Book details
Title – Unlikely Tails
Author – Mani Padma
Genre – Fiction
Publisher – Creative Crowns Publishers LLP
No of pages – 125
My Review
Mostly,
short stories contain in depth meaning of life that we usually miss out in
lengthy novels. In fact, short stories can be quick breezy read for us
especially when we have busiest lives and they can quickly freshen us up by
infusing us good literary fodder. Recently,
I was chosen to review this book – a collection of short stories by Mani Padma and
I am glad that I read it.
The short
stories have been beautifully written, depicting agonies of life, dejectedness,
rejection, horrifying facts and more. It is a perfect compilation of juices of
life as our life is bit of a mystery, fear, hopelessness, and everything. The
author Mani Padma has done fabulous job by complying all human emotions and
neatly weaving into several short stories so one can enjoy the spice of life.
There are
total 17 short stories and each is different from one another. Harmony is the
story of a singer who has lost interest in music only to spend his days, full
of dejectedness. But life has other plans for him when a girl comes to reside
in his neighborhood area who was also tackling with her own problems. The author
unfolds the mystery behind this short story at the end of it by telling after
losing his sight in an accident how harmony enters in his life in the form of
this lady singer, leaving him some space for hope.
‘Connections’
is yet another masterpiece by Mani Padma and is mysterious in many forms. The young
lead in the story is willing to meet her mother who many years ago left her
behind with her dad. Every time she talks about her mother, her dad opposes to
her plans. But the young girl always has plans to run away from home and every
time she discusses with Mr. Devraj’s personal assistant. However, this time her
plan goes terribly wrong, leaving the PA in a shock when he receives news committing
suicide.
‘Subjiwallah’ is a story for those who love
reading horror or suspense. ‘Breakfast’ is a story about a woman whose marriage
is completely loveless and seeks some excitement and entertainment out of her marriage
but then at the last moment she changes her mind and decides to remain true to
her husband.
‘Mamma’s
house’ talks about a young girl who grows only to live in the past where she
keeps chasing to fulfill her mother’s old dream. She feels her childhood home
has always been close to her mom’s heart but time changes and so her mamma. However,
the young girl never quits and pursues to buy mamma’s old house once she grows
up only to make her mom surprised. At the end, mamma’s house remains no longer
hers but belongs to the young girl as she continues to live in the past whereas
her mamma has long before left the memories and attachment behind.
‘In Pursuit
of Fame’ sheds a light on how parental pressure can disturb a little one’s
life. ‘The Perfect Plan’ is a story about meticulously planned murder and the
human’s creep psyche.
I won’t
reveal all stories’ ending as you should enjoy this book which oozes human emotions
flawlessly, giving you a chance to reflect and peep into your own life.
The Writing Style
Mani Padma’s
intriguing writing style holds a grip on reader’s mind, leaving him/her amazed
with each story’s mysterious end. The author’s good vocabulary reflects in her
writing style.
The Book Cover & the Title
I couldn’t understand
what does the book cover wants to indicate at but the content inside it is good
and that is what matter. After all, never judge a book by its cover. The title
does give the justice to the stories as they are mostly unlikely heard, told or
written ever.
My Rating
4/5
Yes, I totally
recommend this book to every book reader who enjoy short stories as much as
they enjoy long stories. Although it’s her solo debut, she has done absolutely
good job by making it one entertaining read!
About Author
Mani Padma
is the author of Unlikely Tails - A Compilation of Short Stories. She has
worked as an Executive Editor for online magazine Fried Eye for 5 years. She is
originally from Assam but now is based in Delhi.
To follow
this author, visit her Facebook
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