Book: Thanda Gosht

Author: Saadat Hasan Manto

Publication: Anmol Sahitya

Price: Rs. 300

Pages: 199

Plot: This is a collection of 19 short stories written by Saadat Hasan Manto. Some of the stories are set during the time of partition. Manto is known for writing about societal norms, sex, and state of people during partition boldly and openly. It was reading after these short stories that I could understand why the author was so controversial and why some of his stories were banned. I understood that people are right when they say that Saadat Hasan Manto was ahead of his time.

He was an Indian Film screenwriter who lived in Bombay. Some of his stories revolve around this phase of his life. Though he was known writer before independence it was during partition when controversies surrounded him.  

In this book, there are some stories which will give you goosebumps, some which you might not find so powerful, but still, I can say that all of his stories will linger in your mind for a long time. He was audacious enough to write about things which society didn’t want to talk about. Be it about women drinking and enjoying their life or people who are comfortable with sex and also those who are not. His stories show that face of the society which society does not want to show.

There are many stories in which he was also the part of the story, these are the stories from his life. But he has not passed any judgment on any of the situation and the character and has tried his best to put forward other characters and their thoughts.

The stories are short, straight to the point, and stirring. His style of writing is engaging and what I like the most is that he has remained so neutral while telling stories.

My Views: I won’t say that I loved reading this book, because no, this book has the power to make you feel uncomfortable. We are bound in the societal norms to the extent that we don’t even dare to think beyond them. Munto’s stories showed me that though I say I am free to think but still how my thoughts are constrained.

We always think about right and wrong, morally correct and incorrect, but never about the things which are in between these right and wrong. His stories showed me how unknowingly I can get scathing sometimes. His bold and yet comfortable in his own way of writing told me how uncomfortable I was while reading a few things. His stories were like a mirror to me, and no it was not enjoyable but I know it was much needed.

What I loved was, that his writing style is captivating and impactful.

Overall I would say, that this book changed my perspective in many ways and made me little less judgmental and more conscious about my thoughts.

Recommendations: I think everyone should read Manto’s stories at least once. Especially if you are looking forward to reading Hindi books and stories around the time of partition. No one can ever regret reading Manto’s books.

Ratings: 4/5

If you want to read more books in Hindi, here is my review of another Hindi book. Give it a read.

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Tangled Tourista is an online diary, which is about travel, food and books. Here you will read about book reviews and suggestions, tested travelling tips and about new cafes and restaurants around and their reviews.