Anukrti Upadhyay's The Blue Women: Stories | HarperCollins India

Title: The Blue Women
Author: Anukrti Upadhyay
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Contemporary Literature, Short Stories
ISBN: 978-9356291164
Paperback: 276 Pages
Buy the Book: Amazon Link   

‘Autumn is a good time to forget, to let everything flare in brilliant colours one final time and then extinguish after the turbulence of spring and summer.’ – The Satsuma Plant

"The Blue Women" is a captivating collection of 12 short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the human psyche. The collection primarily focuses on the theme of love, determination, and resilience, providing richly textured observations of contemporary life and the ways in which individuals navigate routine challenges.

From the first story to the last, Upadhyay weaves together diverse themes and characters, creating thought-provoking tales that challenge the reader's perspective and engaging narratives that transport them to another world.

Upadhyay's prose is clear and concise, displaying skillful use of language that ranges from lyrical to poignant, reflecting the diversity of the characters and settings portrayed in the stories.

The stories vary in tone, from moral struggles to uplifting, from melancholic to insecure, yet they all share a common thread of humanity that makes them relatable and resonant.

The collection includes a story about a young girl who develops an intimate bond with a bat, a golden girl with a complex relationship with her stepfather, and a standout story titled "The Big Toe," which tells the devastating story of a man whose existence is ruined solely because of his big toe. ‘I was intrigued. I am always on the lookout for stories. You could say I am a sort of collector of curious tales. It irritates my wife. She considers it one of my small-town vices. ‘You and your plebian nosiness,’ she says.’

The title story, "The Blue Women," is another standout, with evocative descriptions and keen insights into fears, wounds, and toughness, making it a powerful read. ‘Decisions about what I should do about the blue women. You see, I couldn’t go on like that. I had to do something to stop the blue woman from haunting my taxi.’ Through her stories, Upadhyay portrays ordinary women who persevere and embrace their flawed existence.

"Dhani," This story is told from a unique perspective that gives readers a glimpse into the character's inner world and desires. Upadhyay's deft handling of the narrative makes this a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. “I ate in silence. Some people are proud of their ability to converse, I am proud of my ability to be silent. I prefer silence to the chatter people fill it with. You would, too, if you spent entire days in an audiometry lab listening to sounds at different frequencies and pitches and shouting instructions into deaf ears. Still, it is true that sitting next to that silently smiling woman, I felt an urge to talk.’  

Upadhyay's intricate storytelling, vivid imagery, and philosophical insights have earned her much praise, and it seems that many of her stories are based on real-life characters that she imbues with a sense of mysticism and wonder. Readers can expect to encounter a unique and diverse range of narratives that offer insight into the human psyche.

This collection showcases the author's artful storytelling and emotional depth, leaving readers fully immersed in each story and rooting for the characters. It's definitely worth exploring!

About the Author 

Anukrti Upadhyay writes fiction and poetry in both English and Hindi. Her Hindi works include a collection of short stories titled Japani Sarai (2019) and the novel Neena Aunty (2021). Among her English works are the twin novellas, Daura and Bhaunri (2019), and her novel Kintsugi (2020); the latter won her the prestigious Sushila Devi Award 2021 for the best work of fiction written by a woman author. Her writings have also appeared in numerous literary journals such as The Bombay Review, The Bangalore Review and The Bilingual Window. Anukrti has post-graduate degrees in management and literature, and a graduate degree in law. She has previously worked for the global investment banks, Goldman Sachs and UBS, in Hong Kong and India, and currently works with Wildlife Conservation Trust, a conservation think tank. She divides her time between Mumbai and the rest of the world, and when not counting trees and birds, she can be found ingratiating herself with every cat and dog in the vicinity. 

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