HALF A KILO MIXTURE

The fifteen stories in this collection are a blend of varied human experiences, characters, emotions, moods, and times. A bit like the diverse ingredients, textures and flavours that come together in ëmixtureí!


Tragedy forges a link beyond time through an authorís works; a philosopher-thief expresses himself in a language unique to his city; the ancient, the inert, reach out to be heard; a celebration of a long-vanished river draws an unexpected presence. A surprising bond between the deceased and ëthe emissaryí forms ëoverí death ceremonies; a long-ago act of anger offers a glimpse into a vanishing way of life. Two stories draw their essence from the Mahabharatha ñ one gives voice to lives crushed by choices they did not make, while another explores the thoughts of one of the epicís more enigmatic characters.


While the landscape largely reflects a South Indian, at times Chennai-centric, milieu, the stories, filled with empathy, humour, and explorations into what it is to be human, speak to everyone.