Sabahat Muhammad

Note : This review was originally published in Book And Ink

This book is an anthology of the best short stories, both winners and finalists from Indireads’ 1st Short Story Competition 2013.

A book of short stories is always a refreshing read. This book was no different. What made the book more interesting was that, the book had a mix of stories from various genres like drama, paranormal, mystery and romance. There is something for everyone in this book, be it a mystery lover or a romance lover.

The stories, all of them, were just perfect. They adhered very much to the genre that they were placed under. The crime section was the best. I do have a weakness for crime in general, but then I'm sure any person who has read this book will agree with me. Both the stories by Dr.Roshan were simply brilliant. That man has a way with words I say!

The writing in general was good. Given that most of the stories are by rookie writers, the book exceeded my expectations. Simple writing, I belive is the key to success. Using fancy words and complicated scenarios doesn't really deliver a punch. Almost all the stories featured in the book were simple and delivered what was intended.

My only complaint would be the paranormal section – It didn't really enthuse or impress me. It didn't stand out like the other sections did.

MY SAY: Recommended especially for novice book readers. For seasoned folks, this book is the perfect and refreshing change after a full length novel.

RATING:

Narration : 7/10

Adherence to genre : 9/10

Plot line : 7/ 10 (For Dr.Roshan's stories – It's a 10!)

Writing : 8/10

Boredom quotient : 3/10 (The lower the better)

Overall Score : 8/10

… (meer)

Love Across Borders is a collection of 12 short stories that was a free e-book download from Indireads. Written by a number of contemporary South Asian writers from both sides of the India/. Pakistan border, the stories have a common theme: to show that the political and cultural divide between Pakistani and Indian nationalities, between Hindus and Muslims, is not divided by an impenetrable wall. Friendships, love and a common bond can develop between individuals from these different backgrounds. All of the stories, except for the one titled "One Stupid Comment" are set in our contemporary 'electronically borderless' times of Facebook, email and Twitter. Some of the friendships/ love interests are new. Others are ones that had been forgotten or lost over time after they were forged in South Asia or abroad (North America) before or just after 1971 and those turbulent political times.

The stories were interesting reading for me in that they brought forward in very simple, matter of fact terms, a number of cultural differences that a non South Asian may have difficulty grasping - strong, controlling familial ties, arranged marriages, as well as religious and cultural beliefs/stereotyping that exists between these two countries. The stories are short and while they appear to be geared towards a general South Asian audience - a glossary of terms would have been helpful when reading some of the stories - I was still able to enjoy the stories and appreciate what the editors hope to accomplish with this collection. An apt title, Love Across Borders, that is for sure.… (meer)