What do you think?
Rate this book
Flavors of India
Flavors of India is a collection of fifteen short stories bringing in the wide variety that the country is known for. The authors have inked in different perspectives and the hidden practices of the various parts of the country. India still continues to puzzle the visitors with its unexplored terrains, however the stories in this collection have attempted to uncover the blanket a little bit and let you peep in. You will notice how several parts of the country are still lurking in the dark—superstitions, child education, poverty, women safety, child marriages, dowry practices, political turmoil, communal riots, terrorism are some problems that the country faces. So is the Incredible India really incredible?
214 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2016
About the author
Shikha Kaul
13 books183 followersShikha Kaul, an author and a screenwriter, has five published books to her credit.
Her book series ‘True Stories That Roar’ brings breathtaking real-life human stories from across India, encapsulating the lives of personalities who dared to stand by what they believed in. The series features six titles, the first of which 'Sarvjeet – A Trial For Life' has already been released.
She has contributed as an author to two published anthologies and has also written a short story titled 'That Itch', which is available on Juggernaut.
The screen adaptation rights of her four books have been acquired by leading film production houses of India.
‘Ring Mili Kya’, a short film written by her, is a JioHotstar original.
She is the writer of the featurette 'Bedhab' and the short films - ‘Dum Dum Dumroo’ and 'Lunch Stories' - all streaming across multiple platforms.
A post graduate in HR, Shikha worked in the telecom industry for more than twelve years, heading the staffing division. It was her love and passion for writing that made her quit her job in 2016 to devote her absolute focus on her career in writing.
She was introduced to the world of literature in 2015 via her debut novel, Hidden Husband. From there began a journey of a pen that knows no rest and is passionate to bring life to beautiful stories one after the other.
Her book series ‘True Stories That Roar’ brings breathtaking real-life human stories from across India, encapsulating the lives of personalities who dared to stand by what they believed in. The series features six titles, the first of which 'Sarvjeet – A Trial For Life' has already been released.
She has contributed as an author to two published anthologies and has also written a short story titled 'That Itch', which is available on Juggernaut.
The screen adaptation rights of her four books have been acquired by leading film production houses of India.
‘Ring Mili Kya’, a short film written by her, is a JioHotstar original.
She is the writer of the featurette 'Bedhab' and the short films - ‘Dum Dum Dumroo’ and 'Lunch Stories' - all streaming across multiple platforms.
A post graduate in HR, Shikha worked in the telecom industry for more than twelve years, heading the staffing division. It was her love and passion for writing that made her quit her job in 2016 to devote her absolute focus on her career in writing.
She was introduced to the world of literature in 2015 via her debut novel, Hidden Husband. From there began a journey of a pen that knows no rest and is passionate to bring life to beautiful stories one after the other.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2016
Flavours of India by Pulkit Gupta is a collection of sixteen short stories bringing in the wide variety that the country is known for. The authors have inked in different perspectives and the hidden practices of the various parts of the country. India still continues to puzzle the visitors with its unexplored terrains, however the stories in this collection have attempted to uncover the blanket a little bit and let you peep in. You will notice how several parts of the country are still lurking in the dark-superstitions, child education, poverty, women safety, child marriages, dowry practices, political turmoil, communal riots, terrorism are some problems that the country faces. So is the Incredible India really incredible?
51IM4bnMfHL.jpg
The stories are beautifully woven and all have highlighted a certain place and its environment. The authors have used their styles and techniques of writing starting from stream of consciousness to flashbacks to descriptive techniques. The cover of the book is colourful and fantastic with a picture of Taj Mahal that talks about a story set up in Agra. The title of the book is mind blowing and it clearly satisfies the purpose of making up this anthology.
Land of SPices by NIdhi Parikh is a beautiful poem that has all the elements of poetry including similes, metaphors and has a wonderful literal meaning.
Zaffron by Abhishek ‘Atul’ takes me back to my own visit to KAshmir. The descriptions are well written and the story of Kashmiri Pandits and the others is heart warming and the way Zaffron name is used takes away the hearts of the readers.
When Avarice Strikes by Mangala gives us a fowl picture of child marriage, domestic violence in a small Tamil village. The traditions are main focus and the way they are ruthlessly followed is being delineated and the readers end up in tears after reading this tale.
The Way We See by Shikha KAul elucidates a story about a journalist and a man. The story is all about different perspectives towards life and it stores a deeper message in the end.
A Pious Endearment by KInshuk Gupta’Vitaan’ takes us to the city of dreams, Mumbai and we come across two people who are made for each other and destiny plays all the games to bring them together.
A Ray of Hope by Himanshi ‘Nandi’ is a story of Asha and her struggle. The way she changes her life by helping people and the return gift she gets is miraculous.
A Spicy Kerala Honeymoon by Durgesh Shastri is an erotic tale of a couple who come on a honeymoon. They are poles apart and when they come across each other they began to love and respect each other more.
The Gujju Gyan by Rachna Sheth takes to the Gujju environment and we can best relate to the most loved show ‘Tarak MEhta ka OOlta CHashma’. The story of dreams, fun and the way the author has written that poem is marvalous.
