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Silent
Realities
I have high regards for people who have studied literature. I think it is
the most under rated degree to achieve.
Also short stories excite me. The marriage of many genres in one is what
stimulates my reading appetite. A combination like this, is something I would
not want to miss.
1) The Handbag- This is a story about a Mother-daughter duo. The entire setup for
the main story to unfold has been a delight to read. The winner out here is the
climax. It is completely unexpected and a welcome surprise. This one is a gem
from the entire collection.
2) Peeping- Another jewel in the crown. Unlike the earlier one, the entire story from
the middle takes a very different and an unexpected turn. This one is also a
dark story. Its amazing how the author makes the reader feel the shrills of the
main protagonist by the sheer use of words. The only downfall in the book is
the initial description which honestly is not required at all. But this one
surely stays by you till the end.
3) Fish- This one started off brilliantly. It evoked a certain sense of curiosity
to read further and understand where this is heading. Also reading the first
two ones I had high expectations from this tale. But as a reader I felt lost
from the point the story took a different direction. Was a little disappointed
reading this one.
4) Lallan- Lallan portrays the expression "Rich wins over poor" very
intelligently. It is a very cruel and honest depiction of today's society. The
climax was expected but nonetheless it was a good read. The last 2 lines of the
narrative just make you pause everything and sit back.
5) The Street Sweeper- The author has attempted a
different style of writing. This might click with some and might not click with
some. I have mixed feelings for this one.it captivates you in the beginning, but towards the end I was gaping for
more. There should have been more matter in this one.
6) The Toy Car- Again a fascinating read. The way
the author has connected the entire puzzle is mind - boggling. The author aces
in giving unexpected climaxes and this one is no different. Still, out of all
the tales this one has the best climax. Loved reading The Toy Car.
7) The Slap- A very simple story about a Boy named Hari. The Slap highlights the
regressive thinking of our society. It gives an extremely realistic picture.
This one was an OK read.
8) The Desk- The author loves writing differently. He has tried to give a very
different feel to this one. This has not worked for me. I just did not
understand what this story wanted to share or make you feel.
9) The Nest- The Nest is again a different
style of story-telling. I liked the way the entire story unfolded. Also this is
the only story that touches on romance. So I had very high expectations,which
the story did fulfill. Although climaxes have been winners in most of Ranjan's
writing, this climax was a disappointment for me. I found it abrupt. I was
hoping for some more. Neverthless a good read.
10) Touch- Another one in which I wanted the climax to be different. I was left wanting more. Though, it starts off splendidly and the emotions are captured
well. The depiction of the strong character of Aunty M was a saviour.
Ranjan Kaul is definitely not an
ordinary writer. He is bold, courageous and not afraid to write differently or
attempt something out of the box. A definite extra star for this quality! But
the downfall of the writing is over description. The reader has to survive
through it, to complete the book. Sometimes you just have to scape through certain details, which you realise towards the end that they were absolutely unnecessary. They should have been edited completely. This was my
biggest put off with Silent Realities.
Stars- 2.75/5
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