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Ruffled Feathers: Stories
An old man is suddenly able to curse to death those who annoy him. An English-speaking thief has long conversations with his tied-up victims. A forensic accountant becomes obsessed with bringing down dodgy start-ups. An online troll suspects he is going to be shot dead for his political views.
The stories in Ruffled Feathers attend to men and women making their way through a grim world filled with sharp corners. But they do so with deep tenderness and wry amusement, exquisitely balancing absurdity with pathos.
The stories in Ruffled Feathers attend to men and women making their way through a grim world filled with sharp corners. But they do so with deep tenderness and wry amusement, exquisitely balancing absurdity with pathos.
- GenresShort Stories
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2022
8 people want to read
About the author
V. Sanjay Kumar
7 books14 followersV Sanjay Kumar is a former investment banker and software entrepreneur. He is a Director at Sakshi, an art gallery in Mumbai. (www.sakshigallery.com)
He began his writing career in 2010. He has published four works of fiction since then.
He won the 2018 Bridport Prize for Short Fiction. Other stories were commended in the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize (two) and Galley Beggar Short Story Prize.
He has spent most of his life in Chennai and Mumbai. He resides currently in Bangalore.
He began his writing career in 2010. He has published four works of fiction since then.
He won the 2018 Bridport Prize for Short Fiction. Other stories were commended in the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize (two) and Galley Beggar Short Story Prize.
He has spent most of his life in Chennai and Mumbai. He resides currently in Bangalore.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 11, 2025
Sometimes a book just quietly captures parts of life you hadn't paid much attention to. Ruffled Feathers does exactly that with its 12 short stories. Each one feels like a peek into everyday scenes, from dusty government offices, sprawling golf courses, to the shadowy corners of the internet. These are stories where politics, religion, and human nature intertwine in surprising ways.
The characters really stay with you. There's an old man from the village who suddenly gains the unsettling power to curse people to death. It sounds bizarre, but the author somehow writes it so naturally that you almost believe it. Or the online troll who lives in constant fear because of his political opinions. Or a writer who was paranoid of being watched. These were my favorites.
These stories are messy and raw, and their endings don’t neatly wrap up. Instead, they leave you thinking about the unresolved bits of life. Some endings are so quietly unsettling, I found myself going back to reread the last few chapters just to catch every detail. I actually enjoyed the challenge of thinking about what might have happened!
Death shows up often in these stories, but not as a dramatic tragedy. It’s woven into these lives quietly: as loss, grief, and the way people carry on despite it all.
The humor is sharp and the heart is real. Some moments made me smile, some made me pause, and some just stuck with me because they felt so truthful. If you appreciate fiction that balances humor, heart, and a touch of discomfort, and don’t mind endings that leave you thinking long after the last page, this book is just for you.
The characters really stay with you. There's an old man from the village who suddenly gains the unsettling power to curse people to death. It sounds bizarre, but the author somehow writes it so naturally that you almost believe it. Or the online troll who lives in constant fear because of his political opinions. Or a writer who was paranoid of being watched. These were my favorites.
These stories are messy and raw, and their endings don’t neatly wrap up. Instead, they leave you thinking about the unresolved bits of life. Some endings are so quietly unsettling, I found myself going back to reread the last few chapters just to catch every detail. I actually enjoyed the challenge of thinking about what might have happened!
Death shows up often in these stories, but not as a dramatic tragedy. It’s woven into these lives quietly: as loss, grief, and the way people carry on despite it all.
The humor is sharp and the heart is real. Some moments made me smile, some made me pause, and some just stuck with me because they felt so truthful. If you appreciate fiction that balances humor, heart, and a touch of discomfort, and don’t mind endings that leave you thinking long after the last page, this book is just for you.
May 28, 2022
Short stories break the monotony of suspending same characters in the same location. They have the power to evoke various emotions in few words.Some of the collections have produced endearing and memorable characters like Swami, Toba Tek Singh, Feluda and Dog of Tithwaal etc. The various writing styles employed in executing the story is a matter of study. In today's age of dwindling attention spans, short stories have come to the rescue. Though they have less time to engross the readers than full fledged novels or novellas.
