Title: The Little Monk and Other Stories
Author: Gaurahari
Das
Publisher: Rupa & Co.
ISBN: 978-81-291-1699-4
MRP: Rs
95/-
Reading
this book was akin to a pleasant journey to Odisha and a very fulfilling
experience in exploring the state’s culture and traditions. The stories throw a
lot of light on the life and customs of the state, the rural one in particular.
Gaurahari Das is a well known name in Oriya literature. This prolific writer
and a recipient of ‘Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award’, has till date authored over
40 titles!
Coming
to this book, it is an anthology of 14 stories that were originally written in
author’s mother tongue and have been translated beautifully in English. The
translation is simple and easy on mind and is free of clichés, grammatical
mistakes and irritatingly long sentences. Characters are portrayed well and one
can relate to them effortlessly.
Five
stories revolve around the elderly and their feelings. The title story, ‘The
Little Monk’ is a heart touching account of a child forced to become a monk,
his miserable conditions and sordid feelings towards the suffocating
sanctuary. ‘Father’, which describes the mixed feelings of an educated but jobless
man praying for the early death of his father, shows the deplorable effects of
unemployment and poverty. ‘Settling Scores’ is yet another sixer from the
author! A high rank government official is given a befitting reply by his ex
girlfriend and is shown his real place. While ‘The Glass Puppet’ can literally
move one to tears, ‘The illusive Tree’ is easy and comic. Apart from being
powerful in concept and narrative, stories like ‘Ahalya’s Wedding’ and Urmila’ reveal
a lot and can swirl your emotions.
