Must-read short story collections on Indian culture
Below is a list of short story books to read to know more about India’s culture.
If you are someone who does not like reading 500-page novels, then opt for short story collections. Thus, below we give you a list of short-story collections you can read to get a glimpse into the diverse culture of India.
Boats on Land by Janice Pariat
Consisting of 15 stories, the collection is mostly set in the northeastern state of Meghalaya amidst tea estates and Khasi communities. With stories moving chronologically from the 1850s to the present day, it combines the elements of magic with the everyday life that will have you reading the entire book in one sitting.
Swimmer Among the Stars by Kanishk Tharoor
Kanishk Tharoor’s novel crosses time and space in a collection of fabulous tales. Some of the stories include a cook used to flavouring his food with precious stones; an interview with the speaker of one of the last languages; the journey of an elephant from Kerela to Morocco’s princess palace and more.
The Adivasi Will Not Dance by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
The collection is set in a state in East India, Jharkhand and details the discrimination and violence against a local tribal group, Santhal Adivasi. With unsentimental and earthly portrayals of people, it provides an insight into the struggles against the oppressive system. However, the collection was banned in Jharkhand, as it allegedly outrages the dignity of the woman of the tribal group.
The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet and Other Stories by Vandana Singh
Set in contemporary India, Vandana Singh’s short story collection contains many science-fiction elements highlighting her experience in the world of fantasy and science fiction writing. The title story revolves around a woman who tells her husband that she is inhabited by small alien creatures. Singh uses sensual language that will have you hooked on the book.
The Women Who Forgot To Invent Facebook and Other Stories by Nisha Susan
With the perfect amalgamation of humour and intellectual prowess, Susan highlights the horror, love, violence and intimacy that the digital world has released into the lives of Indians in the past two decades. It navigates how technology has transformed the country, so much so that even the core human beliefs and values have been redefined.