A professional Odissi dancer is admitted to an old age facility. The complexities in the relationships were just like the entwined vines that produced Zinfandel. A writer who is rebuked as an online troll by his wife fears his own death after he sees a killing of a writer in broad daylight on TV. A caddie is assigned a job of cheating in the game of golf for hefty tips.
'The Scarecrow' is a story of an old man who turns stoic after the death of his wife. The emotions felt by someone whilst grieving was beautifully articulated in words. The descriptive writing that shifted from city to the village landscape transformed me to the setting.
Kumar's writings capture the mundanity of life in a rather sophisticated way. He puts his main characters in unexpected and sometimes unpleasant situations. There was a punch of humour in the stories. The culture of Southern India seeps deep into the stories. The build up is slow and steady and the climax is unanticipated. Sometimes the descriptive narration veered attention from the plot. The characters that were memorable are the thief who spoke immaculate English, the mother who wrote cookery books for a living yet was considered a bad cook, the online troll who feared for his life and the caddie who stepped into his father's shoes after his death.
The subtlety in the prose is what made this a beautiful read that slowly grows on to you.
A professional Odissi dancer is admitted to an old age facility. The complexities in the relationships were just like the entwined vines that produced Zinfandel. A writer who is rebuked as an online troll by his wife fears his own death after he sees a killing of a writer in broad daylight on TV. A caddie is assigned a job of cheating in the game of golf for hefty tips.
'The Scarecrow' is a story of an old man who turns stoic after the death of his wife. The emotions felt by someone whilst grieving was beautifully articulated in words. The descriptive writing that shifted from city to the village landscape transformed me to the setting.
Kumar's writings capture the mundanity of life in a rather sophisticated way. He puts his main characters in unexpected and sometimes unpleasant situations. There was a punch of humour in the stories. The culture of Southern India seeps deep into the stories. The build up is slow and steady and the climax is unanticipated. Sometimes the descriptive narration veered attention from the plot. The characters that were memorable are the thief who spoke immaculate English, the mother who wrote cookery books for a living yet was considered a bad cook, the online troll who feared for his life and the caddie who stepped into his father's shoes after his death.
The subtlety in the prose is what made this a beautiful read that slowly grows on to you.
September 2, 2025
Ruffled Feathers is a collection of twelve short stories that explore the quiet drama of everyday life with wit, irony, and emotional depth. Set in familiar Indian landscapes - from government offices to golf courses - the stories feature characters who feel instantly recognizable: a moody father sizing up his daughter’s suitor, a young man chasing ambition, or a grandmother with a hidden past. The author masterfully captures the nuances of human behavior, revealing unexpected truths in seemingly ordinary moments.
Reading this collection felt like sitting down with a storyteller who knows how to find magic in the mundane. Each story is distinct, yet they all share a common thread - an affection for flawed, complex people navigating life’s sharp corners. I especially enjoyed how the author blended humor with pathos, making me laugh one moment and reflect the next. His prose is crisp, and his observations are sharp, often revealing more in a single sentence than pages of exposition could.
What makes the collection stand out is its emotional honesty. The author doesn’t shy away from awkward silences, unresolved tensions, or the bittersweet nature of human relationships. These stories linger in the mind, not because of dramatic twists, but because of their quiet truths.
That said, a couple of stories felt slightly rushed, and some philosophical digressions occasionally slowed the pace. A bit more cohesion between the stories might have strengthened the overall impact.
Overall, Ruffled Feathers is a thoughtful, engaging read that celebrates the quirks and contradictions of everyday life. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy short fiction that’s both entertaining and quietly profound.
Reading this collection felt like sitting down with a storyteller who knows how to find magic in the mundane. Each story is distinct, yet they all share a common thread - an affection for flawed, complex people navigating life’s sharp corners. I especially enjoyed how the author blended humor with pathos, making me laugh one moment and reflect the next. His prose is crisp, and his observations are sharp, often revealing more in a single sentence than pages of exposition could.
What makes the collection stand out is its emotional honesty. The author doesn’t shy away from awkward silences, unresolved tensions, or the bittersweet nature of human relationships. These stories linger in the mind, not because of dramatic twists, but because of their quiet truths.
That said, a couple of stories felt slightly rushed, and some philosophical digressions occasionally slowed the pace. A bit more cohesion between the stories might have strengthened the overall impact.
Overall, Ruffled Feathers is a thoughtful, engaging read that celebrates the quirks and contradictions of everyday life. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy short fiction that’s both entertaining and quietly profound.