The Accursed Land by Siddharth Jain is a typical domestic story that focusses on Anirudh and his dreams.
Baisakhi by Mehek Bassi takes us to the land of five rivers, Punjab and crafts her story in Ludhiana where a teenage punjabi boy tries hard to make a dead car work. He is diabled and the way he takes initiatives is really motivating.
Eroding Shackles by Kumar Vikrant is a story that elucidates different set of people with some dreams in their eyes and they meet at a same place where destiny takes us to main characters Rashmi and Karan.
THe Harvest Moon by Mangala again talks about the lives of the Tamils and the way things take place.
Roots by Harshita Shrivastav is a motivating story where a girl names Aisha finds the reason of her living when she meets Dushyant, a 4th class outcaste student.
At JOurney’s End by Soumyadeep Koley gives us a tragic picture of Kolkata where a mother has to prove her child her innocence and the then the tables turn on a more tragic end.
Love in a Sea SHell by SUpriya Parulkar is a mind blowing saga of two individuals and the way the story is delineated is appreciable.
51IM4bnMfHL.jpg
The stories are beautifully woven and all have highlighted a certain place and its environment. The authors have used their styles and techniques of writing starting from stream of consciousness to flashbacks to descriptive techniques. The cover of the book is colourful and fantastic with a picture of Taj Mahal that talks about a story set up in Agra. The title of the book is mind blowing and it clearly satisfies the purpose of making up this anthology.
Land of SPices by NIdhi Parikh is a beautiful poem that has all the elements of poetry including similes, metaphors and has a wonderful literal meaning.
Zaffron by Abhishek ‘Atul’ takes me back to my own visit to KAshmir. The descriptions are well written and the story of Kashmiri Pandits and the others is heart warming and the way Zaffron name is used takes away the hearts of the readers.
When Avarice Strikes by Mangala gives us a fowl picture of child marriage, domestic violence in a small Tamil village. The traditions are main focus and the way they are ruthlessly followed is being delineated and the readers end up in tears after reading this tale.
The Way We See by Shikha KAul elucidates a story about a journalist and a man. The story is all about different perspectives towards life and it stores a deeper message in the end.
A Pious Endearment by KInshuk Gupta’Vitaan’ takes us to the city of dreams, Mumbai and we come across two people who are made for each other and destiny plays all the games to bring them together.
A Ray of Hope by Himanshi ‘Nandi’ is a story of Asha and her struggle. The way she changes her life by helping people and the return gift she gets is miraculous.
A Spicy Kerala Honeymoon by Durgesh Shastri is an erotic tale of a couple who come on a honeymoon. They are poles apart and when they come across each other they began to love and respect each other more.
The Gujju Gyan by Rachna Sheth takes to the Gujju environment and we can best relate to the most loved show ‘Tarak MEhta ka OOlta CHashma’. The story of dreams, fun and the way the author has written that poem is marvalous.
The Accursed Land by Siddharth Jain is a typical domestic story that focusses on Anirudh and his dreams.
Baisakhi by Mehek Bassi takes us to the land of five rivers, Punjab and crafts her story in Ludhiana where a teenage punjabi boy tries hard to make a dead car work. He is diabled and the way he takes initiatives is really motivating.
Eroding Shackles by Kumar Vikrant is a story that elucidates different set of people with some dreams in their eyes and they meet at a same place where destiny takes us to main characters Rashmi and Karan.
THe Harvest Moon by Mangala again talks about the lives of the Tamils and the way things take place.
Roots by Harshita Shrivastav is a motivating story where a girl names Aisha finds the reason of her living when she meets Dushyant, a 4th class outcaste student.
At JOurney’s End by Soumyadeep Koley gives us a tragic picture of Kolkata where a mother has to prove her child her innocence and the then the tables turn on a more tragic end.
Love in a Sea SHell by SUpriya Parulkar is a mind blowing saga of two individuals and the way the story is delineated is appreciable.
October 16, 2016
Land of Spices by Nidhi Parikh: It’s a beautiful poem on the spices and ever state these spices come from are covered. Something different yet tough, & something new.Zaffran by Abhishek ‘ Atul’: One of the best reads, a story from Kashmir about a person who lost his dad in cross firing and what goes in his mind is the story all about.When Avarice Strikes by Mangla: This story is set in Tamil Nadu where when a girl child is born and she is destined to marry her Maternal uncle.A nice read though.The way we see by Shikha Kaul: The story is about a media reporter from Delhi, who is all set to find her new story, will she get or she is a part of the story, Who knows?A Pious Endearment by Kinshuk Gupta ‘Vitaan’: This story is set in my City Mumbai, where many youngsters come with a dream of entering into Bollywood and only a few make it, this is the journey of Azeem & Shruti.A Ray Of Hope by Himanshi ‘Nandi’: A story set in Uttarakhand and a story about a person who feels has no one in life but has many.A Spicy ‘Kerala’ Honeymoon by Durgesh Shastri: The story is set in my birth town Kerala where a guy goes for his honeymoon and he wanted his dreams to come true. That happens or not only the story will tell.The Gujju Gyan by Rachna Seth: As the title suggest, the story is set in the Gujarat & A gal has her project on Navratri, So she ends up visiting Gujrat and it covers her entire journey. I Liked it.The Accursed Land by Siddharth Jain: I was pretty much confused to understand what the story is all about, it’s about a land where a curse followedBaisakhi by Mehek Bassi:As the title suggest, the story is set in Punjab about a boy whose dream is to bring his grandfather’s car in workable conditions.Eroding Shackles by Kumar Vikrant: The story is set in UP & has 4 characters and during the season of Holi and in short conveys what actually happens in UP.The Harvest Moon by Mangala: Again a story that left me confused, a story that set at Tamil Nadu about a girl who is been married off to someone double his age and parents who don’t care.Roots by Harshita Srivastava: The story is about a girl who suffers a heartbreak and off she goes to her Bua’s pace off to Rajasthan and there she finds her inner calling, a nice read.At Journey’s End by Soumyadeep Koley: I loved this story, a story about a mother accused of the murder of her husband, what actually happened that day, find that in the chapter.Love in a Sea Shell by Supriya Parulekar: The Story is set in Maharashtra where the story has Saas- Bahu Drama, a love story in short a complete entertainment.
