Rashmi Bansal debuts into the world of fiction writing with Saturday Stories, a collection of 35 short stories. Covid-19 and its impact on our lives is the underlying theme behind these stories. A few years back, I found inspiration in Bansal’s “Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.” Regrettably, Saturday Stories failed to captivate me and left me wanting for more.
The stories are drawn from everyday life, a few inspired by real-life events, depicting how the invisible virus brought the world to a standstill. Bansal explores not just the dread and despondency, but also human resilience and the desire to survive in the face of all adversities.
Every story has a QR code, and I found this to be an interesting concept. On scanning the code, the readers get to hear the author’s journey, the inspiration behind the stories, etc.
However, I didn’t enjoy this book because of many reasons.
I don’t mind the usage of vernacular language as long as it is tastefully done and enhances the narration. However, in this case, the excessive use of Hindi was vexing. Nearly every story incorporates Hindi words, often without adding value. ‘Main Shayar toh Nahin’ is a story in verse format, in Hindi.
Most stories conclude with a twist, but unfortunately, are often predictable or contrived. Thus leaving the readers dissatisfied.
There is nothing refreshing about this collection. The theme of COVID-19, stories of struggle, finding love online, or celebrating birthdays over the net… it’s all done and dusted. Publishing this collection two years ago might have made it more relevant.
Concluding the collection are six stories penned by Bansal’s students. These stories stand out brilliantly amidst an otherwise lackluster collection.
Saturday Stories is a onetime read, and I finished it in a few hours. Pick it up if you are looking for a leisurely read.
Wordsopedia Rating 2.25/5
| Title: Saturday Stories | Author: Rashmi Bansal |
| Publisher: HarperCollins India | Publication date: 14 September 2023 |
| Genre: Fiction—Contemporary Romance | Format: Paperback |
| ISBN: 9789356993075 | No. of Pages: 176 |
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About the author
Rashmi Bansal is a writer, entrepreneur, and a motivational speaker. An author of 10 bestselling books on entrepreneurship, which have sold over 1.2 million copies. Rashmi is the # 1 business books author in India.
Get in touch with the author on her website.
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