1889th BLOG POST
44th
Book of 2020
There
is something about anthologies that just doesn’t allow me to go towards it but
I picked the book “Tales from the Himalayas” because of the word “Himalayas” in
its title. It has been a long time since I wish to go to the mountain and
explore the meaning of life like several yogis. This book is a collection of 17
short stories written by an award-winning authoress- Priyanka Pradhan in around
157 pages. To start with, I must say, Rupa Publications have surprised me with
little elements that they have added to make this book look special. The title
and first initial of all the chapters are represented in red font with
attractive styling. Similarly, all the chapters have an artwork associated with
it which gives power to your imagination.
Talking
about the stories, they are of the kind which generally grandparents tell it to
their grandchildren while sitting alone. And that is the reason, in every
story, you will somewhere find the magic of Ruskin Bond or Sudha Murthy or
Rudyard Kipling. The order in which the stories are arranged is done very
wittingly as you will find the stories getting better with each of them with
few exceptions. The stories are based in the mountains and some of them really
make you feel as if you are there itself and enjoying the aesthetics of the location
yourself. Even when the stories are sweet and simple, they are able to resonate
with you and make you enjoy them.
As
I started this review with, the stories are based in Himalayas hence there are
chapters which specifically talks about factors such as fierce Himalayan
predators, poisonous snakes, scorpion and even the hostile tribes in Tibet.
Author also mentions the famous “Chipko” movement in a story which was
initiated by Gaura Devi in the village of Reni in Garhwal, Uttarakhand in 1974.
In the latter part of the book, in one of the stories, author throws a light on
Choliya dancers about whom I wasn’t aware before reading this book. Similarly,
there are many such elements which are covered somewhere here and there in most
of the stories.
Talking
specifically about few chapters, “The Snow Leopard” tells us how animals also
gives back the kindness if we are kind to them. The “Mischievous Teeth” chapter
is very funny and I really enjoyed reading it. The climax of it was such a
surprise. “The Villain” is an eye-opener for few of us as it speaks about how
body-shaming affects a school girl but the way author took it towards positive
ending is commendable. “The Biggest Gift” is also a very inspirational chapter
where author talks about greed along with ensuring that the culture of wearing “Nath”
in the Himalayas also goes together with it. Finally, the chapter “A Night in
the Dark Forest” talks about my favorite topic i.e. meditation and its power.
My favourite chapter has been “Pilgrimage” which describes how a traveling
experience can teach us things from small incidents which can shape our mindset
and lifestyle.
Now,
talking about the drawbacks, from the title of the book, I had expected stories
on people who go to Himalayas and get fascinated by its beauty and spiritual aspect
of it but this is more about the locale already residing up there. Hence, in
few chapters, you will find few chapters which are just normal short stories
which has almost nothing to do with Himalayas. I felt mainly why Himalayas is a
fascinating topic for us is because of the yogis and power that gets developed
there but except one chapter, none of them talks about it. Lastly, all the
stories are predictable which didn’t go well with me.
Other
than the above points, this book will be loved by all- children and adults as
there are points with which everyone can relate with. I give this book a fine
attempt 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thanks.
WRITING BUDDHA
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