September 5, 2025
V. Sanjay Kumar's "Ruffled Feathers" is a remarkable collection of short stories that straddles the line between the absurd and the ordinary. The characters, such as an old villager, a paranoid writer, a forensic accountant, or an internet troll, may appear familiar at first glance, but the situations they find themselves in push the limits of reality while still feeling oddly plausible. The collection is so captivating because it strikes a balance between absurdity and authenticity.
The author's ability to ground these strange circumstances in tenderness is what really makes the book stand out. He doesn't glorify or make fun of his characters. Rather, he acknowledges their shortcomings and reveals their subtle humanity through wry amusement. Death appears in these stories as an intimate, frequently subtle presence rather than as a spectacle, reflecting loss, grief, and survival as normal aspects of life.
Readers who like neat endings may find the endings frustrating because they are purposefully left open-ended, but that is part of their appeal. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the messy nature of life, which rarely provides tidy closure. The ambiguity encourages readers to stay, think, and envision beyond the printed word.
The writing is incisive yet sympathetic, with humor skillfully interwoven with somber undertones. The satire is never overbearing; rather, it surprises you by making you laugh one minute and consider society's more sinister realities the next.
If there is a downside, it is that some of the stories seem a little hurried, leaving you wanting to learn more about particular characters. They feel like brief interactions, brief moments of human strangeness that pass through life swiftly but leave an impression, but maybe that's also the point.
Overall, readers who are patient will find "Ruffled Feathers" to be a thought-provoking and intricately layered collection. It is about how we find humor and tenderness in a harsh world full of sharp corners, not just about weird powers, paranoid writers, or trolls in danger. This collection should be on your shelf if you like fiction that makes you laugh, feel uneasy, and eventually think.
The author's ability to ground these strange circumstances in tenderness is what really makes the book stand out. He doesn't glorify or make fun of his characters. Rather, he acknowledges their shortcomings and reveals their subtle humanity through wry amusement. Death appears in these stories as an intimate, frequently subtle presence rather than as a spectacle, reflecting loss, grief, and survival as normal aspects of life.
Readers who like neat endings may find the endings frustrating because they are purposefully left open-ended, but that is part of their appeal. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the messy nature of life, which rarely provides tidy closure. The ambiguity encourages readers to stay, think, and envision beyond the printed word.
The writing is incisive yet sympathetic, with humor skillfully interwoven with somber undertones. The satire is never overbearing; rather, it surprises you by making you laugh one minute and consider society's more sinister realities the next.
If there is a downside, it is that some of the stories seem a little hurried, leaving you wanting to learn more about particular characters. They feel like brief interactions, brief moments of human strangeness that pass through life swiftly but leave an impression, but maybe that's also the point.
Overall, readers who are patient will find "Ruffled Feathers" to be a thought-provoking and intricately layered collection. It is about how we find humor and tenderness in a harsh world full of sharp corners, not just about weird powers, paranoid writers, or trolls in danger. This collection should be on your shelf if you like fiction that makes you laugh, feel uneasy, and eventually think.
July 2, 2025
Captivated by the title and stayed for stories.
This was my first book from the author and I didn't have high hopes. But after reading a few pages I knew I signed up for a good book
"Ruffled Feathers" is a remarkable collection of 12 short stories that expertly blend the every day with the extraordinary. V. Sanjay Kumar vividly captures the rich textures of Southern Indian life with his signature wit and profound emotional insight. His characters—ranging from a caddie caught up in golf cheating to a cookbook author who struggles in the kitchen, and an online troll who finds himself in life-threatening situations—are both peculiar and refreshingly relatable.
The stories begin in familiar settings but quickly evolve into dynamic narratives with unexpected twists and climactic reveals. For instance, “The Scarecrow” powerfully delves into grief through the poignant stillness of a widower, showcasing Kumar’s talent for transitioning seamlessly from the hectic pace of city life to the serene atmosphere of a village.
Kumar masterfully illustrates the subtle absurdities of everyday existence. His prose is not only elegant but also rich with subtle humor and deeply rooted cultural nuances that reflect the South Indian ethos. While the lush descriptions may slow the pacing at times, they enhance the overall atmosphere, allowing the stories to resonate deeply with readers.
