
In the introduction to this book, David Davidar mentions that this book comprises of the works by millenials and gen-z. All of these stories seemed interesting. Some are bold and dashing in their approach. Some bring forth unexpected twists to the Indian mythology. Some explore the yet unknown, bringing out stories from the dark crevices of the nation. But all of these works scream to be heard. They are voices of the unheard and woke. These stories show the dark side of perception.©
Read the entire review here 👇
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November 1, 2022
A Case Of Indian Marvels is a collection of forty short stories revolving around the themes of cultural and traditional identity. These literary pieces, which include satire, irony, and humorous aspects, are brought out from some of the greatest writing by authors from the millennial generation and generation Z.
Peppered with a variety of opinions and viewpoints on politics, blasphemy, religion, and the interconnected nature of human relationships A Case of Indian Marvels by Davidar reads like a blazing potpourri of the best works from the twenty-first century prose writings.
Even though all the stories are penned down exceptionally well and don't fail to bring out the 'vismaya rasa' while I was reading them; to talk about a few favourites I would name Adivasi Will Not Dance and Eggs Keep Falling From the Fourth Floor. Bhavika Govil's Eggs Keep Falling From the Fourth Floor that brings to the forefront the horrors of a dysfunctional society while very dexterously maintaing the atmosphere of impending doom.
Peppered with a variety of opinions and viewpoints on politics, blasphemy, religion, and the interconnected nature of human relationships A Case of Indian Marvels by Davidar reads like a blazing potpourri of the best works from the twenty-first century prose writings.
Even though all the stories are penned down exceptionally well and don't fail to bring out the 'vismaya rasa' while I was reading them; to talk about a few favourites I would name Adivasi Will Not Dance and Eggs Keep Falling From the Fourth Floor. Bhavika Govil's Eggs Keep Falling From the Fourth Floor that brings to the forefront the horrors of a dysfunctional society while very dexterously maintaing the atmosphere of impending doom.
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November 8, 2022Contains a wide range of ideas and opinions on blasphemy, politics, religion, and the interconnectedness of human interactions. Davidar's A Case of Indian Marvels reads like a fiery mash-up of the best prose masterpieces from the twenty-first century.
The founder of Aleph Book Company, David Davidar, did a great job compiling 40 stories either written in English or translated into English from various languages in his book, A case of Indian Marvels.
These stories take place in various time periods, some of which are based on the dark and trying times that India is currently experiencing. There are tales concerning the various facets of Indian society nowadays. Every narrative had so much going on that it was challenging for me to categorise it into a specific genre. Some were based on the mythology and history of the Indian people.
The founder of Aleph Book Company, David Davidar, did a great job compiling 40 stories either written in English or translated into English from various languages in his book, A case of Indian Marvels.
These stories take place in various time periods, some of which are based on the dark and trying times that India is currently experiencing. There are tales concerning the various facets of Indian society nowadays. Every narrative had so much going on that it was challenging for me to categorise it into a specific genre. Some were based on the mythology and history of the Indian people.
November 9, 2022
Few of the names of familiar authors is what prompted me to read the book. Ended up loving most of the stories among the 40.
Some are pieces from the works of famous contemporary writers of today, others though unknown feel promising. Skimming from one story to the other feels like entering a new world but yet you feel comfortable. The stories are bold and narrates the realities of an Indian life and Indian family that's mostly unspoken.
I loved the story of the innocent girl who finds her quarrelling parents better than rich couples divorcing, the world through her eyes feels so innocent. Also many more.
Very few anthologies are packed with good number of interesting stories like this. I would recommend it for beginners, short story lovers and those looking out for that one special story to get back to reader life.
#readingfatima
Some are pieces from the works of famous contemporary writers of today, others though unknown feel promising. Skimming from one story to the other feels like entering a new world but yet you feel comfortable. The stories are bold and narrates the realities of an Indian life and Indian family that's mostly unspoken.
I loved the story of the innocent girl who finds her quarrelling parents better than rich couples divorcing, the world through her eyes feels so innocent. Also many more.
Very few anthologies are packed with good number of interesting stories like this. I would recommend it for beginners, short story lovers and those looking out for that one special story to get back to reader life.
#readingfatima
November 16, 2022
A Case of Indian Marvels is a collection of diverse short stories set in India written by different writers each coming up with a unique storyline aimed at showing a different side of the country. From Avinuo Kire’s The Power to Forgive to Vempalle Shareef’s Ctippled World translated from Telugu by N. S. Murty and R. S. Krishna Moorthy, each and every single story gives us a narrative that is so distinctly different and yet quintessentially Indian that it only helps us to appreciate the diversity of literature. Going into it, I was actually quite afraid that I would just find stories that have been told again and again, but luckily that wasn’t the case, Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar’s The Adivasi Will Not Dance deserves a special mention. This collection of stories is surely a marvel that I would want everyone to read.
