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Ratno Dholi - The best stories of Dhumketu
***Shortlisted for the PFC-VoW (Valley of Words) Award 2021 in the Translation from Regional Language to English category***
Ratno Dholi brings together the first substantial collection of Dhumketu’s work to be available in English. Beautifully translated for a wide new audience by Jenny Bhatt, these much-loved stories–like the finest literature–remain remarkable and relevant even today.
Translator's Note: To choose a ‘best of’ selection from a writer’s works when the oeuvre is as wide-ranging and vast as Dhumketu’s (with more than 600 short stories to choose from) is an impossible project. Beyond the question of how ‘best’ should be defined, we have the typical dilemma faced by all writers or translators of short-story collections or anthologies: of trying to make every story appeal to every reader.
For this project, I wanted to ensure the following: enable an understanding of Dhumketu’s chronological progression as a short-story writer; showcase his range and skills with different themes and styles; whet the reader’s appetite for more of his works. So it made sense to select at least one significant story from each of the twenty-four published volumes. There are also two additional stories and I've explained the rationale for including them in my Translator's Note in the book.
A majority of the stories are set in rural Gujarat, which Dhumketu felt was under-represented in Gujarati literature of the time. And a number of them are set in India’s northeast rather than Gujarat. These showcase not only how Dhumketu’s wanderlust and creativity fed off each other, but also his fascination with and close observation of the cultures of other regions. While more stories here have male protagonists, it’s the women protagonists who are more singularly memorable. Dhumketu was certainly not free of the gender biases of his time; however, he took care to portray his female protagonists as complex human beings in their own right.
Given that many of these stories are nearly a hundred years old and were written in the dialectical Gujarati of their time, it was tricky to carry across the musicality and cadences of the source language into contemporary English but I have tried to do so while staying true to the author's intention and meaning. The goal is never, for me, to make it seem like you're reading a book that was written in English but that you're reading a book translated from another language into English.
Ratno Dholi brings together the first substantial collection of Dhumketu’s work to be available in English. Beautifully translated for a wide new audience by Jenny Bhatt, these much-loved stories–like the finest literature–remain remarkable and relevant even today.
Translator's Note: To choose a ‘best of’ selection from a writer’s works when the oeuvre is as wide-ranging and vast as Dhumketu’s (with more than 600 short stories to choose from) is an impossible project. Beyond the question of how ‘best’ should be defined, we have the typical dilemma faced by all writers or translators of short-story collections or anthologies: of trying to make every story appeal to every reader.
For this project, I wanted to ensure the following: enable an understanding of Dhumketu’s chronological progression as a short-story writer; showcase his range and skills with different themes and styles; whet the reader’s appetite for more of his works. So it made sense to select at least one significant story from each of the twenty-four published volumes. There are also two additional stories and I've explained the rationale for including them in my Translator's Note in the book.
A majority of the stories are set in rural Gujarat, which Dhumketu felt was under-represented in Gujarati literature of the time. And a number of them are set in India’s northeast rather than Gujarat. These showcase not only how Dhumketu’s wanderlust and creativity fed off each other, but also his fascination with and close observation of the cultures of other regions. While more stories here have male protagonists, it’s the women protagonists who are more singularly memorable. Dhumketu was certainly not free of the gender biases of his time; however, he took care to portray his female protagonists as complex human beings in their own right.
Given that many of these stories are nearly a hundred years old and were written in the dialectical Gujarati of their time, it was tricky to carry across the musicality and cadences of the source language into contemporary English but I have tried to do so while staying true to the author's intention and meaning. The goal is never, for me, to make it seem like you're reading a book that was written in English but that you're reading a book translated from another language into English.
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First published October 19, 2020
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November 5, 2020
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On IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOMmPGHuvJ/
“Stefan Zweig once wrote about Tolstoy ‘one who sees so much and so well does not need to invent, one who observes imaginatively does not need to create imagination’. This is also an apt description of Dhumketu’s art and craft”
After reading translated works of Vijaydan Detha, Mahasweta Devi, Ambai, Vivek Shanbhag and Sachin Kundalkar , I often feel a certain hunger for literature linked with our regional languages. Glimpses of particular state, Usage of colloquial words, their nuances and culture, evolve us as a reader, more than that ─ a better human being.
It is not an easy task to explore the diversity of Indian literature without the selfless efforts of our translators. In 2018, Jenny Bhatt, the translator of “Ratno Dholi: The Best Short Stories of Dhumketu” announced this project on twitter. Frankly, I never heard of ‘Dhumketu’ till then, and while I have been exploring author’s world now, Dhumketu seems even more relevant in an absorbing translation.
Dhumketu had contributed more than 500 short stories, collected in 24 volumes. In his rich canon of work he explored the internal struggles of characters with compassionate eye, how their conscience dealt with unwanted situations, differences of caste and gender, and heartfelt experiences of navigating one’s life into small town.
Although most of his stories are set in rural Gujrat, yet themes are based on all kind of social strata. Besides of that, he broke many stereotypes, while introducing independent-minded women and emotionally sensitive men to the literature, well ahead of his time.
Also, it is fascinating to take a glance on writer’s journey, “Early in his teaching career, Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi was assigned the task of reading biographies and historical novels to a nobleman’s wife – an activity that fed both his reading habit and writing aspirations.
The adoption of ‘Dhumketu’, meaning comet, came later during his university years of trying and failing (initially), to get his early short stories published. “
Here is handful of stories, closest to my heart.
In the title story “Ratno Dholi,” a beautiful relation is withered out due to people’s assumptions, inner rage and hollow doubts. With two protagonists, Dhumketu had woven an unforgettable tale of diminishing love.
“Ratno Dholi told this dhol and its sticks all the secrets of his heart. It was as if he had no words to say to or before men. If he wanted to say anything – make merry, cry, express his happiness, show his disappointment, reveal his hopes – whatever he wanted to say was through this dhol.
He was intrigued too. When the dhol and sticks were separated, they meant nothing, and when they came together, there was a language. What was this? He had become a child of the dhol. Without the dhol, Ratno was as if without his soul.”
Another story “Tears of the Soul,” sets in an era of kings and courtesans, how a breathing person forced to do a certain job, and yet she survived all, that too on her own terms, a brilliant read on human psyche, “In this world, things by themselves are unchangeable, untainted. Only emotions make them holy or unholy.”
In “The Rebirth of Poetry,” author introduces an intriguing character, who lives in his fantasy world, where things run at certain pace. With enigmatic prose and strange human condition, it seemed thought-provoking tale.
“You are asking for dreams? You want to talk about things that do not exist? Dance, music, art, poetry, literature – haven’t these intoxicants made beggars of you in the past? You are asking for it again today?
We may well become beggars again, but the poverty of this emotionless life is unbearable. Instead of making us strong like thunderbolts, you are making us dull as inanimate objects?
With voices that pierced the skies, the people said only one thing. Do not turn us into emotionless machines. Give us dreams! They may well be false, they may well be vain! But when is life itself real?”
“The Post-Office,” depicts the longing of a father who waited for his daughter’s letter throughout his life, and how his expectation fulfilled in the end. This story dangled between hope and despair.