If you appreciate literary fiction that is intricately layered, humorously understated, and emotionally compelling, "Ruffled Feathers" is an essential collection that demands to be savored.
This was my first book from the author and I didn't have high hopes. But after reading a few pages I knew I signed up for a good book
"Ruffled Feathers" is a remarkable collection of 12 short stories that expertly blend the every day with the extraordinary. V. Sanjay Kumar vividly captures the rich textures of Southern Indian life with his signature wit and profound emotional insight. His characters—ranging from a caddie caught up in golf cheating to a cookbook author who struggles in the kitchen, and an online troll who finds himself in life-threatening situations—are both peculiar and refreshingly relatable.
The stories begin in familiar settings but quickly evolve into dynamic narratives with unexpected twists and climactic reveals. For instance, “The Scarecrow” powerfully delves into grief through the poignant stillness of a widower, showcasing Kumar’s talent for transitioning seamlessly from the hectic pace of city life to the serene atmosphere of a village.
Kumar masterfully illustrates the subtle absurdities of everyday existence. His prose is not only elegant but also rich with subtle humor and deeply rooted cultural nuances that reflect the South Indian ethos. While the lush descriptions may slow the pacing at times, they enhance the overall atmosphere, allowing the stories to resonate deeply with readers.
If you appreciate literary fiction that is intricately layered, humorously understated, and emotionally compelling, "Ruffled Feathers" is an essential collection that demands to be savored.
May 23, 2025
This book is a collection of 12 short stories that takes the quiet, often unnoticed moments of life, and turning them into something oddly beautiful and darkly funny.
V. Sanjay Kumar our author writes about men and women navigating a world that’s both familiar and strange.
There’s a story about a man who discovers that he can curse people to death, a caddie stepping into his father’s shoes and many more. The stories move at a steady pace, often leading to endings that are very sharp, surprising, and quietly powerful.
We can notice that the Southern Indian culture flows naturally through the characters and settings in these 12 stories. There’s subtlety, wit, and a sense of emotional depth that grows on you with each page.
✅ What I Liked
🎨Fresh, original plot
🎨Quiet but impactful writing
🎨Witty and subtle humour
🎨Strong sense of place like the portrayal of Southern India feels alive in these stories
🎨Long in the Tooth was my personal favorite story in this book
🎨Unusual characters that stay with you
🎨A smooth mix of absurdity and emotion
📚 Why You Should Read It ?
🎨You enjoy short stories with depth
🎨You like character-driven narratives
🎨You appreciate stories that are both funny and thoughtful
🎨You’re looking for something offbeat but relatable
🎨You want to discover a sharp, underrated Indian writer
This was my first time reading V. Sanjay Kumar and I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last.
V. Sanjay Kumar our author writes about men and women navigating a world that’s both familiar and strange.
There’s a story about a man who discovers that he can curse people to death, a caddie stepping into his father’s shoes and many more. The stories move at a steady pace, often leading to endings that are very sharp, surprising, and quietly powerful.
We can notice that the Southern Indian culture flows naturally through the characters and settings in these 12 stories. There’s subtlety, wit, and a sense of emotional depth that grows on you with each page.
✅ What I Liked
🎨Fresh, original plot
🎨Quiet but impactful writing
🎨Witty and subtle humour
🎨Strong sense of place like the portrayal of Southern India feels alive in these stories
🎨Long in the Tooth was my personal favorite story in this book
🎨Unusual characters that stay with you
🎨A smooth mix of absurdity and emotion
📚 Why You Should Read It ?
🎨You enjoy short stories with depth
🎨You like character-driven narratives
🎨You appreciate stories that are both funny and thoughtful
🎨You’re looking for something offbeat but relatable
🎨You want to discover a sharp, underrated Indian writer
This was my first time reading V. Sanjay Kumar and I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last.
August 28, 2023
I picked the book on a whim at a author interaction close by. The characters in the short stories are whimsical, sometimes burdened by the weight of the circumstances working their way out. Interestingly death is some form or another play a role in many of the stories. The characters are contemplating the prospect of death or facing the prospect of death of one of their loved ones and struggling to cope with it. This is one one the common undercurrent in the stories. In the story "Forecaddie", the son replaces his father in his job as a caddie after his death. In the story "The Writer", the online troll is fearful of his own death at the hands of his antagonists. In "Looking for a God", the uncle ends his life and the aunt and the nephew deal with the aftermath of it. In "Scarecrow", and aged rural farmer's son struggles to connect with his father after the death of his mother.
