Let us Look Elsewhere - Mona Dash

Publisher: Dahlia Books 173 pages
RRP: £10
ISBN: 9781913624040

Acclaimed author Mona Dash is an author-poet who has already published a memoir and two poetry collection. Now for the first time her debut short story collection is being published by Dahliabooks which contains all her prize-winning stories in one place. 

Let us look Elsewhere is a delightful set of stories from round the world with themes ranging from desire, disconnect, sense of belonging and home.

 The first piece, Let us Look Elsewhere, is almost like an “Empire writes back” piece where Dash claims her right to choose her stories instead of narrating tales expected of her. Sounding audacious at first, it builds a very convincing case that leaves the reader impressed and delighted about what is to come next.

 The stories that follow are bold, often sexual with an undercurrent of longing. In  “That which is unreal” a woman services men on Skype and Whatsapp while yearning for a lost love, whereas “Lovers in a room” a high flying woman flits from one man to another hoping for a connection. Strong on setting “Inside the city” juxtaposes the protagnist's life against glittering, volatile exterior of Las Vegas .  

“Sense of skin” begins with killing animals to sell their skins but eventually becomes a tale of self discovery. “Golems of Prague” on the other hand focuses on the looming threat of AI, how it first invades the protagnist Ivana's work and later seeps through her personal life too.

 The inherent themes of sense of belonging and home is evident through “Why does the Cricket Sing” ,“Secrets” and “Temple Cleaner”. Dash distills the immigrant experience into stories to show the pain of being an outsider, how a new home doesn't guarantee a sense of belonging and the far reaching implications of an immigrant life.

Dash skilfully handles historical fiction in "The Boatboy"  where she resurrects a forgotten martyr from the British Era through this tale of rebellion and courage. 

The stories are neatly laid out - beautifully crafted gems adorn this crown of a collection. But the most impressive aspect of the collection is a combination of confidence and conviction - confidence in her craft and the conviction with which she tells her stories.

A fascinating, bold debut that enthralls the reader right from the outset.  

You can pick up your copy of Let us Look Elsewhere from Dahlia books.

 

 

   

 

A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth - Chitra Soundar

Publisher: Walker Books, 107 pages

My son and I are familiar with the adventures of Prince Veera and Suku, and so this new offering from Chitra Soundar came as a delicious treat for us. A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth continues the adventures of the problem-solving duo as they accept the invitation of Raja Apoorva to visit Peetalpur to attend the summer festival.

My eight-year-old son enjoyed listening to how quickthinking Suku saved his bones from a wrestling match and how clever Prince Veera handled King Apoorva’s wrath while exposing the futility of his decision.

As we sailed through the pages, the stories sounded familiar to me (Chitra's note at the end of the book explains how she has adapted them for this generation of readers). Growing up in India, I had heard these tales as a child but for my son raised in the UK on treehouse story collection (his favourite) these were a delightful introduction to his origins and the power of stories to educate and entertain. He really enjoyed drawing his own conclusions before reading on how the puzzles were solved by Veera and Suku.

As a parent, it was gratifying to see Chitra weave in tiny morsels of wisdom through the stories. The concept of friendship transcending social status, that arguments should always be resolved with “words and not swords” strikes a good balance alongside lighthearted banter.

This collection also introduces some interesting characters like Raja Apoorva and his daughter Princess Kanti, who add colour to these tales in their own characteristic way.

Picking a favourite was hard for us. The opening story Festivals are Fun showcases the quickthinking Suku and the courageous Veera, whereas Families do Quarrel is a lighthearted tale is about how rash decisions can backfire. We enjoyed No figs for an Unholy saint about a neighbourly dispute and unexplained burglaries  whereas an Improbable Dream brings this fantastic set to a great close as prince Veera and Suku's last puzzle before they take their leave from the Kingdom of Peetalpur but not without a characteristic parting shot.

We really enjoyed the stories together and are not done yet. He is now reading them by himself. Overall, a superb set of stories aimed at young and older readers. I am already making plans to buy some copies as gifts!