“One day, Ali sat under a palash tree and cried his heart out. From that time on, he would awake at 4 a.m. every morning to arrive at the post office. There was never a letter for him but, with fervent devotion and hope-filled cheer that his daughter’s letter would arrive one day, he always showed up before anyone else and sat waiting outside the post office.”
Besides of all these beauties, I recommend more stories for their detailed observation of surroundings, Dhumketu’s lyrical prose and unique approach to depict nature’s beauty. Some readings were really mesmerizing.
“Psychology is a dear subject of mine and, when it comes to the weakness of emotions, without understanding half of it, mixing some philosophy and to conceal my own foolishness. I scribble a lot. So, now I was making just such jottings.” (Anaami)
“Like a star falling from the sky, he arrived in the village on a night overcome with darkness, with calm, noiseless feet, in an imperceptible way.” (Unknown Helpers)
“On a moonlit night, when both its water-filled lakes look like serene skies and begin to make the night lotuses sway lovingly, that vision is one of life’s invaluable privileges. In the slow and gentle ripples of the breeze, the waters of both peaceful lakes do a twinkling dance, like some divine beauty’s smile.” (Svarjogi)
“Clouds lay like heaps of cotton in the valleys between those hills and their long rows filled those valleys as if a flowing river had stopped and frozen there. Several stray clouds rested in the laps of the hills, like children in a comfortable, deep sleep.” (The Queen of Nepal)
Although, I loved the book, still felt bit distracted at some passages, due to lack of flowing sentences And Jenny Bhatt stated this point into introductory section very well,
“Translation involves understanding and leveraging the subtexts, cultural implications and stylistic choices made by the original writer in language a so that they can be recreated in language b without losing any literary merit in terms of plot, story, dialogue, insight, action, character, setting, etc. it is about being a close reader in language a and a skilled writer in language b, both of which require deep cultural understanding, literary sensitivity, and a writer’s intuition.”
This collection of twenty-six stories of Dhumketu, translated in English by Jenny Bhatt, unfolded an era of memorable characters. With gripping themes and skillful craft, Dhumketu introduced his culture to Indian literature which he felt underrepresented during his time. These slices of human lives will surely linger long in the heart. I would certainly recommend this wonderful work.
On IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOMmPGHuvJ/
“Stefan Zweig once wrote about Tolstoy ‘one who sees so much and so well does not need to invent, one who observes imaginatively does not need to create imagination’. This is also an apt description of Dhumketu’s art and craft”
After reading translated works of Vijaydan Detha, Mahasweta Devi, Ambai, Vivek Shanbhag and Sachin Kundalkar , I often feel a certain hunger for literature linked with our regional languages. Glimpses of particular state, Usage of colloquial words, their nuances and culture, evolve us as a reader, more than that ─ a better human being.
It is not an easy task to explore the diversity of Indian literature without the selfless efforts of our translators. In 2018, Jenny Bhatt, the translator of “Ratno Dholi: The Best Short Stories of Dhumketu” announced this project on twitter. Frankly, I never heard of ‘Dhumketu’ till then, and while I have been exploring author’s world now, Dhumketu seems even more relevant in an absorbing translation.
Dhumketu had contributed more than 500 short stories, collected in 24 volumes. In his rich canon of work he explored the internal struggles of characters with compassionate eye, how their conscience dealt with unwanted situations, differences of caste and gender, and heartfelt experiences of navigating one’s life into small town.
Although most of his stories are set in rural Gujrat, yet themes are based on all kind of social strata. Besides of that, he broke many stereotypes, while introducing independent-minded women and emotionally sensitive men to the literature, well ahead of his time.
Also, it is fascinating to take a glance on writer’s journey, “Early in his teaching career, Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi was assigned the task of reading biographies and historical novels to a nobleman’s wife – an activity that fed both his reading habit and writing aspirations.
The adoption of ‘Dhumketu’, meaning comet, came later during his university years of trying and failing (initially), to get his early short stories published. “
Here is handful of stories, closest to my heart.
In the title story “Ratno Dholi,” a beautiful relation is withered out due to people’s assumptions, inner rage and hollow doubts. With two protagonists, Dhumketu had woven an unforgettable tale of diminishing love.
“Ratno Dholi told this dhol and its sticks all the secrets of his heart. It was as if he had no words to say to or before men. If he wanted to say anything – make merry, cry, express his happiness, show his disappointment, reveal his hopes – whatever he wanted to say was through this dhol.
He was intrigued too. When the dhol and sticks were separated, they meant nothing, and when they came together, there was a language. What was this? He had become a child of the dhol. Without the dhol, Ratno was as if without his soul.”
Another story “Tears of the Soul,” sets in an era of kings and courtesans, how a breathing person forced to do a certain job, and yet she survived all, that too on her own terms, a brilliant read on human psyche, “In this world, things by themselves are unchangeable, untainted. Only emotions make them holy or unholy.”
In “The Rebirth of Poetry,” author introduces an intriguing character, who lives in his fantasy world, where things run at certain pace. With enigmatic prose and strange human condition, it seemed thought-provoking tale.
“You are asking for dreams? You want to talk about things that do not exist? Dance, music, art, poetry, literature – haven’t these intoxicants made beggars of you in the past? You are asking for it again today?
We may well become beggars again, but the poverty of this emotionless life is unbearable. Instead of making us strong like thunderbolts, you are making us dull as inanimate objects?
With voices that pierced the skies, the people said only one thing. Do not turn us into emotionless machines. Give us dreams! They may well be false, they may well be vain! But when is life itself real?”
“The Post-Office,” depicts the longing of a father who waited for his daughter’s letter throughout his life, and how his expectation fulfilled in the end. This story dangled between hope and despair.
“One day, Ali sat under a palash tree and cried his heart out. From that time on, he would awake at 4 a.m. every morning to arrive at the post office. There was never a letter for him but, with fervent devotion and hope-filled cheer that his daughter’s letter would arrive one day, he always showed up before anyone else and sat waiting outside the post office.”
Besides of all these beauties, I recommend more stories for their detailed observation of surroundings, Dhumketu’s lyrical prose and unique approach to depict nature’s beauty. Some readings were really mesmerizing.
“Psychology is a dear subject of mine and, when it comes to the weakness of emotions, without understanding half of it, mixing some philosophy and to conceal my own foolishness. I scribble a lot. So, now I was making just such jottings.” (Anaami)
“Like a star falling from the sky, he arrived in the village on a night overcome with darkness, with calm, noiseless feet, in an imperceptible way.” (Unknown Helpers)
“On a moonlit night, when both its water-filled lakes look like serene skies and begin to make the night lotuses sway lovingly, that vision is one of life’s invaluable privileges. In the slow and gentle ripples of the breeze, the waters of both peaceful lakes do a twinkling dance, like some divine beauty’s smile.” (Svarjogi)
“Clouds lay like heaps of cotton in the valleys between those hills and their long rows filled those valleys as if a flowing river had stopped and frozen there. Several stray clouds rested in the laps of the hills, like children in a comfortable, deep sleep.” (The Queen of Nepal)
Although, I loved the book, still felt bit distracted at some passages, due to lack of flowing sentences And Jenny Bhatt stated this point into introductory section very well,
“Translation involves understanding and leveraging the subtexts, cultural implications and stylistic choices made by the original writer in language a so that they can be recreated in language b without losing any literary merit in terms of plot, story, dialogue, insight, action, character, setting, etc. it is about being a close reader in language a and a skilled writer in language b, both of which require deep cultural understanding, literary sensitivity, and a writer’s intuition.”
