Short stories have been a popular literary form for centuries. India has a rich and vibrant heritage of short stories, from the Panchatantra’s ancient fables to folktales and contemporary anthologies. They offer a wide variety of diverse narratives across genres and themes. Captivating the young and old.
As a reader, I have often felt that contemporary short story collections do not get the recognition and love they deserve. They are so much more than a collection of bite-sized stories. That said, narrating an impactful story in a limited set of words is difficult. It requires a delicate balance of creativity and brevity for a satisfying reading experience. Few contemporary authors manage to get it right. Then there is the pitfall of not all stories in the collection being equally engaging. Much like a box of chocolates.
I share a list of my favorite short story collections by Indian authors. A list of books beyond the usual suspects. By no means a comprehensive list. Poignant tales. Thought-provoking narratives. Some quintessentially Indian that encapsulate our rich and diverse culture. Original and translated works. From the bustling streets to the tranquil landscapes. Literary gems. Contemporary fiction. Complex and vivid characters. Twisted tales that shock yet are oh-so-satisfying. You have it all.
It was quite a task limiting this list to just twelve. There are still some favorites not yet included here. Stay tuned for the next post in the series where I will share another list of my favorite picks.
At the top of the list is my absolute favorite, The Greatest Indian Stories Ever Told. A collection of 50 short stories from the late nineteenth century to the present day.
From Rabindranath Tagore to Amrita Pritam to Premchand to Ismat Chugtai to Ruskin Bond to the contemporary stars. Across regions and languages. Edited by Arunava Sinha, this 500+ page collection represents the rich literary landscape of India. The storytelling through the times.
An asset to your bookshelf. A book you would keep returning to. I recommend reading the complete series by Aleph Book Company. I am already making my way through them.
Adivasi. Original dwellers. Yet marginalized and exploited. Progress does come at a price.
The Adivasi Will Not Dance is a collection of 10 raw, hard-hitting stories set in the state of Jharkhand, primarily the Santhal community. Stories of alienation, dispossession, corruption, and exploitation. The struggle to survive at all costs. Depicting the socio-political apathy, the author does not mince words. The book is indeed an eye-opener and will question your opinions.
Another important one from the long list of banned books (for depicting the tribals in a bad light) that need to be read and discussed.
A prominent Gujarati writer and poet, Dhumketu (Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi) is considered a pioneer of the short story form.
Ratno Dholi: The Best Stories of Dhumketu is a curated collection of 27 of his over 600 short stories translated by Jenny Bhatt. The charm of the stories is being to the point without the fluff. A trademark, if you will, of Dhumketu’s writing brought forward by the translator.
The stories are set in more than half a century back in Gujarat and beyond but are relevant even today. The socio-cultural issues. Casteism. The state of women. The list goes on.
A renowned Bengali writer, Ashapurna Devi has explored the domestic life of the Indian woman through her 3,000+ stories. Their experiences, struggles, and aspirations in a patriarchal society.
Shake the Bottle and Other Stories is a collection of 21 such stories translated into English by Arunava Sinha. Simple yet complex stories set within the four walls of a house. Complexities of human relationships. Family dynamics and politics. Relatable, impactful, and still relevant in today’s day and age.
A difficult read but an important one, nonetheless.
The list would be incomplete without the short story collection by the master storyteller, Madhulika Liddle. Tarang Sinha, my go-to for recommendations, introduced me to her writing and there has been no looking back.
Woman To Woman is a collection of 12 hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, women-centric stories. Honest, thought-provoking, quintessentially woman. Be it sex trafficking, infertility, abandonment, ravages of age, or soft targets of terrorism. Written with sensitivity but unafraid to explore the hidden secrets and dark corners in ordinary lives.
The book is a must-read.
Deliciously twisted stories you cannot get enough of? This is just the book for you.
My Lawfully Wedded Husband and Other Stories is a collection of 12 short stories that are laced with dark humor. Revenge, comeuppance, or just plain evil. All with a twist in the tale. Although at times predictable, enjoyable reads nonetheless. We definitely need more books like these.
