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The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories
A collection of short stories by the author of The Great Indian Novel reveals a strong sense of language and narrative development and deals with such subjects as the traumas of youth, deceit, death, and more.
175 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 1993
60 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Shashi Tharoor
77 books3,069 followersShashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 29, 2013
Shashi Tharoor continues to fascinate me as an author. He had it in him right from his college days. The stories are fascinating and one can relate to some of them. He certainly knows how to narrate and keep the reader captivated. I am sure the audience would be equally captivated if the play is performed on stage.
January 21, 2013
Penned by Mr. Tharoor between the age of 15-22, the short stories are the reflections that constitute a young adult's, evidently highly impressionable world view, those that shape his social, sexual, political, familial and scholastical sensibilities. The stories are typical magazine entertainers and have been previously, albeit individually published in magazines, tabloids, and journals all over the world.
Hence, predictably and rightfully so, the fourteen short stories are laced with a moderate dose of idealism, (melo)drama and youthful ardor although the writing undeniably hint at a remarkable flair for Tharoor's astute observation and early genius.
What amused me to no end were the introductions Mr. Shashi Tharoor penned for each story, (which he did in '90 before the book was first published, well into adulthood) and uses them also as an issue of repeated disclaimers for some of the stories he describes and uses terms as "wholly fictional", "almost embarrassing", "callowness", "unnecessarily precious" and "18-year-old-effrontery".
The juxtaposition of his adolescent sensibilities with his worldly wisdom clicks brilliantly and are in some instances more entertaining than the stories by themselves.
Two notable stories from the collection are 'Friends' - for not just because it oozes an instant relatability with the college camaraderie that most of us have experienced but for it's many half-witted puns that squeezes the laughter out of you. Also for Mr. Tharoor's attention to detail in usage of certain terms that reek of Stephenian Smug-ness ("Residence" not hostel, "Cafeteria" not canteen, et al)
'Solitude of the Short Story Writer' - is admittedly his most successful story, having been published thrice in major publications nationally and internationally. Sophisticated and clever in narrative and can be easily credited with creating some memorable characters, the story is also liberally sprinkled with suitable alliterative titles that accounts for a must read.
As for the 'Farce' in two acts, it is mediocre and full of allegories that atleast I, failed to figure and place correctly.
November 6, 2015
Finally I got myself into reading a short stories collection after a really long time and it was a lovely break from books where each chapter goes on endlessly. I have always wanted to read one of Tharoor's books, to see if his writing style and sensibilities is something I like. I was not disappointed although I took some time to arrive at this conclusion. Some of the stories were a bit too juvenile to my taste, which is to be expected out of this book as many of the stories were written when Tharoor was anywhere between 15yrs to 22yrs old. He also mentioned the same as a note before each story which is nice.
The theme behind each story was different and unique and it clearly showcases the author's passion to experiment with different life situations. I feel stories where the theme is social satire or bordering on the same is where he excels. I thoroughly enjoyed the last short story called The Life of a Dog : A Farce in Two Acts was hilarious set in the backdrop of the Emergency period in India in 1975 during Indira Gandhi's rule. The idea is very unique and crazy and I loved it!
I am looking forward to reading many more of his books.
The theme behind each story was different and unique and it clearly showcases the author's passion to experiment with different life situations. I feel stories where the theme is social satire or bordering on the same is where he excels. I thoroughly enjoyed the last short story called The Life of a Dog : A Farce in Two Acts was hilarious set in the backdrop of the Emergency period in India in 1975 during Indira Gandhi's rule. The idea is very unique and crazy and I loved it!
I am looking forward to reading many more of his books.
July 25, 2011
This is a collection of Shashi Tharoor's early works.. really early :) It has 14 stories and a two act play. While they are not of the fantastic quality of say, The Great Indian novel, it definitely shows the class of the author, who even during school and college days, displayed an affection for words, and humour.
Each story is preceded by a note from the author that explains the context, and the mood. This adds great value to the reading.
The stories range from semi autobiographical to takes on the social, cultural and economic milieu prevalent at the time the story was set, and pure fiction. Some of them are also unique perspectives on commonplace occurrences. A lot of stories reflect the 'Indian middle class' values and mindset, and I could identify with that a lot. A lot of the wit is pun driven, so if you're a wordsmith you'll like it. :)
The play is a wonderful humorous metaphor on the Emergency.
In essence, a decent read.
Each story is preceded by a note from the author that explains the context, and the mood. This adds great value to the reading.
