Edited by the distinguished Sushminder Jeet Kaur, Contemporary Global Fiction stands as a luminous collection of stories that traverse borders, cultures, and human experiences. It is not merely a book to be reviewed in passing but rather a work deserving of in-depth critical analysis, for within its pages lies an intricate mosaic of narratives that demand thoughtful engagement. Nevertheless, as I immersed myself in its diverse tales, I jotted down impressions that I felt compelled to share.
True to its title, the anthology brings together voices from across India and beyond, offering readers a kaleidoscopic glimpse into contemporary fiction on a global scale. The editor, Sushminder Jeet Kaur, is a well-regarded figure in literary circles, both in India and internationally. Her stature is evident in the frequent invitations she receives as a panellist, and paper presenter at esteemed literary gatherings. She has been invited to poetic conclaves as well as FOSWAL, Toshali and many other conferences. She has translated many books into English.
Compiling sixty stories from as many writers into a single volume is no ordinary feat. Having once undertaken the task of curating an anthology myself—first, a collection of twenty-one immigrant writers and, later, an anthology of thirty-one stories by seven Punjabi immigrant writers—I can fully appreciate the immense dedication, patience, and editorial precision required for such an endeavour. The careful selection, refinement, and sequencing of these stories reflect the editor’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Many of the contributors are academicians, teaching English literature at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Unsurprisingly, their narratives exude a literary finesse, infused with poetic depth and evocative imagery. A few lines from the book linger in my mind, resonating with profound emotional weight:
- "I was not even a chapter in his book, and he was my whole book." (Untitled by Mishika Kapoor 'Runjhum')
- "Days were much darker than nights for this family." (A Mother's Treasure Chest by Avnoor Makhu)
- "The dust storm was not only in the sky but in the life of a poor family." (Aasha by Rajesh Dhotre)
These stories explore a vast spectrum of human struggles—migration and cultural alienation, racial discrimination, poverty, raising a special-needs child, familial apathy, sexual abuse within trusted circles, casteism, gender hypocrisy, medical malpractice, the psychological trauma of rape survivors, and the redemptive power of self-confidence. Among them, a science fiction piece on human cloning adds a novel dimension, while another delves into the eerie realm of the supernatural.
Characterisation remains one of the book’s strongest assets. Some figures are etched so deeply into the reader’s consciousness that they linger long after the final page is turned. Amitu(Amitu by Bikash Mepo) is one such unforgettable character. Similarly, Riz, the hotel receptionist in Intimation Slip by Dr. Namrta Pathania, may seem a minor presence, yet his interaction with a guest elevates him to the stature of a protagonist. The enigmatic lady customer in the same story leaves an equally lasting impression. Others—Nazima (The Rain by Dr. Sadaf Fareed), Davina (Davina by Achingliu Kamei), Mr. Anand (Bonds of Blood by Seema Jain), Samhita (Identity by Prof. Sangita Tanaji Ghodke), and Aasha (Aasha by Rajesh Dhotre)—are masterfully crafted, embodying the complexities of human nature.
Several stories stand out for their poignant themes and powerful execution. May, the Month of May, Labyrinth of Darkness, Hunger, Daughter, A Mother's Treasure Chest, and Humanity are deeply moving narratives. Transformation by Prof. Y. C. Sood, with its profound message, holds cinematic potential—it could be transformed into a compelling short film with the right screenplay. Cheater by Shova Bajpai sensitively explores the intricate bonds between teachers and students, while You by Dr Sachidananda Panda portrays a fleeting yet transformative friendship between two female travellers.
Other noteworthy stories included Ashray: The Refugee by Someeta Das, which follows a woman drawn to the solace of an ashram, where abandoned women find solace and a new lease on life. Listen Carefully: A Love Story masterfully delves into the psyche of a rape survivor, rendering her emotional turmoil with poetic subtlety. Daughter (Dr R. Karthika Devi) paints the heart-wrenching struggles of lower-middle-class parents striving to fulfil traditional gift-giving customs for their newlywed daughter, only to be met with a beautiful reversal of roles—where the daughter and son-in-law, embracing modern values, choose to honour her parents instead. Journey (Harmanjot Kaur) highlights the deep-seated preference for male education in certain orthodox families, while Is Our Life Scripted? by Rohit Singh Rana unveils a heartrending tragedy. The suspenseful Mephisto (Geetakshi)grips readers with its unpredictable twists, ensuring they remain riveted until the very end.
A special mention must be made of the foreword by Bhaswati Ghosh, whose discerning eye and insightful commentary enrich the reading experience. She has meticulously engaged with the text before offering her reflections, lending an added layer of depth to the anthology.
The editor, Sushminder Jeet Kaur, deserves immense credit for not only curating an anthology that features established literary voices but also for providing a platform to budding writers. This inclusivity is commendable, particularly for young authors still in their formative years—it serves as an encouragement, a literary validation that will undoubtedly inspire them to pursue their craft with renewed passion.
Published by Penprints, Kolkata, 'Contemporary Global Fiction' is available on Amazon and other platforms. This book is more than a collection of stories—it is a testament to the shared human experience, a celebration of diverse voices, and a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, generations, and emotions.
