Short stories are something I love to read. They provide a refreshing break from the full length novels, and mostly hold my interest in its length and plot. A few short story books of late haven’t quite lived up to expectation, and I was hoping that one comes along that keeps me glued to it.
The book Final Cut by Uday Gupt did manage to do that. It has six short stories and a novella. I think the first thing that appeals to the reader in the book is the cover, which I felt was very nicely designed. The second is that all are set in India at various time frames, which give the stories a breath of their own.
“Hodson’s Gold” explores the key to a treasure, hidden by a British officer during his time. “Friends” explores the friendship between two unlikely people with completely different mindsets and backgrounds. In “It Only Happens in India” a Pulitzer winner comes to India to do a story. “Will Reena”, the sole novella, explores the story of Sukumar and Reena. “Buddha Poornima” is a story set in the 1st century, and is based on the customs before the festival. “The Last Supper” brings out the story of two British officers, who are part of a painting, and who have committed suicide. “Final Cut” brings out the story of the final trick of a magician.
Does each story have the capacity to hold my interest as a reader and offer a twist, or something to make me go wow? I feel so. The writing style in itself is different and enjoyable, though with respect to the first story Hodson’s Gold, I felt the way the initial details were given about Hodson and his quirks and actions made the read a tad boring, like a history book. The plot however was different, and the ending made me sit up and take notice, even laugh out loud in awe. The language is simple, and I couldn’t find any major editing issues. It entertains and engages me as a reader. And that in the end, makes it a very successful book.
In A Gist:
Positives: Cover design, characters, plots, entertainment factor
Negatives: Some parts are boring
About the author:
Uday Gupt currently works for one of the largest banks in the Middle East, in Abu Dhabi. He has been a regular contributor of opinion pieces on economic issues to newspapers and publications. This is his first collection of fiction
Rating: 4/5
Book Details:
Title: The Final Cut
Author: Uday Gupt
Genre: Short Stories
ISBN/ASIN: 9789382473657
Publisher: Leadstart Corp
Price: INR. 195
This was a PR requested review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and remain unbiased and uninfluenced.
Shared with
1) First Reads Challenge at b00k r3vi3ws
2) Indian Quills 2014 at Tales Pensieve.
Reviewed by Leo
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