Manto deserves to be read more widely

Manto is one of the great short-story writers of the 20th century, and this book provides a glimpse into his genius. This book is a treat for all Hindi and Urdu lovers. It has been narrated flawlessly by Errol Rodrigues with correct Urdu pronunciations. The story on 'mausam ki shararat' (tricks of the weather) where he beautifully describes observing his sweetheart in the rain and how the vicissitude of the weather has affected his mood on that day is poignant. The story on 'hare sandal' (green sandals) is a classic, where a husband and wife are contemplating divorce. The story on 'paseena' (sweat) is an excellent representation of marital life, with a twist at the end. The story on 'artist log' (artists) captures the economic reality for many artists in a thought-provoking way. The story on 'beemar' (sick) where a sick woman is desperate to meet Manto is another engrossing one which takes an unexpected turn in the end.

Manto knows how to draw you into the arena of a story, and then how to keep you there, wanting for more. He always gives you just enough, nothing more - to leave you to contemplate further, fill in the blanks and slowly realise the power of the story. Each story feels like a monumental achievement when you take the journey with Manto. I have read short stories by P.G. Wodehouse, Jeffrey Archer, Franz Kafka, Murakami and others, and have no hesitation in placing Manto among the greats. If anything, Manto's writing has a more humanistic quality to it and his unflinching quality of calling a spade a spade can sometimes vex the faint-hearted. He weaves magic with his words, but since his backdrop is often the inescapable reality of his times (partition of India and Pakistan, violence and poverty), there is an emotional depth that is hard to detach from.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!