I have read all short stories by Gargi Publishers but this just seemed ok, as it only had 3 stories that piqued my interest won’t say others was just ok ok read.
I have read all short stories by Gargi Publishers but this just seemed ok, as it only had 3 stories that piqued my interest won’t say others was just ok ok read.
Read
November 19, 2016The book cover and the title of Flavours of India are apt and attractive, and they truly reflect the essence of the book. Flavours of India is a collection of 15 short stories (Gargi Publishers) by different published authors and it covers different cultures of India.
The book starts with "Land of Spices" by Nidhi Parikh, a creative poem on spices of India. Talking about short stories, every story offers different aspects/shades of Indian culture. But, I have my own favourites, and I am going to talk about them.
This book opens with 'Zaffran' by Abhishek Atul - a very thoughtful story. It tells the story of Zaffran, a Kashmiri tour guide. USP of this story is its unpredictability.
I loved 'Roots' by Harshita Srivastava that talks about child education in a beautiful manner. The flow of this inspiring story is very smooth. Aisha - Arjun (the protagonists) chemistry was endearing! The author crafted it really well.
'A Ray of Hope' by Himanshi Nandi - it brings a touching story from Uttarakhand. This story is about 'teacher-student' bond that I found really sweet.
'A Spicy Kerela Honeymoon' by Durgesh Shashtri - a love story, describes the beauty of arranged marriage, and it describes beautifully! The author opens the story smartly that piques curiosity. Although, the end of the story was a tad disappointing as I was expecting something striking, the story flows well and I enjoyed reading this story.
'Love in a Sea-Shell' by Supriya Parulekar is a touching family drama with a touch of romance. I really liked the imagery the author has created. I thought some unnecessary descriptions affected the flow. But, it ends on a positive note and I liked that.
I liked reading 'The Way We See' by Shikha Kaul. It is a nicely crafted story that talks about kindness, but I found it a little unrealistic.
Also, the theme of 'The Accursed Land' by Siddharth created intrigue. I was waiting for an unconventional/striking end but I was disappointed as it ends without any solid message that was required for this theme. Also, I found some editing glitches in this story.
Overall, for me, it was a nice, thoughtful read. If you enjoy reading short stories, go for this collection.
The book starts with "Land of Spices" by Nidhi Parikh, a creative poem on spices of India. Talking about short stories, every story offers different aspects/shades of Indian culture. But, I have my own favourites, and I am going to talk about them.
This book opens with 'Zaffran' by Abhishek Atul - a very thoughtful story. It tells the story of Zaffran, a Kashmiri tour guide. USP of this story is its unpredictability.
I loved 'Roots' by Harshita Srivastava that talks about child education in a beautiful manner. The flow of this inspiring story is very smooth. Aisha - Arjun (the protagonists) chemistry was endearing! The author crafted it really well.
'A Ray of Hope' by Himanshi Nandi - it brings a touching story from Uttarakhand. This story is about 'teacher-student' bond that I found really sweet.
'A Spicy Kerela Honeymoon' by Durgesh Shashtri - a love story, describes the beauty of arranged marriage, and it describes beautifully! The author opens the story smartly that piques curiosity. Although, the end of the story was a tad disappointing as I was expecting something striking, the story flows well and I enjoyed reading this story.
'Love in a Sea-Shell' by Supriya Parulekar is a touching family drama with a touch of romance. I really liked the imagery the author has created. I thought some unnecessary descriptions affected the flow. But, it ends on a positive note and I liked that.
I liked reading 'The Way We See' by Shikha Kaul. It is a nicely crafted story that talks about kindness, but I found it a little unrealistic.
Also, the theme of 'The Accursed Land' by Siddharth created intrigue. I was waiting for an unconventional/striking end but I was disappointed as it ends without any solid message that was required for this theme. Also, I found some editing glitches in this story.
Overall, for me, it was a nice, thoughtful read. If you enjoy reading short stories, go for this collection.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews