Curtain Call- Book Review

The first thing that you will notice about this book is its cover. The shadows of people holding hands and a signature curtain call pose is very noticeable. Attractive cover sets in motion the mood of the reader as one begins to leaf over the pages.

The book is a collection of 21 short stories that are diverse in genre and elements of storytelling used.

‘Crimson Affair’

It is a story set in the Mughal era with a modern twist. Quick turns and twits keep you hooked to the story. The character of Birbal symbolizes a man who is in dilemma whether to follow his conscience or to give in to the tyranny of the emperors. It goes with modern human relationships, too.

‘Flames’

Thank much to the author for bringing back beautiful memories of my childhood. Yes, I too tried matching my name with my crush and striking out the alphabets. A charming love story.

‘His Leela’

This one is my personal favorite. The marital differences and insecurities are portrayed so sensitively that one feels s for the female protagonist instantly. The quest for acceptance and craving for love is heart wrenching. Such is life and such are marital relationships. How the author has sewn together the broken beads of human emotions is commendable.

‘Mahua’

A story that begins with s mysterious and erotic appeal and ends on a hilarious note. Loved the narrative.

‘Office visit’

It is pyschocolgcal tale and a haunting experience of a doctor. The series of events won’t let you keep the book down. Though am a little confused about the ending.

‘My fair husband’

A hilarious story of a couple who are naggingly in love with each other. So much so that after the death of the husband, the wife enjoys living in with his ghost. Nicely written.

‘Mistaken identity’

A typical Bollywood masala story where the girl and a boy (read RAJ) meet and tries to outsmart each other. Eventually the story ends with a happy grin on the readers face.

‘Ablaze within’

A terrific tale of a sex worker who refuse to divulge the details of her life and keeps the ablaze within intact. One thing that is stark noticeable in all the stories is its simplistic portrayal but with a strong narrative.

‘Time after time’

I loved it. A rare concept or a myth, whatever it was, I loved it. Wondering what would happen if it happened for real. Excellent storyline.

‘The lifeless living sculpture’

A story that is very different from other stories in its style. A love tale with not so cliché style. Loved the opening lines used by the author.

‘Cooking up a storm’

A story that starts with revenge and ends with a haunting guilt. The plot is unique and interesting, though the story ends without the justification for the father’s death.

‘Ookleeboo’

The title created suspense and I eagerly read the story only to be happily surprised. What a story! Symbolic of humans who create nightmares and exist in this dark world. Ookleeboos exist? Yes they do.

‘Another chance’

A story about time travel to avoid the fatal accident that could not avoid the deathly clock. Regrets are painful. The author has tried to convey this message very subtly.

‘Boys will be boys’

Boys are so going to love it. Let’s face it…boys will be boys. A crazy story that depicts what goes inside out the male brain. I loved the way author has used a simple yet impactful narrative to make it a lively story.

‘The princess bride’

An intriguing tae of infidelity and a illusory marital relationship. Surprising twist in the end. The intimacy between marital couples very romantically delved into.

 ‘The last rock on which the world collapsed’

Story of a prodigy and an unexpected end. The mystery that unfolds is breathtaking. Brilliance heightened by the author. A sci-fi genre very intricately used.

'Office Games'
Lucid language, impeccable command on  the story line and a story marred with dirty office politics. One of the most entertaining reads.

Overall, I would rate this book 5/5.

I just have to. This book deserves it. A brilliant book. Special mention to Rafaa Dalvi, the editor for this crisp read.

Buy the Book here:

http://www.amazon.in/Curtain-Call-Various-Authors/dp/9384315370/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475560464&sr=8-1&keywords=curtain+call