Delhi Noir - Omair Ahmad et Al

Fiction

Short Stories

As I mentioned, I have been very into short stories as of late. I have to be honest, the introduction to this collection sold me before I even started on the stories. The stories did not disappoint either. 

These stories feature the grittiness of life in Delhi. After visiting a few times, Delhi is not a place I'd ever want to visit again, for many of the reasons that come to the forefront of these stories. They are not happy ones, nor ones that give you any hope for humanity. Yet people move along with their lives because that's just how Delhi is. 

The authors and stories chosen gel very well together and do an excellent job of portraying the city in a realistic way that is often missing from the sanitized, glamorous life that the rich and famous live. 

The Lost Flamingos of Bombay - Siddarth Sangvhi

Fiction
Verdict: Read it.

It's rare enough that you find an Indian author that is open about infidelity. One that addresses face on a Mrs. Robinson situation is truly something unique. For those that aren't familiar with The Graduate movie, Mrs. Robinson reference refers to an older woman preying on a younger man, just out of school. 

True to many Indian authors, this book has a pathos that just hangs on you for the whole book. The ending, also true to form, isn't rosy nor what you would hope would happen. It leaves you wanting a bath to be perfectly honest. That being said, read it. 

I have a romantic attachment to Bombay for numerous reasons. This book is one of them. As I mentioned, it's an interesting look into Indian attitudes about forbidden romance of a very unique and specific variety. 

There are a lot of people that think Siddarth Sangvhi went overboard with his prose. There's some truth to this, but if you're able to look past it and some of the other stereotypes, it's well worth the read.

Becky