I recommend you pace the read to enjoy the stories although you would be tempted to keep turning the pages.
Stories of Mumbai, and about Mumbai. That is what perfectly sums up No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories.
Translated from Kannada by Tejaswini Niranjana, it is a collection of 16 short stories that make you think and reflect. Some that make you question your own opinions. Some that just leave you a bit disturbed. It is not the kind of book that you can read in one sitting. Take a while to “chew on” the story, before moving on.
The section at the end of the book discussing the stories with insights into the translation process is a treat to read.
I have always enjoyed Anukrti Upadhyay’s works. One of my favorite authors and an auto-buy, there is something atmospheric about her writing. Be it Bhaunri, Daura, Kintsugi, or Neena Aunty.
The Blue Women is no different. 12 short stories. About tenacity and resilience. Some disturbing. Some quirky. Some relatable. Some riveting. But all about women who refuse to be cast in a mold. Who are as flawed as they come. Characters that stay with you long after.
Do pick it up if you haven’t already.
Eminent Bengali writer and social activist Mahashweta Devi is one of the iconic women writers who have shaped India’s literary landscape. A voice of the marginalized and the oppressed.
As the name suggests, Breast Stories is a collection of three short stories about breasts. But more than a symbol of beauty, eroticism, or motherhood. Originally published in Bengali, the hard-hitting stories on body politics and exploitation expose the dark underbelly of Indian society. The thought-provoking essays introducing each story by the translator Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak help understand the socio-political context.
Trigger warning: the stories can be extremely graphic.
Women. Relationships. Career. Intimacy. Politics. Morality. In the times of the internet in particular and exploring the impact of technology in general. The digitization of human experience.
The Women Who Forgot to Invent Facebook and Other Stories is a collection of 12 quirky and witty short stories. Some dark humor but entertaining nonetheless. Stories that complement the brilliant cover.
It is a book that either works for you or doesn’t given the style of storytelling. That said, it is a personal favorite. Do give it a read if you are in for something experimental.
If you have been following me for a while, you would know Debeshi Gooptu is one of my favorite authors. A brilliant writer, her storytelling is riveting. Be it mysteries, humor, or short stories.
Amma’s Pickle Collection and Other Stories is a collection of five slice-of-life short stories. Some sad, some thought-provoking. All brutally honest. A tiny book that packs a punch.
Not all rainbows and sunshine, the stories are a stark reminder of the realities of life. A lonely grandma. A daily wager seeking hope. The book is available on Kindle Unlimited. All the more reason to pick it up pronto.
Last but not least is a book that will always have a special place in my heart. It is a book that is too personal. Stories that are an emotion.
Hiraeth: Partition Stories From 1947 is a collection of 24 short stories inspired by true events. Stories of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Heartbreaking stories of loss. Uplifting stories of hope. A tribute to all refugees, on both sides of the border.
I cannot recommend it enough. You don’t need to belong to a family of refugees to pick up the book. If you enjoy reading human stories, this is the book for you.
As you would have probably guessed by now, short stories are one of my favorite genres. Not just as a go-to when I am short on time or when encountering a reader’s block but as one of the primary picks.
Stay tuned for another list of recommendations that are relatively lighter reads. What are your favorite short story collections? Have you read the books above or have recommendations for me? Do share in the comments below.
Captivating and Unforgettable: Short Story Collections by Indian Authors #BookishLeague Share on X
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter.
Photo credit: Canva.com
June 3, 2024 @ 11:25 am
Love, love, love this post! So Glad to see Madhulika, Arunava Sinha and Debeshi: my favourite writers. You know I loved Madhulika and Debeshi’s book. And I read Shake the Bottle, my first Ashapurna Debi book, recently and liked it. Oh, and so pleased to see ‘No Presents Please’ because it (and Ratno Dholi and of course Arunava Sinha collection) is on my TBR. Adding others to my TBR list (particularly The Adivasi…sounds very interesting, maybe because it captures Jharkhand).
