MANTO KI ANMOL KAHANIYAN

by Saadat Hasan Manto

Hardcover

About the author

Saadat Hasan Manto (Urdu: سعادت حسن منٹو, Hindi: सआदत हसन मंटो), the most widely read and the most controversial short-story writer in Urdu, was born on 11 May 1912 at Sambrala in Punjab's Ludhiana District. In a writing career spanning over two decades he produced twenty-two collections of short stories, one novel, five collections of radio plays, three collections of essays, two collections of reminiscences and many scripts for films. He was tried for obscenity half a dozen times, thrice before and thrice after independence. Not always was he acquitted. Some of Manto's greatest work was produced in the last seven years of his life, a time of great financial and emotional hardship for him. He died a few months short of his forty-third birthday, in January 1955, in Lahore.

Reviews

[Dinesh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed 1 or 2 stories every weekend for the whole year just like savoring little sips of a good drink. It was one of most interesting and relaxing part of the weekends. Manto Ki Anmol Kahaniyan is a collection that brilliantly showcases Saadat Hasan Manto's raw, unfiltered storytelling style. Each story, often just 4-5 pages, is a vivid window into the complexities of human nature and society during the turbulent 1947 era. Manto's stories defy traditional narrative structures, offering unexpected twists that keep readers engrossed. There may not always be a moral or overt message, but the tales grip you with their unique storytelling and genuine portrayal of life.

Manto's hallmark lies in his ability to depict harsh realities without compromise, exploring themes like human suffering, relationships, and societal flaws with unflinching honesty. Stories like Banjh stand out for their deep exploration of love and emotional intricacies, reflecting Manto’s unparalleled narrative depth.

A must-read for Urdu literature enthusiasts and anyone interested in viewing 1940s India through an unorthodox, thought-provoking lens. Manto’s work promises a storytelling experience that is both compelling and unforgettable.