I don’t seem to have anything to go with this one at the moment, so a singleton review. I’m reading the books I received for my last birthday as my next birthday approaches, so even though I’ve read quite a lot since Christmas Day (when I finished a book I received for the previous Christmas!) I seem to be at the same point in the TBR. Having said that, I have managed to turn that pile on the back shelf vertical now, so something must be shifting …
Saadat Hasan Manto – “Bombay Stories” (trans. Matt Reeck & Aftab Ahmad)
(21 January 2015 – from Ali)
A lovely Vintage paperback edition of stories by the acclaimed master storyteller of the 1930s and 40s. I got the idea from the blurb that these were shocking and provocative – in fact, I think he’s well known for shocking tales of Partition, whereas these stories are set earlier, mainly pre-WWII. They are in fact a little provocative given the times when they were written and published, with their open attitude to, lack of moralising about and broad discussion of sex, extramarital affairs, drinking, the odd bit of drugs and a lot of prostitution. Of course this all seems more run of the mill now to anyone raised on later stories and themes. There’s only one story which goes a bit far into violence and shock, which perhaps gives a nod to the stories Manto wrote a little later, as it is set at the beginning of the times around Partition, in fact.
Anyway, often centring round a particular character who slips into the narrator’s life (and perhaps out of it again), these stories do show the seedy side of Bombay, with assignations, prostitution, affairs and decidedly dodgy parties going on all over the place, girls being sent round to film studios to “get a job”, etc. The author himself appears in several of the stories, flitting in and out of meeting places, parties and other people’s marriages. All sorts of characters are portrayed, with little moral judgement, or anyway not where you would necessarily expect it to be. The writing is elegant and lyrical, and the translation seems good, with little of the clunkiness that can get in the way of translated reads.
A fascinating read that draws you in to a slightly tacky and sordid world which you can imagine going on at the same time as the colonial rulers were drifting around thinking they had the last word on scandals and parties – very interesting and worth a read.
This book will suit … anyone who likes books set in India (as Ali and I both do).
Currently reading – I’m still working my way through Ken Livingstone (bless him) – little flashes of (again) scandal at the way he was treated by the press but an awful lot of the inner workings of Left politics and the GLC. Also just started the Virago “Crossriggs”, published in 1908, although really I should be doing my next Dorothy Richardson. And just gearing up to read some Woolf, of course …
Jan 13, 2016 @ 22:33:47
I seem to enjoy books set in/written by authors from India. Shall have to ask my work colleague in Mumbai what her thoughts are about this one
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Jan 14, 2016 @ 09:24:20
It’ll be interesting to find out what they think of them!
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Jan 14, 2016 @ 07:47:36
Ooh yes definitely like the sound of these. I confess I know nothing about Manto.
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Jan 14, 2016 @ 09:24:33
I’ll put it aside for when I see you next!
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Jan 14, 2016 @ 09:53:43
Interesting review about an author I hadn’t heard of. Thanks, Liz. Like you and Ali, I enjoy books set in India. I am currently listening to Shantaram (all 42 hours of it) which I’m not too sure about yet but it is a real page turner.
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Jan 14, 2016 @ 10:58:16
Oh wow, I’m sure Ali’s read that, I haven’t. 42 hours! I recommend the Manto if Vintage do their books as audios, maybe not his more shocking Partition ones, though.
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Jan 15, 2016 @ 15:16:01
I used to love books about India, but I haven’t read anything set there for a long time and so it’s lovely to read about something new.
I’ve just set out on the second volume of Pilgrimage and I’m really enjoying it. And I think Crossriggs will probably be my next VMC, after I read Molly Keane for the Classics Club Spin.
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Jan 16, 2016 @ 21:16:41
I think you might enjoy the Manto ones. I really want to start on the next Pilgrimage but need to get Mrs Dalloway to her party first! And I did start Crossriggs, was enticed and intrigued, but circumstances forced me to set it aside temporarily … look forward to sharing thoughts with you!
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Jan 16, 2016 @ 10:35:37
Bombay Stories sounds like a really intriguing book, I shall investigate this. I’m reading Woolf at the moment, To the Lighthouse, her many commas fluster me.
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Jan 16, 2016 @ 21:18:07
I recommend the stories, would love to hear your take on them. I’m enjoying Mrs Dalloway, I haven’t read it for ages and had forgotten large chunks!
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Jan 16, 2016 @ 21:13:44
I do like books set in India but my TBR stacks are too tall for me to add this one.
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Jan 16, 2016 @ 21:19:02
Completely fair enough and understandable- I am going through the blogs I read at the moment but trying to resist springing on too many interesting reading ideas!
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