Thank you for this post. And the image you’ve used is very nice.
June 3, 2024 @ 11:25 am
Love, love, love this post!
So Glad to see Madhulika, Arunava Sinha and Debeshi: my favourite writers. You know I loved Madhulika and Debeshi’s book. And I read Shake the Bottle, my first Ashapurna Debi book, recently and liked it. Oh, and so pleased to see ‘No Presents Please’ because it (and Ratno Dholi and of course Arunava Sinha collection) is on my TBR. Adding others to my TBR list (particularly The Adivasi…sounds very interesting, maybe because it captures Jharkhand).
Thank you for this post. And the image you’ve used is very nice.
June 3, 2024 @ 1:53 pm
I’ve read only Hiraeth by Dr Shivani Salil from this list.
June 11, 2024 @ 6:02 pm
Oh..my gosh. My TBR has just increased many fold. The Adivasi Will Not Dance sounds so very interesting and that tops my list. I liked the way you kept the reviews brief yet we got to know the gist of each of them.
June 3, 2024 @ 10:01 pm
I have read Hiraeth only from this list and found it absolutely mesmerizing. I also want to read Asapurna Devi and Mahashweta Devi, but honestly, I want to read their books in Bengali language. I had their books in our library but as usual, my Dadu wanted me to wait to grow and become eligible to understand their books profoundly. Thanks for sharing this amazing list, Ritu.
June 4, 2024 @ 8:41 pm
I haven’t read any of these but they all sounds interesting. Great post!
June 8, 2024 @ 8:19 am
I’ve read Hiraeth, and totally echo your sentiments which means I’m going to take your recommendations seriously, Before writing this comment, Amma’s Pickle Collection is already downloaded in my Kindle, followed by the Bengali ones. Great list, and will keep coming back for more!
June 8, 2024 @ 10:47 pm
These are quite a list of short stories. I have not heard about any of them till now but thanks for this well curated introduction on Indian short stories. The ones that caught my eye was Amma’s Pickle Collection and Other Stories, My Lawfully Wedded Husband and Other Stories and Shake the Bottle and Other Stories. These has found a place on my TBR.
June 9, 2024 @ 4:20 pm
The books that have caught my attention are The Adivasi Will Not Dance By Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
and Ratno Dholi – The Best Stories Of Dhumketu, Jenny Bhatt and No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories By Jayant Kaikini, Tejaswini Niranjana (Translator). I would like to read these as I haven’t explored a lot of literature from the regions such as Gujarat, Jharkhand and I have a deep curiosity about Mumbai, something inexplicable.
June 10, 2024 @ 2:42 pm
What a treasure trove of stories! It’s like stepping into a literary kaleidoscope, each turn revealing new facets of the vibrant Indian ethos. I’m especially intrigued by the collections that dive deep into lesser-known cultural narratives—feels like an invitation to a grand storytelling festival where every voice is heard. This list is a compelling reminder of why short stories are such a powerful medium: they capture the essence of life’s drama in a few masterful strokes.
June 11, 2024 @ 7:18 pm
What a comprehensive list of short story options, Ritu. Congratulations on the Top Blog. Very deserving, indeed. Your reviews are always fantastic. I am intrigued by Mahasweta and Nisha’s collection. I will surely get my hands on them.
June 11, 2024 @ 11:44 pm
I haven’t heard of them before but these short stories sound amazing! Two of these caught my eye, ‘The Adivasis Will Not Dance’ and ‘Women to Women’. They seem like they’ll be such captivating reads. Thanks for sharing these gems with me—I can’t wait to dive into them!
June 12, 2024 @ 10:53 am
Incidentally I am reading a collection of short stories by Ruskin Bond for adults and was wondering why didn’t I ever pick up short stories before. Thanks for your recommendation. I will certainly read Arunava Sinha and Asha[urna Devi.
