الإنجليزية 1431

These thirteen short stories by Narendra Kohli, one of the most prominent and best selling Hindi writers of modern times, coruscate with brilliance. These short stories have been written between 1965 and 1972 when the nascent Indian economy was grappling with basic concerns like providing a decent standard of living to the burgeoning large middle class, among others. Globalisation and technology have changed the way most of India lives. However, these short stories have a timeless appeal. They could have been written anytime, anywhere. Hunger, addiction, love, frustration, old age, withered youth, the agony of personal loss in times of war, a mind besieged with thoughts before an impending commitment...these are basic human subjects. Kohli strikes an instant chord with his effortless narrative that comes straight to the heart of the story. Kohli's explorations into the inner world packs his work with remarkable depth. He easily gets the reader engrossed in simple prose that stands out for its depth of understanding of timeless human predicaments and emotions. Narendra Kohli is widely acclaimed as the most prominent Hindi language author of modern times. His contribution to Hindi literature is often compared to the legendary writer Premchand, though critics believe his impact to be more significant and long - lasting than the latter. Kohli is the unprecedented master of exploring human relationships. His portrayal of highly complex characters covers a wide range - from householders to mental wrecks. His works also assert the timeless nature of the human mind and behaviour. In the world of literature, he occupies the same place as Leo Tolstoy.