The stories range from semi autobiographical to takes on the social, cultural and economic milieu prevalent at the time the story was set, and pure fiction. Some of them are also unique perspectives on commonplace occurrences. A lot of stories reflect the 'Indian middle class' values and mindset, and I could identify with that a lot. A lot of the wit is pun driven, so if you're a wordsmith you'll like it. :)
The play is a wonderful humorous metaphor on the Emergency.
In essence, a decent read.
December 27, 2015
I was a bit worried when the author referred to these stories as adolescent works in the preface.
They are not quite as bad as that, but they are far from the quality of his novels. Here and there a keen insight shines through, and a concern for a changing India is evident in just about every story.
I found that 1974 seems to be when Tharoor hit his stride. The stories earlier than that (probably 2/3 of the ones in this collection) are a bit awkward and amateurish, but the ones after that tend to be pretty decent.
The one that stands out the most is "The Solitude of the Short-Story Writer", the only story in the collection that seems to shake India off and take place in any Westernized society. There is an attempt to examine the craft of writing, and what drives writers. Tharoor may have been too green at the time to answer these questions, but the asking of them is handled pretty well.
They are not quite as bad as that, but they are far from the quality of his novels. Here and there a keen insight shines through, and a concern for a changing India is evident in just about every story.
I found that 1974 seems to be when Tharoor hit his stride. The stories earlier than that (probably 2/3 of the ones in this collection) are a bit awkward and amateurish, but the ones after that tend to be pretty decent.
The one that stands out the most is "The Solitude of the Short-Story Writer", the only story in the collection that seems to shake India off and take place in any Westernized society. There is an attempt to examine the craft of writing, and what drives writers. Tharoor may have been too green at the time to answer these questions, but the asking of them is handled pretty well.
July 13, 2018
An outpouring expression of Juvenile impressions of the world around him , is all that I can say about this collection of short stories by Tharoor . Now , the English is good , so the average connoisseur will find this a pleasant , if not very bright writing . I found some of his stories misogynistic, particularly "Auntie Rita " and "The Simple Man " which is basically just an English translation of those Hindi softporn that was once all the "secret rage " you used to popularly find in railway bookstalls and the like ! Other stories too , most of this collection is misogynistic and definitely depicts uncontrollable lust in the male protagonist . None of the stories here are actually worth reading !!! Just Juvenile Outpouring of Lust !!!!
December 28, 2017
You can either love him or hate him, but you can't ignore him!
I find him one of the most read, under-appreciated and over-hated man ever. I am not sure if that's the reason, this little book of treasured stories has never been able to garner much interest of people. The 14 short stories are the most lovely take on the lives of people from all runs of life. This could only have been possible from a very observant and intelligent person, none other than Shashi Tharoor. And then, the theatrical farce at the end is like a dessert that one can't get enough of.
So, don't ignore this book. Do read a copy and in the end, even if you hate Tharoor, you will love the book!
I find him one of the most read, under-appreciated and over-hated man ever. I am not sure if that's the reason, this little book of treasured stories has never been able to garner much interest of people. The 14 short stories are the most lovely take on the lives of people from all runs of life. This could only have been possible from a very observant and intelligent person, none other than Shashi Tharoor. And then, the theatrical farce at the end is like a dessert that one can't get enough of.
So, don't ignore this book. Do read a copy and in the end, even if you hate Tharoor, you will love the book!
September 27, 2017
Good only if one considers the context that Tharoor wrote this when he was a boy. Otherwise, below average.
January 2, 2020
The book is a pleasure to read. I typically do not like short stories. They end too soon...not enough time to build characters, plots etc... But this one was different. Given he wrote all the stories at a young age shows his acute sense of observation and building an atmosphere that takes you to the very location where the story is based. Be it the village house in 'The death of a schoolmaster' or the 'Village Girl'...it all seems like you were there when it happened. Like you just saw what happened and not read what was written a long time back by a young author.
The only one I did not like much was the play. Maybe as he mentions in the foreward, I just couldn't relate to it.
The only one I did not like much was the play. Maybe as he mentions in the foreward, I just couldn't relate to it.
June 1, 2024
As usual, a very well-written book by the master.
His ability to humanise the dog is just amazing. His writing style of romanticising the mundane, which he did in his teenage years, is just superb 🙈
His ability to humanise the dog is just amazing. His writing style of romanticising the mundane, which he did in his teenage years, is just superb 🙈
January 8, 2018
The Five Dollar Smile and others short stories is fascinating, touching, funny and simple well written book. Joseph in Five dollar smile a well depicted sensitive side of the child. Ngo's like Help and other n no now in India do charity but what Joseph expected(love and respect) Charity said by wise man Real charity is do not let your left hand know what your right hand is donating, it's not about pity it's about love and respect. Now it's showbusiness for raising fund. Author has raised many alarming issues of childhood through this short story. The Boutique is about the appearance matters -the desire to be updated with brand consciousness. How Bobby ChatterjeeTurned to Drink ,Aunt Rita ,Friend,The Pyre, The Political murder, The Village Girl and The Professor's daughter,The Death of a School master (Achan and Amma) profoundly entertaining sensitive and no topic is left untouched - romance,problem related to youth emotions, experiences,murder,death,lust and social evils ,individuals freedom to choose their own actions and relationships .The solitude of the short story writer is about writer's conflicted relationship. I enjoyed reading last Act 22 months in the life of Dog an excellent exceptional satire ..Professor Subramaniam's invention of Dog-Sub human and again Dog satire on Emergency and Democracy. It is my personal view author must have compared Dog (honest and free) with Democracy and a sub Human (bound to live in no freedom) with Emergency .Professor's views on politicians and population ,nepotism and the debate between Kutta and Professor on democracy was grafted well on India. It is an awesome, fantastic and intelligent masterpiece book by Dr Shashi Tharoor
June 30, 2014
Linguistically simplistic representation of very real and eternally applicable principle that founds Indian existence.
Each story is so beautifully cliché, the ending expected, yet still somehow unexpected and one cannot be deterred from completing any of the numerous short stories. No topic is left untouched—romance, existentialism, politics, social commentary, crime—and although published in the 90s, their origins are dated to the 70s and one cannot help but become more captivated by the voice and creative imagination of a young boy penning these stories as he comes of age amidst the then and still developing India.
It is refreshing to read such effortless prose and this facilitates the poetry of each story's thematic element(s).
One may dismiss this collection as tales too much told, however the immortal essence of Indian identity so pristinely captured by Tharoor can not be denied.
Each story is so beautifully cliché, the ending expected, yet still somehow unexpected and one cannot be deterred from completing any of the numerous short stories. No topic is left untouched—romance, existentialism, politics, social commentary, crime—and although published in the 90s, their origins are dated to the 70s and one cannot help but become more captivated by the voice and creative imagination of a young boy penning these stories as he comes of age amidst the then and still developing India.
It is refreshing to read such effortless prose and this facilitates the poetry of each story's thematic element(s).
One may dismiss this collection as tales too much told, however the immortal essence of Indian identity so pristinely captured by Tharoor can not be denied.
March 17, 2016
I always wanted to read a book authored by Shashi Tharoor. I grew up reading Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, folklore and slowly graduated to Classics like David Copperfield and Romantic fiction like Mills and Boon and later to science fiction like Robin Cook.
This book is different. Intellectually stimulating. I loved the satire on society and hypocrisy in people he has so well portrayed through the stories. Reading 'The Five-Dollar Smile' gives me the freedom and flexibility to read the book at my pace. The way he narrates the stories is admirable - his literary acumen and command over the language is simply sublime.
This book is different. Intellectually stimulating. I loved the satire on society and hypocrisy in people he has so well portrayed through the stories. Reading 'The Five-Dollar Smile' gives me the freedom and flexibility to read the book at my pace. The way he narrates the stories is admirable - his literary acumen and command over the language is simply sublime.
June 22, 2018
I have been a huge fan of Shashi Tharoor's editorials in TOI and finally got to read this collection of short stories written when he was between the age of 19 - 25. Considering his literary prowess at that age, you can say that this book is a genius. But when you are awakened by the fact that it is written by the same man who stunned the English with his speech, you begin to realize that he had it in him since he was young. Some of the stories have great premises that I have never come across before..
March 10, 2015
I enjoyed reading a few of the stories in this book, while the last play appeared more of a stretch. I must concede Shashi Tharoor's literary acumen is way beyond a layman’s grasp, but the fact that he uses the word ‘prophylactically’ tad too often put me off. My favorite story amongst all was ‘The Other Man’. I liked the way every word had been articulated in this simple writing. Rest all the stories, being about average, affected me only superficially.
August 6, 2016
I have always admired Shashi Tharoor and his orating skills fascinated me, which turned to be major reason to read him. His first publication of short stories, the age and era he penned them , the sensitivity that every story was portrayed holds you captive of the central emotion and makes you admire him even as a writer.
May 17, 2018
The book is a collection of stories written by Shashi Tharoor mostly in his teens. Each story evokes a different emotion ranging from nostalgia, frustration, sympathy....and so on. There is a variation in writing styles as well as the themes that run underneath these short stories. Its a journey through an evolving teen mind.
February 12, 2015
I actually read only three stories-Auntie Rita,Village Girl and The Professor's Daughter-of which I liked The Professor's Daughter best.The description of the professor was very engaging and the story line was different.
