“The Unwanted Boy and Other Stories”. It is a collection of short stories by Charmila M Sankar. It is a self-published book. It contains short stories that explore a wide range of themes such as love, loss, identity, relationships, and redemption. The stories are about ordinary people in peculiar circumstances.
Each story in the book offers a different perspective on life and human behaviour. The characters in the stories are relatable and the narratives are engaging and thought-provoking.
One of the standout stories in the collection is the title story, “The Unwanted Boy.” The story is about a boy named Aarav who is differently abled and none of his parents were able to handle the situation. The story is poignant and heartbreaking. The last paragraph of the story has the most touching part. I felt the shivers feeling the pain of the little boy. Very well expressed emotions!
Another notable story in the collection is “Can’t Run Away,” which is an exploration of the complicated relationship between a father and a daughter. The story is told through confrontations and dialogue. It has a contemporary flavour.
Other stories in the collection include “Happy Anniversary,” which is about a couple Gayathri and Vinod. It highlights the importance of trust and understanding to run a happy married life. Though, these are the important parameters for any relationship to flourish. “The Pretty Tattoos,” is a story of a woman who discovers her own strength and resilience after escaping an abusive relationship.
Overall, “The Unwanted Boy and Other Stories” is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant collection of stories that will appeal to anyone who enjoys light fiction. The stories are filled with characters, we see around, relatable settings, and contemporary themes that explore the complexities of the human experience. It offers a glimpse into the lives of characters facing various challenges, like social exclusion, family conflicts, identity crises, and loss.
Charmila’s writing style is simple. She has created vivid settings that transport the reader into the heart of each story.
The stories tackle universal themes with sensitivity. It is recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven fiction that explores the complexity of human emotions. You can buy this book here.
My rating – 3.5/5
Published by Notion Press
Setting – Contemporary.
Recommended for light reading.
This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Programme.
Neerja
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