November 12, 2022
“A Case of Indian Marvels” is a collection of 40 short stories based on the cultural diversities in India, written by some of the finest literary authors. These stories primarily amalgamate humor, sarcasm, imagery, and emotions to bring out the very essence that symbolizes the cultural diversity of our country.
Each of these stories is unique and vivid in its own way and the engaging and varied narrative keeps the reader engrossed till the very end. There were many stories in this collection that left me shocked and reeling in their aftermath while there were some other stories that engulfed me in their warmth.
Overall, this is an interesting collection of stories that I would suggest you pick up whenever you get a chance.
Each of these stories is unique and vivid in its own way and the engaging and varied narrative keeps the reader engrossed till the very end. There were many stories in this collection that left me shocked and reeling in their aftermath while there were some other stories that engulfed me in their warmth.
Overall, this is an interesting collection of stories that I would suggest you pick up whenever you get a chance.
October 9, 2022
40 stories that cover almost all the aspects of being an Indian and living in a country that holds the spirit of culture and tradition intact form the content of this coming-of-age anthology. Collating the best works of authors that have a keen eye for mundane yet engaging activities, who have woven a web and spun the thread so intricately through words that imagery comes to life as the stories explore the pathos and ethos of the most ordinary Indians, this collection is worth your time and effort.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
November 20, 2022
The book is a wonderful collection of short stories that explore a variety of themes and topics. Collecting a set of stories written by contemporary writers, the anthology paints a wonderful picture of the times we live in. Beginning with David's introduction to the book, I loved how he tells you the story as to how this anthology came into being. The entire journey of the "short story" was a fascinating read. The authors have presented some of their best works and while I have read some of their other works for some authors, and for the others, I am now looking forward to more stories from these amazing storytellers.
November 12, 2024
Reading this anthology was both good and sad at the same time. It was good because some of these stories are truly touching and inspiring. Almost all these short stories were first published in Indian literary magazines. The sad part is that I had read only three of these before. That's bad, very bad. I feel the current Indian short story scene is operating at a God mode. Very rarely do you read something that fails to impress you. Every new issue of the magazines I follow, is a kind reminder to read them. But I conveniently forget. I must not. I must read more Indian literary short stories. So should you.
November 17, 2022
"A case of Indian Marvels" is an anthology edited by David Davidar, which is a collection of 40 stories.
These stories are by some Indian Millenial & Gen Z writers. Collectively it has presented every aspect of Indian ethos, ranging from tales of Contemporary Indian Society to Country's Ancient past. Stories presented are different , some are rebellious , while some felt suprising & evolved.
"Eggs keep falling from the fourth floor" was the one which held my mind & heart.
Amazing work by Aleph, to come up with mix of stories of emotions.
These stories are by some Indian Millenial & Gen Z writers. Collectively it has presented every aspect of Indian ethos, ranging from tales of Contemporary Indian Society to Country's Ancient past. Stories presented are different , some are rebellious , while some felt suprising & evolved.
"Eggs keep falling from the fourth floor" was the one which held my mind & heart.
Amazing work by Aleph, to come up with mix of stories of emotions.
November 17, 2022
is a collection of 40 short stories based in India. The topics are varied and are mostly based on the diverse Indian culture. Some stories have been translated from local Indian languages. The stories are interesting and different. They cover various topics, different settings and are set across various time periods. Each story is unique and keeps the reader engrossed till the very end.
A must read.
A must read.
November 18, 2022
A Case of Indian Marvels is truly in anthology of our times. From known, familiar writers to unfamiliar and curious writing styles, David Davidar has done a commendable job curating this book. I'm surprised by the depth these stories explore politics, society and culture with; each, a unique commentary on the human nature.
A book that brings hope to Indian writing (and translation) in English. A must-have on your fiction shelf. We need more such books, to find new writers for old readers.
A book that brings hope to Indian writing (and translation) in English. A must-have on your fiction shelf. We need more such books, to find new writers for old readers.
November 14, 2022
This collection of short stories have some really amazing stories that can strike a chord with you. I felt like I couldn't get enough of it. Most of the stories are compact, yet thought provoking and leaves a lasting impression on the mind of the reader. Just go for!! A don't-miss-it-out collection of stories
November 14, 2022
A Case of Indian Marvels edited by David Davidar is an interesting anthology of short stories. It has stories by authors of different generations revolving around varied themes from politics to religion and others. Each story presents a different perspective and opinion. They are engaging and made me reflect. Overall, a nice collection of stories. I enjoyed reading it.
November 9, 2022
It's the first major anthology of short stories by India’s most exciting new writers. The book pulls together the very best work of authors belonging to the millennial generation. A fantastic read. A must read!
December 8, 2022
This is a collection of short stories that are written by authors from millennial and Gen Z, exploring the dimensions of different parts of the country and their work. Coming from various perspectives and ideologies, the short stories lover should definitely check it out.
November 3, 2025
a beautiful collection, some lift you some hit you like a brick and some are just blissful that make you take a step back and just bask in that momentary happiness. and that is what end of the day fiction should give us.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews