Collected Stories Vol. 1

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Shashi Deshpande

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780143029526

• Pages: 240

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

In this collection of short stories, Shashi Deshpande demonstrates the same subtlety, sensitivity, and depth that has made her one of India’s most celebrated writers. Many may not know that Deshpande's journey into fiction began with the short story, and over the years, her works have been published widely in literary journals, magazines, and newspapers. This 240-page paperback edition brings together her best work in the short story genre, with characters and situations that are both compelling and poignant.

From the wife of a successful politician who must confront her past to maintain the illusion of happiness, to a little girl who cannot understand why her existence is considered a curse, Deshpande delves into the complexities of human relationships with rare compassion and insight. Her stories explore themes of love, identity, and self-awareness, as exemplified by a young man whose misguided fantasy of love drives him to commit murder, and a newlywed couple with starkly contrasting views on marriage. Written over three decades, these stories offer a deeply human exploration of the often-overlooked emotions and experiences that define our lives. With clarity and emotional depth, Shashi Deshpande captures the intricate web of human feelings, making this collection a must-read for fans of her writing and lovers of powerful, thought-provoking fiction.