By Jeanette Pinto
Mumbai, Oct 21, 2024: The book by Ladislaus Louis D’Souza has an impressive cover of three bald characters, a source of delight and wonder as to whether the book is all about children, and their resourceful ways in life.
Surprisingly, it contains a variety of interesting inspirational stories. These short stories range across all forms of genres, and topics of interest. They cover action, adventure, morals, surprises, and some have a touch of magic to make you smile. A couple of them are educational entwined with values and morals.
There is a flavour of Indianness with the author using Indian names and typical common words and phrases in the local language. Some of the stories are happy, some thought-provoking, a couple of them spark off an idea and inspire. In all they are interesting.
The book is well-paced, easy to read and relatable. The author is skillful in writing, introducing realistic and unique characters, with the plot of some stories having twists and turns. The characters are everyday common people, and the setting is different Indian locations. A few stories captivate the reader’s attention and imagination.
While the collection of stories is true to life as mentioned by the author, two stories struck a chord in me. The ‘Open Air Mobile Library’ (p 59), kindles within one a simple concept that can motivate a person to be creative, leading to action. Another story, titled: ‘Marrying a Defective Piece’ (p 123), is indicative of unfortunate situations common in present times, and the magnanimous attitude of the young man towards a victim of rape. This is heart-warming and much to be admired.
The book on the whole affords enjoyable simple reading.
Paperback – 169 pages; Price: Rs 599/-
ISBN: 979-8-89222-408-6
Publisher: White Falcon Publishing
Available on: Amazon (Worldwide), Flipkart
Contact: ladisdsouza@gmail.com