The characters are very life-like. The description is rooted in reality as I have been to some of the places described in the books. That adds plausibility to the stories. Some of the stories end abruptly making the reader think and join the dots of what might have happened. It may make some people some people uncomfortable with ambiguous endings. In the end you see the characters grappling with their circumstances and intertwined relationships and emerge out of it. A refreshing read.
The characters are very life-like. The description is rooted in reality as I have been to some of the places described in the books. That adds plausibility to the stories. Some of the stories end abruptly making the reader think and join the dots of what might have happened. It may make some people some people uncomfortable with ambiguous endings. In the end you see the characters grappling with their circumstances and intertwined relationships and emerge out of it. A refreshing read.
September 5, 2025
Ruffled Feathers by V. Sanjay Kumar is a striking collection of twelve short stories that captures the raw, messy, and often absurd corners of life with remarkable tenderness. Each story introduces unforgettable characters like a thief who converses in immaculate English, an old man who gains the bizarre ability to curse people to death, an online troll living in fear for his political opinions, or a grieving husband who turns stoic after his wife’s death. These characters linger in your mind long after the pages are turned.
What stands out is Kumar’s ability to weave humor, melancholy, and social commentary seamlessly. The stories do not always conclude neatly; instead, they leave readers with unresolved emotions and lingering questions, much like real life. Themes of death, loss, and survival recur, not as dramatic tragedies, but as quiet undercurrents that shape human resilience.
The writing balances sharp wit with emotional depth, making you smile, pause, and reflect. The prose is subtle yet powerful, drawing you into ordinary lives filled with extraordinary tensions. If you enjoy short stories that are thought-provoking, layered with humor and heart, and leave you reflecting long after the last page, Ruffled Feathers is a book worth reading.
What stands out is Kumar’s ability to weave humor, melancholy, and social commentary seamlessly. The stories do not always conclude neatly; instead, they leave readers with unresolved emotions and lingering questions, much like real life. Themes of death, loss, and survival recur, not as dramatic tragedies, but as quiet undercurrents that shape human resilience.
The writing balances sharp wit with emotional depth, making you smile, pause, and reflect. The prose is subtle yet powerful, drawing you into ordinary lives filled with extraordinary tensions. If you enjoy short stories that are thought-provoking, layered with humor and heart, and leave you reflecting long after the last page, Ruffled Feathers is a book worth reading.
September 6, 2025
This book is a collection of short stories, each carrying meaning. The stories portray the struggles of daily life in different ways. Each one follows a different writing style some satirical, some comic, others gloomy or peculiar.
The stories are sometimes hard to digest, yet they reflect the raw reality of life. A small change in someone’s life can trigger a chain of changes in another person’s world. For example, watching people die in front of one’s eyes can make someone believe they can curse death, a bizarre thought, yet one that could easily scare anyone who believes in such superstitions. Similarly, a man desperate to improve his luck in golf begins to think that changing his caddie might bring him good fortune, without realising he actually needs to improve his own techniques.
Another story shows a writer dreaming of being shot at his doorstep for his bold stance on political issues, a sad example of wilful manifestation of fear.
The book is filled with insane yet thought-provoking satires that mirror sad realities. Each story is a ride and can take an unexpected turn, but the endings make sense for better or for worse. The writing style is simple and vividly descriptive, making it more alive.
September 14, 2025
This is a collection of short stories that are strange, dark, and oddly tender. Each tale is short but charged, built on moments that are bizarre yet uncomfortably close to reality. This book feels like stepping into a room where absurdity is welcomed.
An old man discovers a deadly gift hidden in his curses. A thief who steals not only belongings but also time, chatting endlessly with his victims. A forensic accountant loses himself in chasing down crooked start-ups. A troll fears his own violent end. Each story is sharp, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, but always rooted in the strange ways people survive in an unforgiving world.
The author sets up the oddest situations in a rhythmic style. The writing is crisp and the stories are welcoming. I adored the author's choice of words, and how he makes humour and bleakness live together. These stories tell how fragile and absurd life already is without the need for exaggeration.
