Review: The Vigil and Other Stories.

• 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 1^st, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 9^th 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. 

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