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A collection of short stories illustrated with drawings that attempt to portray fourteen anecdotes through the eyes of the writer.
The tales build on tiny deeds and occurrences that showcase qualities that define us as human. Tales of happiness in sadness, joy in suffering, hope within despair, kindness, cruelty, love and hate; inherent aspects that prevail in those that lead life and drudge on the unvarnished veneers of society. The incidents take place on one of the oldest stations of India and the famed local trains that have plied through it for over a hundred years.
The writer appears in each, variously; as observer, protagonist or simply a listener. He recounts each tale with no presumption of the background to each nor any knowledge of their conclusion: This being the essential aspect of happenstance on a railway station. The effort is to engage the reader to draw their own inferences and make up a premise, drawing from their own experience or knowledge of the human condition.
To ones that have had the dubious fortune of having travelled the trains of Mumbai, the stories easily relate to their personal observations and compels them to ponder. For readers who have not, the stories endeavours to kindle their intrigue and reflect upon each.
Yet, the station, its trains and its travellers are not the only layers that the writer has described. The stories are a short discourse on societal conditions, human nature and life in general
It is indeed a very engrossing book with real life happenings in the day to day events at Kurla station.
I being one of the regular travellers by local trains in my initial days in Mumbai in late 80s, I could connect with these incidents instantly.
Must say that the author not only has keen observation skills but also his compassion for people around is laudable.
I’m especially moved with the author’s early morning tryst with the mentally disturbed man by offering tea and pav daily.
The narration of other incidents like a young Sardar protecting a drunkard from a ruffian and a young stylish boy requesting fellow traveler not to throw plastic into the Vashi creek etc. depicts the sensitivity of the young generation towards fellow human beings and environment, just incredibly captured.
I read the book in one go! Really interesting!!!
After a long time I could read a book that is so relatable. It was like reliving my own experiences and insights during my train journeys down the years. Enjoyed every bit of it.
These are stories about people one meets fleetingly on railway station, among others. The writing has a very old world charm, both content and writing style wise. Made me so nostalgic for all the long distance train travels in 2nd class that we did as kids. People we met briefly had stories, there were moments, and then everyone goes their own way...but some encounters leave a lasting impact, not necessarily earthshaking...but even the small ones that one associates with that person in that train journey. Some of the stories in this collection are very poignant, specially the Happiest man on Platform 7 and three friends and one. Well done, Debashis, I hope you will continue to write. Special mention on the cover: very good artwork by Ashy and very apt.
Heartwarming
An extremely satisfying read. The writing is so lucid and vivid, you step right into the story. When you’ve had enough of thrillers and romance, such heartwarming stories of human interest are just the thing that you need. Looking forward to more.