It carries sharp insights, yet it is written with gentleness. This book reminded me how good writing is not about filling pages but about choosing words that stay. I'm definitely going to read more from the author in the coming future as I'm curious about his works.
An old man discovers a deadly gift hidden in his curses. A thief who steals not only belongings but also time, chatting endlessly with his victims. A forensic accountant loses himself in chasing down crooked start-ups. A troll fears his own violent end. Each story is sharp, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, but always rooted in the strange ways people survive in an unforgiving world.
The author sets up the oddest situations in a rhythmic style. The writing is crisp and the stories are welcoming. I adored the author's choice of words, and how he makes humour and bleakness live together. These stories tell how fragile and absurd life already is without the need for exaggeration.
It carries sharp insights, yet it is written with gentleness. This book reminded me how good writing is not about filling pages but about choosing words that stay. I'm definitely going to read more from the author in the coming future as I'm curious about his works.
September 29, 2025
I picked up Ruffled Feathers by V. Sanjay Kumar due to its quirky title and an arresting cover. The book, for sure, delivers on the quirkiness.
This is a collection of twelve short stories that superbly mixes the unreal with the real. The author cratfs vivid descriptions of characters, places, and even the humdrum of daily life. lt felt as I was watching a series with short episodes as I was reading these stories.
Most of these stories had an unsettling ending. In fact, throughout the story, there was a premonition of what was about to happen. Yet, the writing is so captivating, I did not have an option but to reach the ending fast.
I liked The Writer, The Scarecrow, The Accountant, and Long in the Tooth the best. Most of the stories in the book deal with death, so please be prepared for that.
But I am not a fan of open endings and unfortunately, this book had quite a few stories with such conclusions. Yet, as I said before, the lucid writing style rooted me to the spot and made me finish each story, never mind that I was left puzzled a few times.
All in all, the stories in this collection have depth and are unusual. If you want something to break the monotony of your usual reads, go for it.
This is a collection of twelve short stories that superbly mixes the unreal with the real. The author cratfs vivid descriptions of characters, places, and even the humdrum of daily life. lt felt as I was watching a series with short episodes as I was reading these stories.
Most of these stories had an unsettling ending. In fact, throughout the story, there was a premonition of what was about to happen. Yet, the writing is so captivating, I did not have an option but to reach the ending fast.
I liked The Writer, The Scarecrow, The Accountant, and Long in the Tooth the best. Most of the stories in the book deal with death, so please be prepared for that.
But I am not a fan of open endings and unfortunately, this book had quite a few stories with such conclusions. Yet, as I said before, the lucid writing style rooted me to the spot and made me finish each story, never mind that I was left puzzled a few times.
All in all, the stories in this collection have depth and are unusual. If you want something to break the monotony of your usual reads, go for it.
June 6, 2025
Ruffled Feathers by V. Sanjay Kumar is a collection of twelve short stories with character-focused narratives. Each story is intriguing with a fast-paced plot.
I adored how the author showed the culture of Southern India in the stories. The prose in all the stories is rich. The stories are well-written with well-developed characters. Such a short and refreshing read. The author's writing style is unique and makes everything vivid.
The author had perfectly balanced humor and emotions in his stories, which makes this book a feel-good and meaningful read. As I am from South India, this book felt like a home. The stories in Ruffled Feathers attend to men and women making their way through a grim world filled with sharp corners.
The readers will read about an online troll suspects he is going to be shot dead for his political views, after he sees the killing of a writer on TV. We will also read about an old man who is suddenly able to curse to death those who annoy him. The stories are simple, yet powerful.
Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
I adored how the author showed the culture of Southern India in the stories. The prose in all the stories is rich. The stories are well-written with well-developed characters. Such a short and refreshing read. The author's writing style is unique and makes everything vivid.
The author had perfectly balanced humor and emotions in his stories, which makes this book a feel-good and meaningful read. As I am from South India, this book felt like a home. The stories in Ruffled Feathers attend to men and women making their way through a grim world filled with sharp corners.
The readers will read about an online troll suspects he is going to be shot dead for his political views, after he sees the killing of a writer on TV. We will also read about an old man who is suddenly able to curse to death those who annoy him. The stories are simple, yet powerful.
Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
July 6, 2025
Ruffled Feathers is a brilliantly crafted collection of twelve short stories that showcase V. Sanjay Kumar’s masterful command of storytelling, dark humour, and human psychology. Each tale peels back the layers of everyday life to reveal the strange, ironic, and often unsettling truths lurking beneath.
From a petty thief engaging in philosophical banter with his victims, to a vengeful senior citizen driven by the smallest of grievances, the characters are instantly relatable yet full of surprises. Kumar’s ability to inject humour into grim situations—without ever undermining their emotional weight—is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Highlights like The Magic Door and The Writer stand out for their sharp commentary and emotional depth, but every story contributes something memorable. The prose is clean and incisive, with wit that’s dry but never cruel, and moments of tenderness that catch you off guard.
At around 200 pages, this is a book you’ll race through but think about long after. Ruffled Feathers is a rare gem: thought-provoking, unsettling, and immensely satisfying. A must-read for lovers of literary fiction, dark comedy, and sharp social insight.
From a petty thief engaging in philosophical banter with his victims, to a vengeful senior citizen driven by the smallest of grievances, the characters are instantly relatable yet full of surprises. Kumar’s ability to inject humour into grim situations—without ever undermining their emotional weight—is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Highlights like The Magic Door and The Writer stand out for their sharp commentary and emotional depth, but every story contributes something memorable. The prose is clean and incisive, with wit that’s dry but never cruel, and moments of tenderness that catch you off guard.
At around 200 pages, this is a book you’ll race through but think about long after. Ruffled Feathers is a rare gem: thought-provoking, unsettling, and immensely satisfying. A must-read for lovers of literary fiction, dark comedy, and sharp social insight.
September 14, 2025
This little collection of 12 short stories is one of those books that takes the ordinary and makes it feel strangely extraordinary. 🕊️
The characters? They could be your neighbor, your co-worker, even you. You’ll meet an accountant obsessed with numbers who finds himself trapped in the very systems he tries to untangle. 📊 A troll who throws casual barbs online, only to spiral into paranoia when the consequences catch up with him. 💻 An old man who, with nothing more than a curse, can literally kill - what happens when everyday irritations become fatal? And a woman who rediscovers herself through something as simple as dancing alone in her room💃🏻...the author brings them alive with a mix of humor, irony, and just the right pinch of unease.
What I loved is how the author blends wit and dread so effortlessly...you’re smiling at one line and pausing at the next because it feels too real. The writing is sharp, playful, and layered with social and political, painting not just individuals but the social and political textures around them.
If you enjoy short stories that make you laugh, squirm, and reflect in equal measure, Ruffled Feathers deserves a spot on your TBR. 😌
The characters? They could be your neighbor, your co-worker, even you. You’ll meet an accountant obsessed with numbers who finds himself trapped in the very systems he tries to untangle. 📊 A troll who throws casual barbs online, only to spiral into paranoia when the consequences catch up with him. 💻 An old man who, with nothing more than a curse, can literally kill - what happens when everyday irritations become fatal? And a woman who rediscovers herself through something as simple as dancing alone in her room💃🏻...the author brings them alive with a mix of humor, irony, and just the right pinch of unease.
What I loved is how the author blends wit and dread so effortlessly...you’re smiling at one line and pausing at the next because it feels too real. The writing is sharp, playful, and layered with social and political, painting not just individuals but the social and political textures around them.
If you enjoy short stories that make you laugh, squirm, and reflect in equal measure, Ruffled Feathers deserves a spot on your TBR. 😌
May 31, 2025
Ever wonder what happens when mundane lives collide with the utterly bizarre? Ruffled Feathers by V. Sanjay Kumar is a collection of short stories showcasing the lives of ordinary men and women with unexpected challenges. These stories vary from a writer having a paranoia of being watched, a mother who writes cookery books but is considered a bad cook, an online troll fearing for his life, and many more.
These stories have that perfect balance between humor and emotion, offering both a sense of lightheartedness and a deeper emotional resonance. Being a South Indian the setting and characters felt like home. What I loved was the author’s writing and how he kept the narrative engaging by making readers join the dots. He takes everyday situations and elevates them by placing his characters in unexpected, sometimes unpleasant, but always intriguing circumstances.
If you love reading short stories that offer more than surface-level entertainment with a beautiful narrative, I highly recommend you check this book out.
