This collection contains stories chosen from obscure as well as well-known magazines. Thematically, the stories on the whole are attention-grabbing; they fascinatingly capture the readers’ attention and usher them into the realm of imagination. And while judging through the eyes of storytelling, most of the stories selected for this anthology are arresting. The publisher, Ratna Pustak Bhandar, also seems to have given more value to this anthology that would be more encouraging to the established as well as novice writers. While reading the stories editor Byakul Pathak has compiled here, one can see that short fiction in Nepal is flourishing along with the increment of readership.
The selection process of the stories by various authors seems fair; Pathak has made an effort to give this anthology an inclusive hue. Govinda Bahadur Malla “Gothale” in his story “Purnamanko Ghar” mirrors the distressing predicament of Nepali people. The image of a dilapidated house in this story also seems to be an analogy of Nepal’s current embroiled time.
Nonetheless, a couple of stories in this anthology are intricate while most of the stories have an ability to touch, enliven and amuse the readers. The stories that comprise this anthology have ample latent qualities to enthrall the readers. By means of the story “Sayad Prem Mareko Chhaina” (Perhaps love hasn’t died), Bijay Chalisee pinpoints the hitherto achievements in the field of science and technology. He further traces out the nexus between human sentiments and robot.
In this collection of short stories, each writer brings his own exclusive writing style. Deepak Lohani seems to instill his story “Manki Maiju” with post-modern quality; the author interrupts his characters and divulges some clandestine information while telling the story. Similarly, Bishnu Bahadur Rai’s story underscores the values of cultural ceremonies in Nepali society; it makes a compromise between economic and cultural survival as a leitmotif.
The story “Ek Jugma Ek Din” by Narayan Tiwari recollects the tough times faced by Nepali people during the insurgency period. “Bhawishyabani” by Ujjwal GC is another nimble-fingered story that satirizes the statehood and Loktantra (democracy) where people are deprived even of their fundamental rights – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To some extent, it sounds like “The Modest Proposal” by Irish writer Jonathan Swift.
Similarly, “Washingtonka Bujruk” centers on the issue of patriotism, freedom and democracy. Also, it reminds us the time of the April Uprising. In “Sagunia,” author Rupa Dhiru on the one hand has made an effort to dissect the various misconceptions widespread in our society and on the other, traces the waning of patriarchal society. Likewise, “Stabhdhata: Jeevanyatra” tries to blur the line of discrimination and also favor inter-caste marriage. In addition, while weaving this story, the author Kamala Swroop seems to be in a philosophical mood, and her storytelling is dexterous and arresting. “Akhtiyaarko Upahaar” is another story that has found berth in this anthology. By means of this story, author Tripathi indirectly satirizes corruption and the thriving bribe culture.
Likewise, “Kauwa ra Sundari Parebi” by Kanakmani Dixit is a juvenile fiction infused with some different savor. While the tales show discrepancy in scenery and technique, there are definite themes. In most of the stories, it tends to be between imagination and simplicity. One of the finely woven stories “Harimaya” reflects the chronic child labor problem prevailing in the country. But the story “Ustai Chhu Ma” by Ramesh Kshtiz is a slow-moving story in the anthology as there is infirmity in his characters and the storytelling is by hook or by crook wishy-washy. By borrowing the character of the Govinda Bahadur Malla “Gothale” story “Jujumanko Aantarkatha” author Dhruba Sapkota has portrayed the socio-cultural milieus. “Putaliko Deha” by Mamata Sharma Nepal is centered on the feministic subject matter; it is a reflection of our chauvinistic society. Readers can claim that this story is the real gem of this anthology.
Similarly, Khagendra Sangraula’s use of colloquial language in the story “Kurauniko Ritto Perungo” quickly fascinates the reader. As soon as the readers flip through the pages, it reinvigorates the life of rural people and their economic impediment by capturing a moment, an event, or an insight that sets it aside. Likewise, Ilya Bhattarai sets her diasporic story “Ma Usko Mister” with an artful delineation. “Pratikshya Euta Naya Itihasko” projects a different taste — the author is aggrieved by the imbalanced ecosystem and the rare species of endangered vultures. He expresses his inner indignation by means of this story.
But as no work is perfect, this book also has some loopholes. Pathak could have elucidated the underlying ideas and supplied a resolute editorial framework. Some readers may find difficulty in keeping up with a couple of the stories in this anthology.
However, most of the stories incorporated in this anthology are worth reading. Some are true to life narratives while some hover around in fantasy; they articulate the good and bad aspects of mankind as well as the noteworthy humanity’s role in the typical nature of reality. Furthermore, this anthology contains wise, witty and empathetic gems of stories gorgeously presented, full of remarkable artworks. Most of them deserve a place in this anthology, an anthology that readers will be able to relate to or not, but still engaged with.
Work : Prakhyat Nepali Katha –3
Editor : Byakul Pathak
Genre : Fiction (Short Stories)
Publisher : Ratna Pustak Bhandar
Pages : 266
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