January 16, 2013
A captivating collection of short-stories, many with excellent climax.
November 13, 2012
He wrote it when he was soo young that I must say I am impressed.Boutique nd The death of a school master (5*) hw bobby turned to drink,tmple thief(4*+hilarious)
July 5, 2014
fine collection of short stories of varying genres
August 16, 2015
Its a collection of 15 short stories, I liked 8 out of them, 5 were really good, though enjoyed reading all.
May 9, 2018
Read a real piece of literature in a long time. These stories will reveal to you how a master's mind works right from very young age.
Extremely entertaining and readable.
Extremely entertaining and readable.
September 2, 2016
Honest. Talks about everyday events, urges and emotions. What amazed me was the maturity of content coming out of a teenager. More like the courage to spit it out.
November 13, 2016
As good as PG WODEHOUSE
March 10, 2017
I probably expected too much nonetheless it's still a decent read.
January 24, 2018
Dont remember the stories anymore, been a while
June 10, 2020
The lockdown dut to COVID-19 gave us the time that we craved since eternity. You can do whatever you feel, read, write, draw, and whatever you like. Being a bibliophile, I always looked for new books to read over.
"Five Dollar Smile" by Shashi Tharoor, was suggested and given by a friend to me. The book contains 14 short stories and a farce, written by him in his years of teens and early adulthood.
The plots of the story revolved along with the places he traveled with his father like Mumbai, Calcutta, and Kerala. The story Five Dollar Smile, on which the book is named depicted the scenario of the real scenario of the orphanages of the country. The other stories, like The Boutique, a simple story, and The Political Murder, heinous crime of an influential political figure, both based on Calcutta. Stories like The Pyre was more or less a reality on Tharoor's life.
The farce "Twenty-two Months in the Life of a Dog" was based on Mikhail Bulgakov's novel Dog's Heart. The plot was based on the time of the Emergency rule, imposed by Indira Gandhi.
I loved reading this book and was fascinated by the work of Shashi Tharoor. I am eagerly waiting to read his other works.
"Five Dollar Smile" by Shashi Tharoor, was suggested and given by a friend to me. The book contains 14 short stories and a farce, written by him in his years of teens and early adulthood.
The plots of the story revolved along with the places he traveled with his father like Mumbai, Calcutta, and Kerala. The story Five Dollar Smile, on which the book is named depicted the scenario of the real scenario of the orphanages of the country. The other stories, like The Boutique, a simple story, and The Political Murder, heinous crime of an influential political figure, both based on Calcutta. Stories like The Pyre was more or less a reality on Tharoor's life.
The farce "Twenty-two Months in the Life of a Dog" was based on Mikhail Bulgakov's novel Dog's Heart. The plot was based on the time of the Emergency rule, imposed by Indira Gandhi.
I loved reading this book and was fascinated by the work of Shashi Tharoor. I am eagerly waiting to read his other works.
January 19, 2020
Hooter: Bunch of short stories Dr. Shashi Tharoor wrote during his teenage years fictionalising real life experiences he had felt - quite a few to do with coming in terms with raging hormones.
Amongst raging teenage hormones, Dr. Shashi Tharoor had written some wonderful premises for his given age and that did leave me with awe. In terms of literary delight, though it is clear a lot of this raw potential was begging to be polished. It gives you a peek into his lifestyle and thought process as it is very clear that the fictional accounts are grounded on real life experiences that he had faced and then fabricated for poetic appeal. In this edition, he also adds a small foreword before each story to explain the background to when and why it was written. This book provides you an insight into how Dr. Shashi Tharoor of today also took effort in getting where he is but I still believe he swallowed a dictionary when he was born.
Amongst raging teenage hormones, Dr. Shashi Tharoor had written some wonderful premises for his given age and that did leave me with awe. In terms of literary delight, though it is clear a lot of this raw potential was begging to be polished. It gives you a peek into his lifestyle and thought process as it is very clear that the fictional accounts are grounded on real life experiences that he had faced and then fabricated for poetic appeal. In this edition, he also adds a small foreword before each story to explain the background to when and why it was written. This book provides you an insight into how Dr. Shashi Tharoor of today also took effort in getting where he is but I still believe he swallowed a dictionary when he was born.
January 6, 2021
I wanted to start reading Shashi Tharoor and I started with his collections of short stories. Most were written while he was in college. Some are pure brilliance. All make you think. He covers a motley of topics - there is a murder investigation, a college boy’s affair with his aunt, the fascination for the boys college professor’s daughter who lives on campus, an alcoholic’s story, and couple of stories set in idyllic villages of Kerala. All have the twist in the end. This collection of short stories makes me want to read more of Tharoor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews