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Negative Space
The eleven stories in this book feature people of Indian origin. Each story explores a challenge or dilemma that is both particular and universal. A wife who is unexpectedly pregnant. A woman who finally understands the nuances of her aunt's conservative views. Loss of a cherished friendship. Reclaiming long-forgotten dreams. Keeping up appearances at all costs. Each story draws an unforgettable portrait of the person living next door. With insight and luminous prose, Ranjani Rao has created characters that are genuine and relatable. Readers looking for authentic narratives will not want to miss this book.
114 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 12, 2019
Negative Space is a compilation of women oriented short stories by Ranjani Rao. Each story is a sensitive portrayal of an Indian woman as the protagonist. She has expectations, her priorities, like making a home, having a child, staying beautiful and likeable are important to her. In her relationships she is often stuck seeing only a representation of something- the positive space- rather that what is actually there.
A life changing event such as separation from a child, losing a loved one, patching up with an old friend, triggers a thought process and a metamorphosis in the woman. The transformation helps her see the negative space that is vital in providing the balance and completeness in her life.
The narrative is deftly interwoven with the Indian social fabric to create a realistic story that leads to the above events. The author sifts through motherhood, marriage, infidelity, indifference, vanity, and low self-esteem with a lucid flow. Circumstances that lead the protagonist to acknowledge the existence and vitality of the negative space are well thought out and beautifully scripted. The conclusion of each story is the subtle, and unconscious move towards self-realization, repentance, compassion and acceptance.
The book is an enduring message, that leads us to revisit our own perspectives. If we shift our focus away from the most important things in our lives—people, work, obligations—what do the spaces between them look like? The search within ourselves is rewarding and carries a potential to change our perception. To accept life for what it is rather than for what we think that it should be. The credit goes to Ranjani, and I give Negative Space 5 stars for seeding this peace within.
A life changing event such as separation from a child, losing a loved one, patching up with an old friend, triggers a thought process and a metamorphosis in the woman. The transformation helps her see the negative space that is vital in providing the balance and completeness in her life.
The narrative is deftly interwoven with the Indian social fabric to create a realistic story that leads to the above events. The author sifts through motherhood, marriage, infidelity, indifference, vanity, and low self-esteem with a lucid flow. Circumstances that lead the protagonist to acknowledge the existence and vitality of the negative space are well thought out and beautifully scripted. The conclusion of each story is the subtle, and unconscious move towards self-realization, repentance, compassion and acceptance.
The book is an enduring message, that leads us to revisit our own perspectives. If we shift our focus away from the most important things in our lives—people, work, obligations—what do the spaces between them look like? The search within ourselves is rewarding and carries a potential to change our perception. To accept life for what it is rather than for what we think that it should be. The credit goes to Ranjani, and I give Negative Space 5 stars for seeding this peace within.
February 26, 2024
I got acquainted with Ranjani Rao during my The Curious Reader days, and albeit limited, I always enjoyed my interactions with her.
She sent us a copy of Negative Spaces then, which unfortunately I never got down to reading.
I finally got to it after all these years and I enjoyed the featured short stories. The language is exceedingly simple, but the emotions she conveys are anything but. The tales cover motherhood in the eponymous story to spousehood in the second.
As far as writing styles, there is epistolary, first-person POV, narrative, etc. It was fun to read across the variety offered.
However, not all the stories were strong, and the few attempts at humour were, frankly, feeble.
None the less, a fair attempt and a quick read on a slow day.
She sent us a copy of Negative Spaces then, which unfortunately I never got down to reading.
I finally got to it after all these years and I enjoyed the featured short stories. The language is exceedingly simple, but the emotions she conveys are anything but. The tales cover motherhood in the eponymous story to spousehood in the second.
As far as writing styles, there is epistolary, first-person POV, narrative, etc. It was fun to read across the variety offered.
However, not all the stories were strong, and the few attempts at humour were, frankly, feeble.
None the less, a fair attempt and a quick read on a slow day.
June 5, 2019
Negative Space is a book that hooks you and takes you on a journey. In This collection of 5 short stories, the female protagonists are three-dimensional, relatable people whose lives and dilemmas were genuine. Not only are the stories engaging but the endings maintain suspense, pulling in the reader to participate in the story.
October 24, 2020
Each story has a unique poignant feel to it. One feels very drawn to the characters and their unique traits. Kudos to Ms Ranjani Rao who really drew the characters into reality for the reader. It was such a joy reading the stories and feeling part of a larger universe where we all have our own unique stories.
May 8, 2019
I loved the way the author depicted there are different ways of looking at circumstances and taking a negative situation and ending it on a positive note
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews