- Book: The Vigil and the Other Stories.
- Author: Geeta V. Reddy
- Publication House: Frog Books
- Category: Fiction/Short Stories
- Rating:3/5
Story-in-Short:
‘Delusions’ has Rohit, an actor par excellence, slipping
into different characters even when he is not supposed to be acting. Devika,
his fiercely loving wife, finds an unorthodox way to draw him out of his
delusions.
In ‘The Square’, three successful painters hold an impromptu
contest with their friend, who is unknown and a recluse. The result is expected
or is it?
‘The Vigil’ is about Naina, a young expectant mother, who is
also a very busy professional. She makes all arrangements for the birth of her
child but finds she has missed out on something very vital. Is it too late to
make amends?
‘A Lifetime’ is about the choices Tara makes when she fall
in love under the omnious shadow of honour killing. Can she live with her
choice?
Fifteen stories, myriad emotions, diverse characters,
milieus, situations make The Vigil and other stories a compelling read.
In My View:
The book consists of 15 different short stories. The cover
of the book is not really interesting and the title too could have been better.
Both the cover and the title which put the first impression on a reader could
have been attractive.
Speaking about the short stories:
The Vigil
It is the story of mother Naina and her feelings about her
baby. Naina amidst her busy schedule takes care of herself but an instance
makes her realize that she is less bothered about her baby and is giving less
time to look after the baby. This story focuses on emotions of a mother attached to
her child.
The Gift
A journalism student meets an artist Mukul Dev. Mukul Dev
has a reputation and displays his drawing in exhibitions. The story has a
not-so-good beginning but has a perfect ending which draws smile on the face of
a reader. The central part of the story could have been better.
Time and Space
It is a story of a woman trying to pursue her dreams and
desires. It highlights that woman should pursue their dreams. This one is a
very well written story with an agreeable message in it.
Open Court
Open Court brings to limelight a woman’s struggle in her
life. Every Paragraph in the story highlights how much women struggle in life. It’s a very interesting and a unique story.
Delusions
It is a really interesting story of Devikaa and Rohit. It’s
a logical and a brilliantly framed story. Rohit involves himself in his passion
of acting while Devikaa helps him out in handling the rehearsals. But soon
Rohit starts getting delusions as time passes by and they become more frequent.
But then sometimes things don’t go as you expect them to be. The same thing
happens in this story too.
Sita’s Lives
It is a mythological story of Lord Ram and goddess Sita.
Again this story too is a well-written and a comprehensible story. It is framed
in such a manner that one can actually imagine about the scenes and plots.
Mr. Krishnan
It is an interesting story of Mr. Krishnan who gets spasms
and remains Ill-treated. It’s a story with a humour slightly attached in it.
Instances show how ignoring health can be dangerous for not only oneself but also
the other colleagues of his.
Life and Death of
Shiva
It’s again a story with mythological flavour. And again this
one too is a well-written story. The explanatory mannerisms of the author won
my heart while I was going through this particular story. It’s an enjoyable and
a different one!
A Dangerous Bend
The story is of a woman Usha who faces some complications in
her marital life but chooses to ignore them keeping in mind the societal
scenes and stigma. Also she is worried of her children. The narration of the
story falls week in the latter part. I think it could have been in a better
manner.
Alive
It is a heart-touching story of a boy who wanders in search
of food, to fill his stomach and to stay ‘alive’. Well, this story in the
beginning stands a bit weird leaving one to wonder what it is about but,
patiently if one pursues ahead the story catches comprehensibility as it
develops further. The necessity of food for human survival is important; this
is what the story highlights.
The Square
It’s a conversation between artists discussing about arts
and art exhibitions. It’s a fascinating story of Art student’s, who are friends
too, discussing. Despite there being several characters, nowhere does the story
clashes.
A Lifetime
It’s about a girl Tara who is tied by the knot of love and
work. The story in the initial and latter part is interesting. In the central
part the story doesn’t works out effectively which is why, for a while it
becomes boring. Otherwise it is a good one.
Reflection
A girl Vaidehi meets a person Dr. Saroja while travelling in
a train. A usually non-talkative Vaidehi enters into a conversation with Dr.
Saroja and finds it attractive. Dr. Saroja tells Vaidehi about her life and
encourages her to move on in her life and achieve goals. This lovely work of
fiction has a strong message hidden in it.
The Seeker
It is of a girl Laya and her life. It’s a beautifully
narrated story which sparks interest in a reader as it develops. The story has
a realistic touch. From the beginning till the end, the story goes smoothly.
It’s an attention-grabbing story.
Over-all, the book is an average one. Although ther stories like the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th,
7th, 9th are interesting but the others are slightly dull.
The titles of the stories are simple yet catchy. Also, the language used in the
stories is good. I would like to rate The
Vigil and Other Stories with 3/5.
- This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program" . To get free books log on to The Readers Cosmos.
0 comments:
Post a Comment