These collection of short stories take you to another time and space of Manto’s world and his ideas.
Each story is a gem. It starts with the description of the revolving scene around the protagonist and one is a left with a beautiful and thought provoking ending.
Some stories’ directly interwoven into the turmoils in different lives during partition. They are sad because of the confusion that partition left with. Some also humour the reader on the limits of man’s common sense, short memory and display of emotions.
Another one has background of freedom struggle of India but it’s message that fighting for political freedom is of little use without having individual freedom. Politics can be madness. Sacrifice of what is natural may make one miserable.
However, most inspiring stories have been women centric stories. Women’s sexuality is the core theme that Manto explores in so many of his stories. He connects it with how men fantasise women.
He also reflects how society judges a bold woman be it the one who express her innate love desires or the ones who goes out to feed herself. Moreover he aptly depicts the atrocities committed on women.
Two of the stories have a family theme. The love for their child may drive parents often insane in worries telling what pure love can do.
I cherished all the stories. Reason I wrote about all is that I have short recollection of stories I have read before. This book was a treat to read so I want to register atleast the themes of this marvel.
It has left a deep imprint on me to read more of Manto’s stories and generate interest in South Asian shared history, culture and tales.Saa