The tenderness towards the land that this farmer holds, however, is vastly different from the entitlement towards ancestral property that a corporate urban software professional aims to eke out in ‘Mom’s Home’.
Prakash observes, ‘Without a lamp at their heart, the lanterns looked innocent and helpless against the rain.’ In ‘Childbirth in Diamond Circus’, trapeze artist Dumpy and ringmaster, Shafi, cement their private family life in the communal circus with secret home-made bhajiyas.
As events come to a close, the DO’s family threatens Kamala, she is humiliated by all in the presence of her parents. Further disaster is averted only because the DO’s retirement is round the corner. Kamala never speaks for the major portion of this narrative. When she does speak up it is to acknowledge strategization: ‘He tortured me tirelessly.
‘Shadow Crow’ has a masterful narration. The meeting of Narayana Guru with Buddhist monks and the ensuing conversation is a delight to read. The author’s voice on mental health in the story ‘Brother’s Shadow’ is not so complex. They may be informed by his life experiences with a set of professionals.
The story begins not with Krishna’s birth but when Krishna’s life is drawing to a close. Jara, the hunter, accidentally discharges the arrow that pierces Krishna’s leg. When the hunter rushes to see from where the cry is emanating
Elsewhere, Roy turns to a speculation on literature and history as she reminiscences on the pronouncements of tourist guides in cities marked, particularly since the 1970s