Review:

▶️ Do you like reading short stories?

I love reading short stories. The always helps me deal with the reading block. 

‘So what if no one else believes in the beauty of your dreams? You believe in yourself, and you are enough.’

From the book Twisted Tales and Turns by Smita Das Jain.

These lines stayed with me as I finished reading one of the stories from the book. Right from the title and the cover, this book had my attention and My Book 113 of 2023  turned out to be an enthralling read from an author whose work I truly admire.

A daughter waiting for her father to return from war…
An artist struggling to create a masterpiece…
A scientist having her own definition of a better world…
A friend who loves without being loved back…
A man who has eyes only for another woman on his wedding night…
It’s a collection of short stories where nothing is as it seems.

Twisted Tales and Turns: A Journey through the Unexpected by Smita Das Jain is a collection of 20 unusual short stories. Divided into four parts, ‘All Doesn’t End Well’, ‘Out of this World’, ‘Not too Far into the Future’ and ‘Love Comes in All Hues’. This book takes readers on a remarkable journey, where we witness the shades of life. Each story is beautifully crafted, some with twists, some with unexpected endings. Each of them reminds us, Life is too short to not enjoy and fulfil all our dreams. With Varied themes of Love, loss, longing, friendship and others, it’s an emotional journey making readers curious while some leave them assuming what could have happened next.

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The plots of these short stories are gripping and abound with unpredictable turns, keeping readers at the edge of their seats. Each of them has depth and readers could connect well to the stories. The characters are well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences. Some stories carry a dark and profound essence, while others offer a lighter and more enjoyable tone.

Smita’s writing style is both simple and engaging, captivating readers from beginning to end. Her stories capture the essence of daily life and the myriad of situations we encounter, whether during the pandemic or our college days, evoking nostalgia and familiarity. The element of suspense is maintained throughout the stories, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

There are several stories in this collection that will evoke different emotions in the reader. Heartwarming stories like ‘The Wedding Dance’ and ‘The Purchased Love’ will make you smile, while thought-provoking tales like ‘Great Things in Life’ and ‘The Mask of Pretence’ will make you stop and reflect on the unpredictability of life and the sacrifices we make. Other stories, such as ‘Masterpiece’ and ‘The Figure in the Charpoy’, will leave you on the edge of your seat with their suspense and intrigue. Each story has its own unique charm.

Each story is a quick, fast-paced story filled with lots of drama.  Some stories conclude with loose ends while others build up to a dramatic climax. ‘Purchased Love’ is one of my favourite stories from the book. Here with every story, you will feel a different emotion. Throughout the collection, Smita skillfully explores diverse relationships, be it with a grandparent, a chance encounter at a hospital, or a desire to bring about societal change. The stories are thoughtfully crafted, and each one leaves a lasting impact, making it hard to put the book down.

The tales within ‘Twisted Tales and Turns’ are light, yet profound, leaving readers with much to ponder. If you have a penchant for short stories, this book is a definite must-read.

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