These stories have that perfect balance between humor and emotion, offering both a sense of lightheartedness and a deeper emotional resonance. Being a South Indian the setting and characters felt like home. What I loved was the author’s writing and how he kept the narrative engaging by making readers join the dots. He takes everyday situations and elevates them by placing his characters in unexpected, sometimes unpleasant, but always intriguing circumstances.
If you love reading short stories that offer more than surface-level entertainment with a beautiful narrative, I highly recommend you check this book out.
September 11, 2025
Ruffled Feathers is a collection of short stories that demonstrate how sometimes the strangeness of every day life can be funny, sad or outside of the normal scope of thought.
The book contains 12 stories each with original characters and twists that will surprise most readers. You will meet an old man who can curse people, a witty criminal thief that engages in conversation with his victims, an accountant with a mission to expose fake start-ups, and even a troll on line terrified of what he has said.
What is special about the book is how real the people seem. As everything looks normal on the outside the author lets the reader in on the unrecognizable fears, dreams, and absurdities of each person. Some stories will make you smile and think, some stories will just seem odd and impossible to put down!
The writing is nice in its simplicity, sharpness, and wit. There are not perfect endings, but that is the benefit of including memories from real life!
The book contains 12 stories each with original characters and twists that will surprise most readers. You will meet an old man who can curse people, a witty criminal thief that engages in conversation with his victims, an accountant with a mission to expose fake start-ups, and even a troll on line terrified of what he has said.
What is special about the book is how real the people seem. As everything looks normal on the outside the author lets the reader in on the unrecognizable fears, dreams, and absurdities of each person. Some stories will make you smile and think, some stories will just seem odd and impossible to put down!
The writing is nice in its simplicity, sharpness, and wit. There are not perfect endings, but that is the benefit of including memories from real life!
June 9, 2025
"He has no strong likes and dislikes, he seems a little rootless like your generation actually. You all seem to be floating in no man's land."
My personal favourite stories were
🍂 The scarecrow
🍷 The old vine zinfandel
⭐ Looking for god
From the impatient young man trying to make something of himself to the Odissi dancer in an old age home—they’re all so real like I've met them.🤌🏻
What to expect:
✨Realism
✨Dark humour
✨ Cultural Differences/ Identity
✨Social Satires
Every story was unique in it's own way, the plot, the ending, the characters everything was written too perfection with unexpected twists🌪️
My personal favourite stories were
🍂 The scarecrow
🍷 The old vine zinfandel
⭐ Looking for god
From the impatient young man trying to make something of himself to the Odissi dancer in an old age home—they’re all so real like I've met them.🤌🏻
What to expect:
✨Realism
✨Dark humour
✨ Cultural Differences/ Identity
✨Social Satires
Every story was unique in it's own way, the plot, the ending, the characters everything was written too perfection with unexpected twists🌪️
September 11, 2025
Ruffled Feathers is a collection of 12 short stories which deals with Mundane life nuances or banter. The sudden happenings make us happy and amused and we know right who doesn't like surprises. All of us like...
Here in this book the author deals with online modern day elements like 'an online troll where he suspects he is going to be shot dead or an old man comes to know that he can actually curse people who annoy him .
This book has different characters who deal with the plethora of emotions and most importantly the challenges of sharing that they have for themselves and surrounding people.
What did we love about the book?
It's simple yet we will be able to relate everything very smartly . The way each story brings dozens of surprises for us is a great thing..this book is interesting because mostly we read novels but stories are short crispy and must be read.
A book which needs not much complex introduction but a book of our daily battles. Also wanted to mention the designer of the book has done a great work ..it's orange and appropriately vibrant and the design of animals wow! Loved
Here in this book the author deals with online modern day elements like 'an online troll where he suspects he is going to be shot dead or an old man comes to know that he can actually curse people who annoy him .
This book has different characters who deal with the plethora of emotions and most importantly the challenges of sharing that they have for themselves and surrounding people.
What did we love about the book?
It's simple yet we will be able to relate everything very smartly . The way each story brings dozens of surprises for us is a great thing..this book is interesting because mostly we read novels but stories are short crispy and must be read.
A book which needs not much complex introduction but a book of our daily battles. Also wanted to mention the designer of the book has done a great work ..it's orange and appropriately vibrant and the design of animals wow! Loved
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