Title: Mrs.
Simon is Waiting and Other Stories
Author: Dinesh
Pathak
Translator: Sneha
Pathak
Publisher: Antika
Prakashan
Genre: Fiction,
Short Stories
ISBN: 978-8196206376
Paperback: 160
Pages
Buy the Book: AMAZON
In "Mrs. Simon is Waiting and Other Stories" by Dinesh Pathak, the complexities of human nature take center stage and paint a vivid picture of small-town India. With each narrative, the author brings to life the sights and sounds, weaving a mosaic of emotions.
Within these tales, characters, regardless of age or social status, grapple with universal themes such as love, loss, dreams, and resilience. Amidst the chaos of life, these stories offer solace through their honest depiction of everyday experiences. Whether it's a father's quest for a suitable suitor for his daughter or an elderly man's poignant recollections of enduring love, these narratives provoke introspection.
The first story, "Homecoming," revolves around a young man facing parental disapproval due to his unemployment. He resists the idea of mundane clerical work, but fate has other plans, leading to an unexpected twist.
Simplicity is the essence of this collection. Each story serves as a window, offering social commentary on various themes. "Siyabar Babu and the Suitable Boy" delves into the societal ill of dowry demands, and how sacred bonds become transactions. Pathak introduces a diverse array of characters, each portrayed with their flaws and virtues. These characters come alive on the page, drawing readers into their journeys.
In "Birthday Party," a mother yearns to celebrate her son's birthday to prove their worth to neighbours, but in-laws have differing ideas, highlighting generational conflicts. Here, author presents a fresh perspective, more vividly realized than the last. His characters are not mere sketches but fully developed individuals, flawed yet relatable, all seeking meaning in their lives.
"Mrs. Simon is
Waiting" unfolds in Simon's Villa, where a homeopathic doctor offers free
treatments. When tragedy strikes, the clinic's future hangs in the balance,
posing questions about who will carry forward the doctor's legacy.
The stories shine through Sneha Pathak's beautiful translation, preserving the essence while making them accessible to a wider audience. Pathak's prose is both simple and profound, ensuring that readers from all backgrounds can connect with the themes presented.
"Mrs. Simon is Waiting and Other Stories" is a perfect weekend read, celebrating the art of storytelling.
About the Author
Dinesh Pathak was born in Uttarakhand in May 1950. He has been writing for close to fifty years, and his stories have appeared in all leading Hindi publications. He has published ten short-story collections and three novels. He has also edited an anthology. His stories have been translated into various Indian languages. He retired from the post of Associate Professor and now dedicates his full time to writing.
Translator:
Sneha Pathak has a PhD in English Literature and has taught at college and university level. She currently works as a freelance writer/translator. Her writings have appeared various publications such as Muse India, Purple Pencil Project, The Wise Owl Magazine, The Curious Reader etc.
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P.S. Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.