June 12, 2024 @ 2:59 pm
What a treasure trove of recommendations. Thank you! The Adivasi Will Not Dance has been in my list for a long time.
June 12, 2024 @ 8:24 pm
Thanks for this wonderful list Ritu. I’m gonna save this post. I would love to read all of the stories in all of the books but if I go by the content my top favourite TBR would be Hiraeth… Dunno why but partition stories are closer to my heart. and I love the book cover as well… simple but has depth n is profound.
June 13, 2024 @ 7:41 am
Omg! All these short stories are new to me, but thanks for introducing me to Indian short stories. ‘Women to Women’ caught my attention, and I’m excited to read them—they sound really interesting! Thanks for sharing these with me!
June 13, 2024 @ 7:26 pm
As an avid reader, I’m thrilled to see such a well-curated list of short stories. Indian authors have a unique way of storytelling, and I can’t wait to dive into these collections. Thank you for sharing!
June 14, 2024 @ 12:21 am
From your List got to know some short story collections which were not known to me and a few I read from the list. Thanks for the lovely compilation and I loved it.
June 14, 2024 @ 11:58 am
I have read most of these books and can vouch they are really good. I loved My Lawfully Wedded Husband. They were different and enjoyable. Now waiting to see the next set of books you pick.
June 14, 2024 @ 5:15 pm
What an amazing collection of short story collection by Indian authors! I’ve noted down a few names, can’t wait to get my hands on them. Thanks, I trust your reviews:)
June 14, 2024 @ 10:32 pm
I have bookmarked this page! What a wonderful list. All the titles are so intriguing, I really want to read all of them.
June 14, 2024 @ 10:34 pm
Oh, my god. I was looking for a collection of short stories, and here I am. I loved reading the details and the names of these stories. I am going to save this blog for my book collections. Thank you.
June 15, 2024 @ 5:52 am
Short stories would always be a hit especially nowadays as everyone seems to always lack time for some downtime. These short stories is a great way to feed that need for some quiet time to read while not compromising time to do ones responsibilities. You’ve shared a great list and that everyone would surely love!
June 15, 2024 @ 10:19 am
I love reading short stories and haven’t read an interesting collection in a while. These recommendations are great. I want a lighter read for now and will check out My Lawfully Wedded Husband and other stories from your list.
June 17, 2024 @ 6:49 pm
I love reading short stories, its a new interest of mine.. thanks for sharing a curated list for me to sink my teeth into this summer 🙂
June 18, 2024 @ 6:39 am
This post is a valuable guide for those looking for great short stories. I’m familiar with a few of the authors and would like to get to know the others. Glad you brought them together here.
June 18, 2024 @ 12:49 pm
Your list of contemporary Indian short story collections is a treasure trove! Your insightful reviews and thoughtful curation highlight the unique voices and storytelling brilliance of Indian authors. I look forward to your next list!
June 18, 2024 @ 8:59 pm
I have never read any Indian books but these look interesting. I might check them out when I get the time.
June 21, 2024 @ 12:14 pm
I have only read “The Blue Woman” by Anukriti Upadhyay out of these and that was wonderful. I am noting down two more of ouf this list – “My lawfully wedded husband” by Ms Liddle and ‘Breast stories “.
June 22, 2024 @ 10:27 pm
What an interesting list, Ritu. I recently got a translation of Ismat Chugtai’s stories. I am glad it is well done because translations have a tough test to pass. I see so many of them in your list, and I am sure they must be equally well done since the recommendation comes from you.
June 25, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Dear Ritu,
Yours listicles are absolutely amazing. I am in utter awe of your reading. You read across genres and have the knack of picking the best of books.
Coming to the above list, I do have two of the books in my collection (Ratno Dholi and Shake The Bottle). I have read two, (Amma’s pickle collecetion and Lawfully Wedded husband).
But I realised I have so many more to read, Hireath specially is sounding quite intriguing!)