Maps of Bliss and Rage

by Mario Dhingsa

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SILVER AWARD WINNER, ANTHOLOGIES
- FEATHERED QUILL BOOK AWARDS 2020
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Eight achingly original, wonderfully witty and touchingly tender stories spanning the globe:
Antarctica, New Zealand, India, New York City,
Malta, Italy, Switzerland, England.
Eight countries, eight strangers, eight escapes....

'Feathered Quill' Book Review by Amy Lignor (6th September 2019):
"There are those who will state that in the world of literature at this time, the number of short story collections are far too few. Those readers are absolutely correct. And this becomes even more blatantly clear when you begin reading this particular collection filled with suspense, romance, the fantastical, the inspirational, and everything else in between.

This author has, quite literally, brought the reader along on one of the best trips through history, offering up a variety of factual moments and tales that take part in some of the most stunning areas of the world. In fact, you will not only come away from this book with a sense of longing to read it again right away, but also a yearning to go on the internet and start booking a trip to some of these locales.

This author has done an amazing job of waxing lyrical, historical, cultural and, quite frankly, beautiful."

Read the full review at: https://featheredquill.com/maps-of-bl...
Read the author's interview at: https://featheredquill.com/author-int...

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2019

About the author

Mario Dhingsa is a UK-born, Wellington-based, award-winning author, and freelance film critic.

His first published work, High Office Whispers, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion in 2018.
His first full-length work, Maps of Bliss and Rage, won the Silver Award (Anthologies) in the Feathered Quill Book Awards 2020.
His first work of children's fiction, Robot vs Dad, was a Finalist in the 2021 ScreenCraft Cinematic Short Story Competition.

Dhingsa is a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors, a former member of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, and a former committee member of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.

He is the founder and senior writer of SilverScreenBlack film reviews, available on Twitter. Between 2020 to 2024, it grew to become Asia-Pacific's most liked (English language) film review channel.

In 2024, Dhingsa was appointed as a board member of New Zealand's Film and Literature Board of Review for a three-year term.

He has appeared twice as a guest critic on the UK film podcast 'The Thriller Cabinet' (available on Apple, Spotify, and the Thriller Cabinet website); in 2024 to discuss 'The Day of the Jackal', and in 2025 to discuss 'Jaws'.

He has also presented twice at the Environmental Protection Authority's (NZ) Annual Symposium; in 2023 on 'Green Efforts in the Film Industry', and in 2025 to talk about invasive species in 'A Fish called Blunder: The Stewart Smith Story'.

Mario Dhingsa is a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors, a former member of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, and a former committee member of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.

*Replies received from:
- Rt. Hon. Helen Clark (former UN Administrator and NZ Prime Minister) on 'All Quiet on the Western Front';
- Gates McFadden (director, actress), on directing a Star Trek horror classic;
- Christopher McQuarrie (director, writer), on coping with COVID;
- Frank Oz (director), on the original ending to 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986);
- David Patrick Kelly (actor), on nunchaku training for 'Dreamscape' (1984)

*Freelance film critic for:
- Filmotomy (incl. pre-release press reviews via California and London)
- DissectionReflection (incl. pre-release press reviews via California and London)
- Femme Filmmakers Festival 2020 & 2021
- Press Review: 'Keep Mum' (Dir.: Luana di Pasquale) [13/9/2020]

*Followers include:
- Jean-Pierre Dorléac (Oscar- and Emmy-nominated costume designer);
- Jazz Tangcay (Senior Artisans Editor, Variety);
- Matt Maytum (Deputy Editor, Total Film);
- Erlingur Einarsson (Production Editor, Total Film);
- Tanya Black (Manager, Screen Wellington)
- Julia Kato (actress);
- Kulvinder Ghir (actor, writer);
- James J Bryhan (actor)

Reviews

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that most readers will find somethings in Maps Of Bliss And Rage, that they relate to within this book. My partner is half Malteese and used to live in Vallletta Malta, so I was particularly drawn to the chapter Five Valletta, Malta Saints and Shipwrecks. I to have been to Vallletta Malta a few times. There are quite a few other places inside this book, but I don't want to spoil too much for readers who may like to read Maps Of Bliss and Rage by Mario Dhingsa. As Mario is one very kind author, if you have any questions about this book I'm sure Mario will answer them for you.

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews

3.5 Stars

Maps of Bliss and Rage was collection of 8 short stories set in 8 different countries. It was about survival and adventure, revenge, abuse and religious conflicts, politics, Christianity and miracle, unlikely friendship, rumors about princess and her dangerous life, reminiscence of school life.

Writing was great. I loved the way each stories started with interesting characters and their situation, the way stories developed with plot twists and the unpredictable ends. Setting was great, the place and timeline for story, cultural aspect and some historical facts ware written perfectly. Some stories were entertaining, while some emotional, tense and had hard topics.

That blurb doesn’t say anything about the stories, so here is bits of what it’s about and what I liked.-

1. Between the Sword and the Wall

This was good first story of the collection. It followed Crozier, an environmentalist and Rawdon, a penguin biologist selected as staff replacement at Casey Station in Antarctica. Their wait till research starting in October was crucial in icy, bone chilling atmosphere. Loneliness, nothing to do drove most of them crazy. Rawdon got this crazy idea to visit a likely girlfriend at another base. In weather so chilling that even half kms was impossible to cross, these two set out on this crazy and deadly adventure. Their situation was awkward and I did feel bad for them but it was entertaining and humorous. I liked the end.

2. I won’t stay Still

This was the story of hurt lover and undervalued subordinate plotting their revenge to settle the score with a politician who was rich, powerful and an adulterer. It was set in New Zealand. I liked the way characters were called. There was no original name but were called by their position- diplomat, clerk, secretary, ambassador, Lady N. it was quite unique and so was the story. I loved this one. End was satisfactory.

3. The end of the storm in my hand

This was my most favorite story, set in India. It was a story of a gang leader plotting riots along with corrupted police officers, a cowardly evil officer who abused his wife and beat his children to vent off his anger, a helpless father trying to save his innocent daughter-in-law and many other people of the town. This made me so much angry. It had some tragic events. The story was perfectly written. It was close to the fact. Author captured culture and flaws of India aptly.

4. The Pierogi Negotiation

It was set in USA that followed meeting of President Nixon with his National security advisor Kissinger discussing diplomatic situation related to bringing peace and ending Vietnam war. This was not my favorite story. I almost lost interest in the middle and had to read few passages again to get a grip.

5. Saints and Shipwrecks

It followed a sour old man and his son who returned after long time with his roman fiancée. Set in Malta, it expressed old man’s dislike towards romans, his strong belief in Saint Paul and the story of shipwreck, a daughter-in-law who didn’t agree with his thoughts and arguments, and a son sandwiched between two desperately trying to calm the situation and bring truce between the two bickering person in the house until they witness a miracle. At first I didn’t get what was going on and what they were talking about until I googled the Saint Paul story they were arguing over. I liked the way story took turn. End was shocking.

6. A Gentle Hand

This was set in Rome, at cemetery where a wondering spirits met three other waiting for the gate to open and pass through from this world. They form unlikely friendship after death during this waiting period. Their life story was intriguing. But again I lost interest at some point and I had to read twice to understand this story.

7. Knives Within

This story follows a rumor about illegitimate princess, a member of imperial family of Japan, who was sent away to study in Europe but kept under protection and surveillance. There were those who wanted to save her, keep her protected and those who wanted to take advantage of imperial family’s situation and harm Princess. The story was tense, fast paced, had interesting turn and unpredictable end.

8. De tijd brengt rozen

The story followed Marty reminiscing a childhood event that changed his life, a time with his beloved teacher who understood him, cared for him and had changed his life by helping him to be better person. This story had unexpected end.

Why 3.5 stars-

As I said I had, in 2-3 stories I lost interest in middle and had to re-read few passages to get a grip. Maybe it’s just me, it won’t be the case with you, but it niggled a little.

Overall, it was interesting anthology with creative stories that took place in different countries .

*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Mario Dhingsa. ***

[Forever_Rising · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got around to this review!

*No spoilers yet.*
You can tell from the stories that the author is an intelligent writer. Sometimes his writing style has beautiful prose, other times it is more straightforward. But regardless of the type, he is capable of delivering wonderful little snippets of character studies from different perspectives throughout the world. He does lean towards European characters, but he does a good job of representing certain non-European cultures.


The author also cites a bibliography. Even before it, you can tell there's a wealth of knowledge you need to comb over before you can fully unpack his story. This may be con for some, but I find that it's still enjoyable without delving into the extra details.


Many of the short stories have instances where a peculiar event is taking place before you have context to fully understand it. It's similar to sci fi/fantasy novels use made up words that you have to think out or they're later defined, but its irritating in this book because it breaks the flow of the reading experience when it happens for each chapter. To add on, there are certain times where you have read enough context, but because the author doesn't directly reference or explain what is taking place, so you have to reread before you understand what's happening. Meaning you have to break the flow again in the middle of the story to connect dots.

 

Below are notes I have for each chapter. Sorry for any grammar errors.

*Spoilers Ahead*

1st short story intro

althought throughs you into the middle of the action, atmosphere is too cold to get into it. When the transition to the main plot occurs, its so jarring that its a bit off. Hard to understand whats happening at first.


Appreciate:

absurd neil gaiman/ Terry prachett esque humor

at first, its easy to brush of crozier as an asshole and rawdon as a meathead, but through their interaction, author slowly reveals more about the characters and makes them more likeable.

Although the ending concludes well, feels like there should have been more to wrap it up. Wanted just a tiny bit more of chracter development so i could enjoy them satisfactorily before theyre taken away from me.

also, apple metaphor?


chapter 2

Appreciate the short sentences- adds to the constraints already being revealed that clerk F feels on his life.


clerk F feels insignificant and acts like it too

helping diplomat a cheat?

weird powerplay of clerk F vs mistress. Almost as if he is taking role of head mistress/ HBIC and using that power of diplomat A using him beneath him as his in between as leverage.

says dip a is weak and predictable, clerk f feigns weakness?

nope, dip a and abuser and they both caught so clerk F runs w her when she leaves.

none of them have names, none of them need it. Point is better delievered with their roles as names (identities)

lady N and Clerk F- love the solidarity hewteen them

first secretary R quick to try to get dip A demoted

Really enjoyed it

got lucky w the ambassador- wish explained how he still mightve been a good man


3rd

Police corrupt.

Harveen ironically describing her own son

why does the grandfather (Amrik) pretend to be deaf- protects his grand children

part of a revolution?

Kulvir and gpa seem to he on opposite sides.

-dangers of abuse and corruption and entitilement.

-Random book. Importabr for sone reason.- Police book targteing people

Javed (tailor) using it to allow families to escape.

-Kulvir, abusive deadbeat Amrik fearful bc he couldve burned his own children.

Javed unnerved by Amrik's unhealrhy ass homelife.

Amrik suprisii hopeful, probably hopeful because he has people to protect.

Amrik seems to have been passive all his life, but is now using it as a shield.

Kuliver- ahh boo hoo im a literal monster to my family cause i was abused waaahhh. Just like his mother???

Amrik still too scared to take responsibility. Continues to fail his son. Also mutilated for pretending to be deaf - literally a symbol of his insecurity + inability/refusal to defend himself or family. Until now, but still jot completely changed.

"I have dirt in my life"-Amrik

-Javed had a difficult life, but he imagined a happy future. Brave, determined, strong family values, resprct for self and family. Amrik opposite

Amrik learning he doesnt have to be a bystander

-Inebriate the rioters

-Kuliber burned and raped wife and daughter. Monster + a pedo.

-No clemency for that shitstain

-A+ acting Amrik

-Mob supposed to gather other Sikh and kill Muslims

failing miserably yeet. actually, yoinks. everyone enemies, incluidng friends

-Full circle to bite Blackbuck in the ass. The secret enemy were simply men who wanted to survive from the corruption eithin their home.

- Doesn't have to be a corrupt secret enemy, just those who will no longer stay under someones boot.


Chapter 4

-Kissinger pats himself on the back for an incomplete mission

-Kissinger babies Pres. Nixon. nixon depicted as childish and he speaks in third person.

-Depicted as a literal child.

-Satirical, obviously, but also, wtf

-Nixon pretending to be dumb. 

-dont know enough context btwn the 2 or them to understand.


chpt 5

- Constantly starting out w an unclear description of what's going on.

-Charlo's friends are annoyingly sexist yikes

-oop. Divine judgement on charlo.

-Charlo has everything, but he shits on it all. Receives divine retribution for disrepecting his blessings (?)

-Truly is a nobody without his wife.

() think I meant Charlo?)

chpt 6

-4th paragraph is really beautiful

-oh, they're dead.

-Critiquing using guise of patriotism to hate other countries over past history- hypocrisy bc own country commit attrocities.

(-Bad blood creates bad blood, no forces themself to forgive + not continue cycle.)

-Characters carry weight of life in death instead of it being an exprrience where they are freed fron constraints of life.

-Ah, of course. Not passed on. Waiting for something.

-Its okay to just want to rest. No grand reason, just caring for yourself


chpt 7

-"I'm looking for peace"

*Just did something out of vengeance*

Damn

*Final Note:
I definitely plan on rereading this book. However, I plan on looking through the sources for a deeper understanding of this book.

[Sarah Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book consists of stories which makes it very very interesting and irresistible to put down,the cultures,the different struggles,in many ways connect to the reader,every story has something.If you’re not about a book based on the same story,this book has several different ones that teach you life lessons.I say this about most books,but this is beautiful.A sure must read.

[Pallavi Sareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maps of Bliss and Rage gave me a taste of eight countries. It is not only that the premise is set in those countries but the story itself showcases the essence of the country. When I was reading about the story set in India, I understood how realistic the writing was. It surprised me to see someone from abroad highlighting India’s landmarks, culture and even its deficiencies like that. Of course, the story of Kulvir the cop was my personal favourite but even the other stories held my attention.
This short story collection would especially be loved by those who love travelling and fiction, me being one such person. Whenever you visit a place, do you think about the lives of the people who live there? And what storm brews beneath their shielded eyes?
While reading this book, I felt like an outsider who was visiting a country for the first time and getting acquainted not only with its history and architecture but also the life-blood in the form of the stories of the characters.
The idea of this book is quite unique as it takes you on a journey across the world, but you are never left without a companion. I liked the characters in “Saints and Shipwreck” best and would have loved to spend more time delving into their world.
This short story collection, I feel, should have been so longer so I could get a taste of many other exotic and wonderful countries that got left out. But I will surely commend the writer for writing with wit and ease. The unexpected plot twists were well managed and weaved into the story to look compelling. This book was quite entertaining and surely memorable.

[Esther Rabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly an interesting collection, one filled with adventure and heavy on dialogue (just the way I like it). It's been a cultural journey, both entertaining and educational where the author spins a tale of great characters and fab word building that took me, the reader, on a very emotionally satisfying ride. Kudos for the research behind, you can really see the work!

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories that cover all different areas and genres. I love short stories and I am thrilled to be able to find this caliber of great mixes in one book. If you do not like the suspenseful story, read the next one. You will love at least some. I loved them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex book that skilfully weaves an astonishing volume of political, cultural and geographical research throughout eight unique short stories. The dry wit and unexpected plot twists made it a compelling and enjoyable read.

[Bryanna Plog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot twists, the fantastical, and the author's brilliant imagination necessitate a slow, close read to savor the details that Dhingsa includes in this collection of stories. Some settings reveal themselves more than others in the stories, but the stories are written so they fit perfectly into the time and place where they take place. That being said, I was expecting more of the stories to focus on the place or travel then they did; the idea of setting these stories in different locales around the world ties the collection together, but is not the focus on the stories. Sometimes the plots, moving as fast as they did, left me behind a bit and I found it hard to catch up, probably also since I don't read much short fiction these days. If you enjoy a fast-paced real-feeling short, make sure to pick up this collection.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I've had MAPS OF BLISS AND RAGE for a while and finally am writing about it. I really love the character-building in this collection of 8 short stories spanning Antarctica, New Zealand, India, New York City, Malta, Italy, Switzerland, and England.

The book is written by Mario Dhingsa and it is delightful. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to talk about all eight stories, and since you already know that I love Science and Science Fiction - I'll tell you a little about Antarctica.

In the Antarctica short story, Crozier’s doing fieldwork at Casey Station along with Rawdon. What I like best about this short was the character-building between these two scientists. They often have to deal with precautionary protocols and evacuations and to pass time at Casey, they have evening screenings of The Hunt for Red October.

There are times things are dreadful like being out in minus-thirty-degree conditions. But normally if they are out for a spell they pitch a tent and have ample rations available. As one might expect there are instances of men getting frostbitten - for instance - when some of them went out to view the Aurora Australis. And it might not be to anyone's liking but it is pretty commonplace to deal with frozen crap. They also have to deal with 40% less oxygen and symptoms of sudden exposure to high altitude which means airlifts to other coastal stations occur.

Yes! The writing was vivid and many times amusing. Here's an example. "It takes you three hours to boil potatoes here. Unless you’re using flatulence as a heating fuel".

Anyway, this book was truly enjoyable and my favorite section of this story was the trip where Rawdon ended up falling into the crevasse. I did not mention it before but each story deals with escapes. I am all for leader and follower stories and that is what drew me to this book in the first place.

If you've read the book let me know what your favorite part - or story - is.


I received a copy of this book from Mario Dhingsa

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

When people say that books can take you to all different kinds of adventures and places, this author took that literally. Within this whole book, there are eight different short stories. In the first short story, Between the Sword and the Wall, it follows Crozier and Rawdon who have been stationed in Antarctica in its freezing and wild temperatures. Not too long after, they have the desire to follow their dreams despite the unknown and dangers around them. Who and what lies ahead of them could be dangerous but even knowing that, they still ventured out of their safe house in this freezing weather.

Since there are eight short stories, without causing this review to go on forever, I'll only give a summary of the first short story. Getting on to the book as a whole, as someone who gets emotionally and very sympathetic easily, parts of the stories tugged at my heartstrings. The stories are beautifully written and are very relatable in the sense that everything that happens is not too fantasized or out of the world. One thing that is done which I liked is like the real world, not everything has is all happiness or depressing. Sometimes life is more bittersweet and that is how reading some of these stories felt when I started it. The setting and vibe that it gives, gave me the same feeling I would get as if the character has done the right thing given the current situation the characters are in.

For the full review: sammiereadsbook.wordpress.com/2019/12...