This collection of twenty-six stories of Dhumketu, translated in English by Jenny Bhatt, unfolded an era of memorable characters. With gripping themes and skillful craft, Dhumketu introduced his culture to Indian literature which he felt underrepresented during his time. These slices of human lives will surely linger long in the heart. I would certainly recommend this wonderful work.
November 16, 2020
"That a man is made king due to circumstances of his birth should be considered as terrible as when a person is deemed untouchable due to ber birth."
RATING: 4/5
Usually, I find it hard to get into books from the 20th century, especially if it's by an Indian writer and especially if it's in translation. But surprisingly, I was immediately taken in by this wonderful collection of stories and that has to do a lot with the superb translation by Jenny Bhatt. These stories sparkle with life, are full of vivacity and provide screenshots into then-contemporary quotidian life. Prose writing during that time, especially the short story, emphasised instruction but Dhumketu was not overly concerned on didacticism. He tends to focus instead on his craft, letting it speak for itself. While some of it can appear dated now, most stories are vividly engaging and move through the spectrum of human emotion. He chronicles life in the village but occasionally moves into genres like historical fiction and speculative fiction, frequently setting his stories outside of Gujarat. My favourite story was "The New Poet", a satirical look at an awful yet grandiose poet and a dig at literary criticism. This is perhaps the first book I have read in translation from Gujarati and I am eager to read more from the region.
(I received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
October 22, 2020
Translated from Gujarati by Jenny Bhatt, Ratno Dholi:The Best Stories of Dhumketu is a collection of 27 short stories that explore varied themes, contexts and settings.Dhumketu was the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi (1892 -.1965),one of the foremost writers in Gujarati and a pioneer of the short story form whose prolific writing accounts for more than 500 short stories, 36 novels, plays etc amongst others!
And no,the stories aren’t specific to Gujarat for many of the characters and settings are situated out of the state which lends a distinct charm to the writing for the prime focus is on how people react to or take charge of situations,how they are affected by the smallest of things or swayed by a force that is larger than they can comprehend.There is a universal flavour that comes from not rooting all stories in Gujarat. Dhumketu’s stories unravel at a languid pace that is sure to leave readers soaking the manner in which characters and situations take turns that will leave them wanting for more.
The title story is one that left me thinking over how even to this day what is being said in the public space can tear apart relationships that exist in private.The Queen of Nepal is a nuanced story that will tease readers, including the protagonists! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection though yes, the annotations are quite a distraction.
And no,the stories aren’t specific to Gujarat for many of the characters and settings are situated out of the state which lends a distinct charm to the writing for the prime focus is on how people react to or take charge of situations,how they are affected by the smallest of things or swayed by a force that is larger than they can comprehend.There is a universal flavour that comes from not rooting all stories in Gujarat. Dhumketu’s stories unravel at a languid pace that is sure to leave readers soaking the manner in which characters and situations take turns that will leave them wanting for more.
The title story is one that left me thinking over how even to this day what is being said in the public space can tear apart relationships that exist in private.The Queen of Nepal is a nuanced story that will tease readers, including the protagonists! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection though yes, the annotations are quite a distraction.
October 30, 2020
Ratno Dholi (translated from the Gujarati by Jenny Bhatt) is a collection of 26 short stories by Dhumketu, one of the pioneer short story writers of Gujarati literature. From more than 500 of his published short stories, Jenny Bhatt has selectively handpicked the ones in this anthology showing the range and progression of different themes and styles explored by the author through his characters.
The stories, mostly set in the early 1900s in rural Gujarat are rich in understanding of the human nature through their cultural, religious and patriotic expressions, a versatile exploration of the traditions, art and caste/gender biases of a time different to ours.
I enjoyed reading some stories more than the others and have a few favourites. The opening story titled "The Post Office" is remarkable, I remember reading it for school and loving it back then as well. Some other memorable stories were “Mungo Gungo” , “The Noble Daughters in-law” and the title story “Ratno Dholi”.
But like any other story collection, this was a mixed bag for me, while some stories left their mark, some felt dated and did not work for me.
The translation felt seamless and I loved how it tied the stories together through the recurring themes and situations faced by the characters and I thought it was a very clever approach on the selection of the stories. She has also kept some of the original Gujarati words in the text preserving their meaning and keeping the flow intact.
I also loved reading the Translator's introduction about Dhumketu's writing style, the short story narrative and also outlining own her approach for the selection and the translation process!
'Translation is not simply the act of converting words from Language A to Language B. Also, language is not merely words, phrases, idioms, etc. Languages contain entire cultures within them; entire ways of thinking and being too.'
The stories, mostly set in the early 1900s in rural Gujarat are rich in understanding of the human nature through their cultural, religious and patriotic expressions, a versatile exploration of the traditions, art and caste/gender biases of a time different to ours.
I enjoyed reading some stories more than the others and have a few favourites. The opening story titled "The Post Office" is remarkable, I remember reading it for school and loving it back then as well. Some other memorable stories were “Mungo Gungo” , “The Noble Daughters in-law” and the title story “Ratno Dholi”.
But like any other story collection, this was a mixed bag for me, while some stories left their mark, some felt dated and did not work for me.
The translation felt seamless and I loved how it tied the stories together through the recurring themes and situations faced by the characters and I thought it was a very clever approach on the selection of the stories. She has also kept some of the original Gujarati words in the text preserving their meaning and keeping the flow intact.
I also loved reading the Translator's introduction about Dhumketu's writing style, the short story narrative and also outlining own her approach for the selection and the translation process!
'Translation is not simply the act of converting words from Language A to Language B. Also, language is not merely words, phrases, idioms, etc. Languages contain entire cultures within them; entire ways of thinking and being too.'
March 1, 2021
Ratno Dholi is the translation of Dhumketu's collection of short stories.
These stories brings out the fragrance of rural India. The simplicity of plots, easily connects us to the fellow Indian. Some stories are pages taken from real life of a common man.
This anthology has many good stories and the translator seem to have given her best to bring out the emotions that the original stories would bring out. But also, there are some, where the translation killed the joy of reading a good story. I guess, English language has lots to catch up with other languages, when it comes to expressing things emotionally. So can't blame the translator for the short comings.
Some of the stories I liked are Gulabvahu, Ebb and Flow, Ratno Dholi and my favorites are
Mungo Gungo, story of a mute fellow, from a village ,who is constantly harassed by village children and during one incident of bullying by them, changes the course of his life.
and the very best one was The Golden Necklace- story of a honest craftsman and his greedy wife.
And yes. I love the cover too!!!
These stories brings out the fragrance of rural India. The simplicity of plots, easily connects us to the fellow Indian. Some stories are pages taken from real life of a common man.
This anthology has many good stories and the translator seem to have given her best to bring out the emotions that the original stories would bring out. But also, there are some, where the translation killed the joy of reading a good story. I guess, English language has lots to catch up with other languages, when it comes to expressing things emotionally. So can't blame the translator for the short comings.
Some of the stories I liked are Gulabvahu, Ebb and Flow, Ratno Dholi and my favorites are
Mungo Gungo, story of a mute fellow, from a village ,who is constantly harassed by village children and during one incident of bullying by them, changes the course of his life.
and the very best one was The Golden Necklace- story of a honest craftsman and his greedy wife.
And yes. I love the cover too!!!
December 12, 2020
The very first translation of Dhumketu's stories from Gujarati to English, these stories are set in rural Gujarat, and covers a range of themes and techniques, showcasing Dhumketu's talent for writing the best stories that evoke intimate emotions and provide a glimpse of the society and social standards.
.
Dhumketu's fascination with the culture of Gujarat and that of the other regions of India is interlinked with human emotions such as patriotism, glory, greed, and religion. At the very core, the setting and the characters transport us to a different time through authentic Storytelling. My favorite stories include 'Ratno Dholi' and 'Mungo Gungo'. The female characters in Dhumketu's stories, especially the ones that revolve around women, show them as a nurturer. They have an abundance of empathy and are fearless in the face of crisis.
.
Jenny Bhatt has made the text accessible through a seamless translation. The Gujarati traditions and social hierarchies are explained and a glossary helps us with the rest of the terms. What makes the experience interesting and worth the time is the introduction to Dhumketu's writing that provides a detailed explanation of the world during his time and his outlook towards literature. However, I would recommend you read it at the very end. Also, kudos to Jenny Bhatt for choosing these fabulous stories. Each of them strikes a chord and will stay with you for a long time.
.
Dhumketu's fascination with the culture of Gujarat and that of the other regions of India is interlinked with human emotions such as patriotism, glory, greed, and religion. At the very core, the setting and the characters transport us to a different time through authentic Storytelling. My favorite stories include 'Ratno Dholi' and 'Mungo Gungo'. The female characters in Dhumketu's stories, especially the ones that revolve around women, show them as a nurturer. They have an abundance of empathy and are fearless in the face of crisis.
.
Jenny Bhatt has made the text accessible through a seamless translation. The Gujarati traditions and social hierarchies are explained and a glossary helps us with the rest of the terms. What makes the experience interesting and worth the time is the introduction to Dhumketu's writing that provides a detailed explanation of the world during his time and his outlook towards literature. However, I would recommend you read it at the very end. Also, kudos to Jenny Bhatt for choosing these fabulous stories. Each of them strikes a chord and will stay with you for a long time.
January 3, 2021
This is my first book of 2021 and I'm with this great start.
The book is a short stories collection written by Dhumketu and translated by Jenny Bhatt.
Each story will leave you to think, some might even leave you emotional. The very first story hit me hard and it continued till the end.
I applaud Jenny Bhatt. The translation is impressive and it didn't leave the original magic of these. You'll love each and every story more. I personally enjoyed, Tear of Souls, Post office, a happy delusion , Queen of Nepal, my homes, Ratno Dholi.
Would highly recommend to a short stories lover!
The book is a short stories collection written by Dhumketu and translated by Jenny Bhatt.
Each story will leave you to think, some might even leave you emotional. The very first story hit me hard and it continued till the end.
I applaud Jenny Bhatt. The translation is impressive and it didn't leave the original magic of these. You'll love each and every story more. I personally enjoyed, Tear of Souls, Post office, a happy delusion , Queen of Nepal, my homes, Ratno Dholi.
Would highly recommend to a short stories lover!
November 6, 2020
The best part is that even being a translated work it hasn't lost the vibes.
This is a collection of few short stories based on different themes i.e. different emotions of a human being. These stories are based around 1900's life yet the topics discussed are still worthy reading.
This book has the perfect combination of different elements and this book was indeed a treat to read.
Definitely a one time read.
This is a collection of few short stories based on different themes i.e. different emotions of a human being. These stories are based around 1900's life yet the topics discussed are still worthy reading.
This book has the perfect combination of different elements and this book was indeed a treat to read.
Definitely a one time read.
November 3, 2020
For this project, the translator wanted to ensure the following: enable an understanding of Dhumketu’s chronological progression as a short-story writer; showcase his range and skills with different themes and styles; whet the reader’s appetite for more of his works.
So, at least one significant story from each of the twenty-four published volumes was selected. There are two additional stories here: the most anthologized ‘The Post Office’, which was included since it is the most recognised of his works; and ‘Kailas’, which can only be justified as this translator’s whimsy because of a personal connection.
The stories in this collection has a set of strong and independent women and men fighting for justice refusing to give up and equally feeble willed, greedy and stupidly obstinate characters. It explores themes surrounding society, politics, familial connections and leading a lonely life. It touches most of the issues faced around Partition which are relevant even today.
The stories in this collection and the themes they explore are-
1. The Post Office- Fatherhood, loneliness, repentance
2. Tears of the Soul- Womanhood, patriotism, motherhood, sacrifice
3. On the Banks of the Sarayu- Loneliness, parenting
4. Kailas- Fatherhood, loneliness, consequences of illegal activities, the pain of separation
5. The Queen of Nepal- Marriage, togetherness, mythological tales’ influence, independence
6. The Rebirth of Poetry- Humanity, art, machines, emotions, the effect of sameness
7. Ebb and Flow- Poverty, lack of meaning and motivation, the effect of sameness
8. Unknown Helpers- Social status, the reasoning of humans and its distance from compassion and wisdom
9. Anaami- Familiarity with a stranger, the strength provided by one unknown human to another
10. The Nobel Daughters-in-Law- Women’s status without men, corruption of the soul, social status framing privileges
11. Light and Shade- Poverty, social status, untouchability, single mother
12. Gulabvahu- Social status, karma, fate, ways of society
13. The New Poet- Stupidity and self-importance of artists and their art in relation to common people
14. Svarjogi- Magical realism, the pain of separation, power of art and beauty, unknown things of the world
15. Mungo Gungo- Belongingness, home, silence, unknown reasons
16. Ratno Dholi- Rules framed by society, the effect of meaningless talk of society on an individual, art, repentance, love
17. My Homes- Home, conventional rules of society, the status of unconventional rules people tend to follow, greed, separation, art
18. The Prisoner of Andaman- Home, crime, status after the crime, a man without family
19. A Happy Delusion- Stupidity and self-importance of artists, living for art, one’s art is one’s success, the faith of art
20. A Memorable Day- Art, the stark difference between the dark places of the town and the rest of the town, beauty of simplicity, fate
21. When a Devi Ma Becomes a Woman- Women’s character, love based on personality, different types of people
22. The Golden Necklace- Art, marriage, love, greed, beauty, the life of an artwork
23. The Dispenser of Justice- Society, poverty, justice, standing up against wrong, power of the powerful and the powerless, support, kindness
24. The Creator of Life’s Ruin- Empty mind is the devil’s home, various human characters, the difference when a dependent woman takes control
25. The Worst of the Worst- Society, poverty, justice, standing up against wrong, power of the powerful and the powerless, support, kindness
26. Old Custom, New Approach- Gods of the modern world are correspondence, Caste-community, greed, ways of the emerging modern world, education
After reading each story, Dhumketu leaves us with a new emotion, a lot to think about and also much more to reflect upon one’s stand in society. These stories cover everything a modern, ever-changing society needs. His stories are to the point, straight forward with no extra clatter and beautifully framed. He explores each character of his story and the themes related in such a way it hardly feels fictional. My favourite among all is Mungo Gungo.
The translation seemed so literal to me that at times I had to translate it back to Gujarati to figure out what it could mean and at other times some unnecessary words were added which made it less readable in English and much less relevant in both English and Gujarati. The introduction part was well written but when the real translation began, at times it only felt like bad English. There were a few errors too or was it that it became less understandable after translation?
Here are a few examples for you to decide-
"And that thought, which had made a home inside of her, had also made her determined to accept every task with ease."
"But she had committed to memory the thought that Nandy, her mother who usually did all the housework for Lakshmi, would intimidate her with at home."
Ratings-
Concept- 4.2/5
Plot- 4.8/5
Characterisation- 4.8/5
Flow- 4.7/5
Feels- 4.7/5
Narration- ?/5
Inclusive Ratings- 4.3/5
I’m glad to have read these stories by Dhumketu. Thanks to the translator, Jenny Bhatt for going through hardships to bring us this beautiful collection of short stories.
So, at least one significant story from each of the twenty-four published volumes was selected. There are two additional stories here: the most anthologized ‘The Post Office’, which was included since it is the most recognised of his works; and ‘Kailas’, which can only be justified as this translator’s whimsy because of a personal connection.
The stories in this collection has a set of strong and independent women and men fighting for justice refusing to give up and equally feeble willed, greedy and stupidly obstinate characters. It explores themes surrounding society, politics, familial connections and leading a lonely life. It touches most of the issues faced around Partition which are relevant even today.
The stories in this collection and the themes they explore are-
1. The Post Office- Fatherhood, loneliness, repentance
2. Tears of the Soul- Womanhood, patriotism, motherhood, sacrifice
3. On the Banks of the Sarayu- Loneliness, parenting
4. Kailas- Fatherhood, loneliness, consequences of illegal activities, the pain of separation
5. The Queen of Nepal- Marriage, togetherness, mythological tales’ influence, independence
6. The Rebirth of Poetry- Humanity, art, machines, emotions, the effect of sameness
7. Ebb and Flow- Poverty, lack of meaning and motivation, the effect of sameness
8. Unknown Helpers- Social status, the reasoning of humans and its distance from compassion and wisdom
9. Anaami- Familiarity with a stranger, the strength provided by one unknown human to another
10. The Nobel Daughters-in-Law- Women’s status without men, corruption of the soul, social status framing privileges
11. Light and Shade- Poverty, social status, untouchability, single mother
12. Gulabvahu- Social status, karma, fate, ways of society
13. The New Poet- Stupidity and self-importance of artists and their art in relation to common people
14. Svarjogi- Magical realism, the pain of separation, power of art and beauty, unknown things of the world
15. Mungo Gungo- Belongingness, home, silence, unknown reasons
16. Ratno Dholi- Rules framed by society, the effect of meaningless talk of society on an individual, art, repentance, love
17. My Homes- Home, conventional rules of society, the status of unconventional rules people tend to follow, greed, separation, art
18. The Prisoner of Andaman- Home, crime, status after the crime, a man without family
19. A Happy Delusion- Stupidity and self-importance of artists, living for art, one’s art is one’s success, the faith of art
20. A Memorable Day- Art, the stark difference between the dark places of the town and the rest of the town, beauty of simplicity, fate
21. When a Devi Ma Becomes a Woman- Women’s character, love based on personality, different types of people
22. The Golden Necklace- Art, marriage, love, greed, beauty, the life of an artwork
23. The Dispenser of Justice- Society, poverty, justice, standing up against wrong, power of the powerful and the powerless, support, kindness
24. The Creator of Life’s Ruin- Empty mind is the devil’s home, various human characters, the difference when a dependent woman takes control
25. The Worst of the Worst- Society, poverty, justice, standing up against wrong, power of the powerful and the powerless, support, kindness
26. Old Custom, New Approach- Gods of the modern world are correspondence, Caste-community, greed, ways of the emerging modern world, education
After reading each story, Dhumketu leaves us with a new emotion, a lot to think about and also much more to reflect upon one’s stand in society. These stories cover everything a modern, ever-changing society needs. His stories are to the point, straight forward with no extra clatter and beautifully framed. He explores each character of his story and the themes related in such a way it hardly feels fictional. My favourite among all is Mungo Gungo.
The translation seemed so literal to me that at times I had to translate it back to Gujarati to figure out what it could mean and at other times some unnecessary words were added which made it less readable in English and much less relevant in both English and Gujarati. The introduction part was well written but when the real translation began, at times it only felt like bad English. There were a few errors too or was it that it became less understandable after translation?
Here are a few examples for you to decide-
"And that thought, which had made a home inside of her, had also made her determined to accept every task with ease."
"But she had committed to memory the thought that Nandy, her mother who usually did all the housework for Lakshmi, would intimidate her with at home."
Ratings-
Concept- 4.2/5
Plot- 4.8/5
Characterisation- 4.8/5
Flow- 4.7/5
Feels- 4.7/5
Narration- ?/5
Inclusive Ratings- 4.3/5
I’m glad to have read these stories by Dhumketu. Thanks to the translator, Jenny Bhatt for going through hardships to bring us this beautiful collection of short stories.
October 24, 2020
-From a packet of time, a gift of stories-
✒️📖
If language is a gift to mankind, the translators must be revered as the seers of the words. Read a bad translation and you will know what I mean. Translation is a word that may well be regarded as a misnomer.
Jenny Bhatt, translator of this book, writes: 'Translation is not simply the act of converting words from Language A to Language B. Also, language is not merely words, phrases, idioms, etc. Languages contain entire cultures within them; entire ways of thinking and being too.'
I feel that translation is as delicate as archeology. You have to decipher the exact meaning of the relic or else all will be lost. Jenny has painstakingly chosen and translated (preserved) a selection of short stories from the vast treasure of Dhumketu. Her translation is alive, pulsing with original footnotes by the author (to read these footnotes is traveling back in time). She has left a few Gujarati words here and there that shine like linguistic pearls on the page.
Forgive me for going on and on about the translation, but it is this process that all of us can read stories not just of another language but of another time as well.
Dhumketu has spread his stories across various canvas and feisty women is a theme that recurs in most of them. While Mariam, a daughter in absentia, makes her presence felt in the first story of the collection 'The Post Office', by keeping her father waiting for years for a letter, Amrapali, in 'Tears of The Soul', has to make a decision for the welfare of her motherland.
Another common theme, which I guess hasn't changed even after generations, is fathers struggling to forge a bond with their sons. 'On the Banks of the Sarayu' underlines this idea in these words: 'Only after all the important conversations are done is a man free to turn his attention to his most precious asset, his child'.
Dhumketu's writing, like other great compatriots of his time, is still relevant. He writes: 'When man puts aside his own perceptions and looks through another's viewpoint, then half the world will be at rest.'
Well, mankind has still not learned better. It is, however, good to know where we fall short.
✒️📖
If language is a gift to mankind, the translators must be revered as the seers of the words. Read a bad translation and you will know what I mean. Translation is a word that may well be regarded as a misnomer.
Jenny Bhatt, translator of this book, writes: 'Translation is not simply the act of converting words from Language A to Language B. Also, language is not merely words, phrases, idioms, etc. Languages contain entire cultures within them; entire ways of thinking and being too.'
I feel that translation is as delicate as archeology. You have to decipher the exact meaning of the relic or else all will be lost. Jenny has painstakingly chosen and translated (preserved) a selection of short stories from the vast treasure of Dhumketu. Her translation is alive, pulsing with original footnotes by the author (to read these footnotes is traveling back in time). She has left a few Gujarati words here and there that shine like linguistic pearls on the page.
Forgive me for going on and on about the translation, but it is this process that all of us can read stories not just of another language but of another time as well.
Dhumketu has spread his stories across various canvas and feisty women is a theme that recurs in most of them. While Mariam, a daughter in absentia, makes her presence felt in the first story of the collection 'The Post Office', by keeping her father waiting for years for a letter, Amrapali, in 'Tears of The Soul', has to make a decision for the welfare of her motherland.
Another common theme, which I guess hasn't changed even after generations, is fathers struggling to forge a bond with their sons. 'On the Banks of the Sarayu' underlines this idea in these words: 'Only after all the important conversations are done is a man free to turn his attention to his most precious asset, his child'.
Dhumketu's writing, like other great compatriots of his time, is still relevant. He writes: 'When man puts aside his own perceptions and looks through another's viewpoint, then half the world will be at rest.'
Well, mankind has still not learned better. It is, however, good to know where we fall short.
October 31, 2020
Dhumketu’s stories are like snippets of coloured reels of cinema, or maybe watching life unfold before our eyes. They talk of ordinary men and women toiling on the earthen soil, with their ordinary livelihoods, but even then—the stories glisten with an out-of-the-box thinking, with empathy and solidarity.
While reading Dhumketu’s stories, we must keep in mind the time frame that the stories stem from. India of the early 1900s, zooming in to Gujarat—was readily very starkly different from what we see now. May it be colonial sentiments, or the rigidity of the caste system, or the structure of the societal layers: it all incorporates a very unusual tone to the stories. But even then, the most fundamental facets of human living are very constant and timeless. So, Dhumketu’s writing preserves an ancient feel, but doesn’t fall short in coming up with raw innovations nevertheless.
‘Ratno Dholi’ has seen a very charming translation by Jenny Bhatt. I haven’t read many translated works prior to this, but even in my limited knowledge—the book achieves a perfect infusion of Gujarati dialect, into the English language medium of storytelling. There isn’t a forced imposition of the Gujarati culture, or the over-usage of colloquial terms in the stories, making it easier for readers beyond geographical boundaries to relate to the book. While reading, I never doubted that the sentences were a direct word-by-word conversion from Gujarati to English. The original regional flavour is intact, but coated with fresh paint. Which is why, to me, the translatory feel takes a backseat—and the major storytelling spirit drives the reading.
These short stories often prioritize human emotions and natural instincts over conscience and the right-wrong tussle. They never conceal flawed characters, ruptured relationships, or the erosion of basic human values. Lifelike, striking and thoughtful—this translation of Dhumketu’s work will be devoured by readers.
Thanks HarperCollins India for the book.
While reading Dhumketu’s stories, we must keep in mind the time frame that the stories stem from. India of the early 1900s, zooming in to Gujarat—was readily very starkly different from what we see now. May it be colonial sentiments, or the rigidity of the caste system, or the structure of the societal layers: it all incorporates a very unusual tone to the stories. But even then, the most fundamental facets of human living are very constant and timeless. So, Dhumketu’s writing preserves an ancient feel, but doesn’t fall short in coming up with raw innovations nevertheless.
‘Ratno Dholi’ has seen a very charming translation by Jenny Bhatt. I haven’t read many translated works prior to this, but even in my limited knowledge—the book achieves a perfect infusion of Gujarati dialect, into the English language medium of storytelling. There isn’t a forced imposition of the Gujarati culture, or the over-usage of colloquial terms in the stories, making it easier for readers beyond geographical boundaries to relate to the book. While reading, I never doubted that the sentences were a direct word-by-word conversion from Gujarati to English. The original regional flavour is intact, but coated with fresh paint. Which is why, to me, the translatory feel takes a backseat—and the major storytelling spirit drives the reading.
These short stories often prioritize human emotions and natural instincts over conscience and the right-wrong tussle. They never conceal flawed characters, ruptured relationships, or the erosion of basic human values. Lifelike, striking and thoughtful—this translation of Dhumketu’s work will be devoured by readers.
Thanks HarperCollins India for the book.
October 27, 2020
“That a man is a king only due to the circumstances of birth should be considered just as terrible as when a man is untouchable due to the accident of his birth.”
Considered one of the pioneers of the Gujarati short story scene, Dhumketu born as Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi wrote more than 500 short stories collected across 24 volumes. This book comprises of 26 short stories, with atleast one story from each volume, beautifully translated by Jenny Bhatt for the first time to a wider audience. The compilation must have been a daunting task, but brilliantly done with stories across different themes and regions included in the collection.
The stories in the book takes us through both rural and urban Gujarat of those times and a tour of Darjeeling, Andaman and ancient Bihar. Most of the stories are simple and straightforward ending with powerful moral values. The caste system and social structure of the early 1900s run through every story. I love how the author has explored the nuances of human emotions with an old father waiting for his daughter’s letter in ‘The Post Office’, a young boy yearns to spend some time with his busy father in ‘On the Banks of the Sarayu’, a mother’s love and support for her son in ‘A happy delusion’. ‘When a Devi Ma Becomes a Woman’ is inspired from the famous story ‘Twenty-Six Men and a Girl’ written by Maxim Gorky. I could not connect with some events/stories given the fact that the stories are around 100 years old, but the message the stories offer is still relevant in present times.
The translation is excellent with right amount of Gujarati words mixed retaining the cultural tone without losing the sophistication for a non-Indian reader. There are footnotes for terms given wherever necessary with a glossary of some local words mentioned at the end of the book. In a diverse country like India with so many languages, translations like this are of vital importance. It provides a window to the rich cultural heritage of our country. Recommended if you like short stories and wish to explore underrated voices from Indian regional literature.
Considered one of the pioneers of the Gujarati short story scene, Dhumketu born as Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi wrote more than 500 short stories collected across 24 volumes. This book comprises of 26 short stories, with atleast one story from each volume, beautifully translated by Jenny Bhatt for the first time to a wider audience. The compilation must have been a daunting task, but brilliantly done with stories across different themes and regions included in the collection.
The stories in the book takes us through both rural and urban Gujarat of those times and a tour of Darjeeling, Andaman and ancient Bihar. Most of the stories are simple and straightforward ending with powerful moral values. The caste system and social structure of the early 1900s run through every story. I love how the author has explored the nuances of human emotions with an old father waiting for his daughter’s letter in ‘The Post Office’, a young boy yearns to spend some time with his busy father in ‘On the Banks of the Sarayu’, a mother’s love and support for her son in ‘A happy delusion’. ‘When a Devi Ma Becomes a Woman’ is inspired from the famous story ‘Twenty-Six Men and a Girl’ written by Maxim Gorky. I could not connect with some events/stories given the fact that the stories are around 100 years old, but the message the stories offer is still relevant in present times.
The translation is excellent with right amount of Gujarati words mixed retaining the cultural tone without losing the sophistication for a non-Indian reader. There are footnotes for terms given wherever necessary with a glossary of some local words mentioned at the end of the book. In a diverse country like India with so many languages, translations like this are of vital importance. It provides a window to the rich cultural heritage of our country. Recommended if you like short stories and wish to explore underrated voices from Indian regional literature.
October 23, 2020
I have been really enjoying regional #translatedgems offlate and couldn’t resist a book translated from the Gujarati.
.
This book is best read with some sweet and spicy snack and hot chai . It is a collection of short stories by Dhumketu a very well known figure in Gujarati literature . Thanks to translation these gems are now accessible to us and reading these regional books are a true gift.
.
These stories are set in the early 1900’s most of them centred around village life . The themes covered are mostly cultural based around the caste system and the way women are looked at . There are some simple stories involving a father and son and the way to son keeps waiting for his father to finish a story he started is very relatable as the father gets busy with his life and work. Larger issues of marriage between castes and the way women are treated gives us an insight to the times that were and what life entailed . There is beautifully relavent story of how rumour and gossip can manifest until it becomes real today through social media, and early on through the grapevine. The stories are not all based in Gujarat but in Darjeeling , the Andaman Islands and other parts of india too.
.
The translation is very well done and you get the nuances of the language and region through some of the words being retained with a footnote to explain.
.
Because it’s been set in a bygone era I did find some of the stories feel dated and lacking in relevance but that’s the hazards of reading a vintage text I suppose .
.
All in all I would recommend this read for anyone who enjoys regional translated works and wants to get a close look at simple village life of 100 years ago .
.
This book is best read with some sweet and spicy snack and hot chai . It is a collection of short stories by Dhumketu a very well known figure in Gujarati literature . Thanks to translation these gems are now accessible to us and reading these regional books are a true gift.
.
These stories are set in the early 1900’s most of them centred around village life . The themes covered are mostly cultural based around the caste system and the way women are looked at . There are some simple stories involving a father and son and the way to son keeps waiting for his father to finish a story he started is very relatable as the father gets busy with his life and work. Larger issues of marriage between castes and the way women are treated gives us an insight to the times that were and what life entailed . There is beautifully relavent story of how rumour and gossip can manifest until it becomes real today through social media, and early on through the grapevine. The stories are not all based in Gujarat but in Darjeeling , the Andaman Islands and other parts of india too.
.
The translation is very well done and you get the nuances of the language and region through some of the words being retained with a footnote to explain.
.
Because it’s been set in a bygone era I did find some of the stories feel dated and lacking in relevance but that’s the hazards of reading a vintage text I suppose .
.
All in all I would recommend this read for anyone who enjoys regional translated works and wants to get a close look at simple village life of 100 years ago .
November 10, 2020
'Ratno Dholi - The best storiesof Dhumaketu' (pen name for Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi) translated from Gujarati by Jenny Bhatt is my first translation from Gujrati. Dwelling on a; myriad of themes , the stories are very earthy and rooted. Though written from Gujarat, the collection includes stories set in various parts of India.
Opening with one of his popular stories- The Post office very much reminded me of Kabuliwala by Tagore. Each of the stories included in the collection provide a slice of the life then - the role of women, corruption, caste and some very contemporary themes as well. Among my favorites are Post Office, Rebirth of Poetry, Gulabvahu and Ratno Dholi. In Post Office we have a father yearning to hear from his married daughter waiting every day in the post office for a letter. Rebirth of Poetry, the most interesting of the lot for me and very dystopian talks of a world where everyone has the same face and are referred by numbers. Now , if this was developed to a full length novella it would compare very well with any of the contemporary dystopian fiction. Gulabvahu shows clear caste definitions then and a family's experience with Karma. Ratno Dholi reflects on how doubt is actually a worm which can spoil the best of relationships. Bhatt's translation seems seamless with enough Gujrati words sprinkled here and there. The translators note gives a succinct summary of the author, his work and the importance of translation. The beauty of translation lies in bringing us stories from across the country (and world) in English. I truly love translations for the exposure to various cultures and regions .Not to forget, the gorgeous cover design of the book depicting the titular story. Short stories like these are a great way to be introduced to an author's work and this forms a delightful read though I had trouble connecting with a few stories owing to period it was set in!
Opening with one of his popular stories- The Post office very much reminded me of Kabuliwala by Tagore. Each of the stories included in the collection provide a slice of the life then - the role of women, corruption, caste and some very contemporary themes as well. Among my favorites are Post Office, Rebirth of Poetry, Gulabvahu and Ratno Dholi. In Post Office we have a father yearning to hear from his married daughter waiting every day in the post office for a letter. Rebirth of Poetry, the most interesting of the lot for me and very dystopian talks of a world where everyone has the same face and are referred by numbers. Now , if this was developed to a full length novella it would compare very well with any of the contemporary dystopian fiction. Gulabvahu shows clear caste definitions then and a family's experience with Karma. Ratno Dholi reflects on how doubt is actually a worm which can spoil the best of relationships. Bhatt's translation seems seamless with enough Gujrati words sprinkled here and there. The translators note gives a succinct summary of the author, his work and the importance of translation. The beauty of translation lies in bringing us stories from across the country (and world) in English. I truly love translations for the exposure to various cultures and regions .Not to forget, the gorgeous cover design of the book depicting the titular story. Short stories like these are a great way to be introduced to an author's work and this forms a delightful read though I had trouble connecting with a few stories owing to period it was set in!
December 3, 2020
Ratno Dholi: The Best Short Stories of Dhumketu, translated from the Gujarati by Jenny Bhatt
I, for one, find it less valuable to begin with ‘informing’ the reader what the author’s real name was. What’s more valuable is what legacy he left. What use is his body of work – its relevance, importance and above all its usefulness – if people in the literary world don’t know him at all?
Thanks to Jenny Bhatt that we have this remarkable collection of short stories by Dhumketu. I always say that translators are like those archaeologist on an excavation site. However, they do more than finding out stories for us. They transfer the knowledge from one vessel to the other. I’ll not be touching upon what’s lost in the translation because: a) that’s a thing for multilingual readers to point out, b) I care less about it. The real work is letting the stories be known in the world other than they’re originally written for. We can always improve as we progress. However, Jenny’s work leave a little scope for that as she seems to have found the right balance between preserving the charm of Dhumketu’s stories without compromising the translated text’s beauty.
Right from the Translator’s Introduction the tone is set right. Jenny isn’t eulogizing the writer whom she’s translating. She clearly makes it a point to say that he was perhaps the most progressive of his lot, but there were some areas where his privileged gaze could be seen. In most stories, it was evident. However, it doesn’t make Dhumketu less of a champion of rights. His women are independent, forthright and take things in their hand. In the Nobel Daughters-in-Law you find him treading toward the lines of unrequited desires, which often Chughtai is credited with. The story was beautiful indeed. Be it the sensitive character of Old Coachman Ali waiting for his daughter Mariam’s letter or the mute Mungo Gungo, each story in this collection leaves an indelible mark on the reader.
If you’re reading as a writer, then I must tell you there’s enough for you to savour and delight. Allow yourself to immerse in the world of a unique storyteller.
I, for one, find it less valuable to begin with ‘informing’ the reader what the author’s real name was. What’s more valuable is what legacy he left. What use is his body of work – its relevance, importance and above all its usefulness – if people in the literary world don’t know him at all?
Thanks to Jenny Bhatt that we have this remarkable collection of short stories by Dhumketu. I always say that translators are like those archaeologist on an excavation site. However, they do more than finding out stories for us. They transfer the knowledge from one vessel to the other. I’ll not be touching upon what’s lost in the translation because: a) that’s a thing for multilingual readers to point out, b) I care less about it. The real work is letting the stories be known in the world other than they’re originally written for. We can always improve as we progress. However, Jenny’s work leave a little scope for that as she seems to have found the right balance between preserving the charm of Dhumketu’s stories without compromising the translated text’s beauty.
Right from the Translator’s Introduction the tone is set right. Jenny isn’t eulogizing the writer whom she’s translating. She clearly makes it a point to say that he was perhaps the most progressive of his lot, but there were some areas where his privileged gaze could be seen. In most stories, it was evident. However, it doesn’t make Dhumketu less of a champion of rights. His women are independent, forthright and take things in their hand. In the Nobel Daughters-in-Law you find him treading toward the lines of unrequited desires, which often Chughtai is credited with. The story was beautiful indeed. Be it the sensitive character of Old Coachman Ali waiting for his daughter Mariam’s letter or the mute Mungo Gungo, each story in this collection leaves an indelible mark on the reader.
If you’re reading as a writer, then I must tell you there’s enough for you to savour and delight. Allow yourself to immerse in the world of a unique storyteller.
January 29, 2021
Since I am on a self imposed book buying ban till June 2021, I have been trying to enjoy reading from my unread section of 100+ books. Wish me luck!!!
#bookreview
Ratno Dholi - The Best Stories of Dhumketu (translated from Gujarati) by Jenny Bhatt is a collection of 26 stories out of the 500 written by Dhumketu. Dhumketu, born as Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi was one of the pioneers of Gujarti literature, a contemporary of Tagore, Munshi Premchand and Manto with equally important and groundbreaking contributions to Indian literature.
"Do not judge a book by its cover." Well I did and this book is as amazing as it's cover. The design depicts the titular story. The colour pallete stays close to that of the desert and the nomadic tribal women of Gujarat. It's so beautiful.
For this book, the translator did a fabulous job by ensuring the following: enabling an understanding of Dhumketu's chronological progression as a short story writer, showcasing his range and skills with different themes and styles, increasing the readers' appetite for more of his works. The selection of these stories must have been a daunting process.
The writing is brilliant. It explores themes surrounding society, politics, familial connections and leading a lonely life. It touches most of the issues faced around Partition which are relevant even today.
The stories in this collection has a set of strong and independent women and men fighting for justice refusing to give up and equally feeble willed, greedy and stupidly obstinate characters.
After reading each story, Dhumketu left me with a new emotion, a lot to think about and also much more to reflect upon a person's stand in society. Some stories left me sad. Some made a laugh for solid 5 minutes.
These stories cover everything a modern, ever-changing society needs. His stories are to the point, straight forward with no extra clatter and beautifully framed. He explores each character of his story and the themes related in such a way it hardly feels fictional. My favourite among all is Light and Shade.
Read this book if you love Indian literature and translated fiction.
Thanks for my review copy @harpercollinsin @vivekisms
#bookreview
Ratno Dholi - The Best Stories of Dhumketu (translated from Gujarati) by Jenny Bhatt is a collection of 26 stories out of the 500 written by Dhumketu. Dhumketu, born as Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi was one of the pioneers of Gujarti literature, a contemporary of Tagore, Munshi Premchand and Manto with equally important and groundbreaking contributions to Indian literature.
"Do not judge a book by its cover." Well I did and this book is as amazing as it's cover. The design depicts the titular story. The colour pallete stays close to that of the desert and the nomadic tribal women of Gujarat. It's so beautiful.
For this book, the translator did a fabulous job by ensuring the following: enabling an understanding of Dhumketu's chronological progression as a short story writer, showcasing his range and skills with different themes and styles, increasing the readers' appetite for more of his works. The selection of these stories must have been a daunting process.
The writing is brilliant. It explores themes surrounding society, politics, familial connections and leading a lonely life. It touches most of the issues faced around Partition which are relevant even today.
The stories in this collection has a set of strong and independent women and men fighting for justice refusing to give up and equally feeble willed, greedy and stupidly obstinate characters.
After reading each story, Dhumketu left me with a new emotion, a lot to think about and also much more to reflect upon a person's stand in society. Some stories left me sad. Some made a laugh for solid 5 minutes.
These stories cover everything a modern, ever-changing society needs. His stories are to the point, straight forward with no extra clatter and beautifully framed. He explores each character of his story and the themes related in such a way it hardly feels fictional. My favourite among all is Light and Shade.
Read this book if you love Indian literature and translated fiction.
Thanks for my review copy @harpercollinsin @vivekisms
December 4, 2020
Ratno Dholi - the best short stories of Dhumketu.
Translated by Jenny Bhatt.
Pages - 315. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever observed? we all just listen to stories. Six-word short story, Panchatra, Grandmas bag of stories. We grow up short stories. The short story is different from the Novel. A short story makes an impact on your mind within three to four pages. Who doesn't love short stories? Anton Chekov, Guy De Maupassant, O. Henry's short stories are masterpieces. I still remember The Necklace short story by Maupassant.
Indian short story writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Munshi Premchand, Manto dominated the reader's mind for ages. Dhumketu pen name of Gaurishankar Giridhar Joshi was contemporary of Tagore and Munshi Premchand. He is a Gujarati short story writer. Ratno Dholi is a collection of some of his great short stories. I wondered why not somebody discovered this gem to date. He is a reputed author in Gujarati Literature. His work has not reached the wide readers like Tagore.
Every short story made me think twice. It took 4 days to complete this book because of the depth of human emotion, psychology, philosophy. Dhumketu studied human nature very well. All short stories explore the psychological, social, aspect. It comments on the futility of human life.
The post office and Ratno Dholi these two short stories brought tears to my eyes. Some stories never leave your mind for a long time. The Necklace, The Prisoner of Andaman, Gulabvahu, Light, and shade are heart-wrenching. Jenny Bhatt who translated these stories did excellent work. No one can feel it's a translated work. She gave footnote of Gujarati words, folk stories. She even translated the Gujarati proverb into English. I am eager to read her next work. You want to read some delightful and heart touching book then go for it. Go and buy this book. It's available on Amazon.@harpercollinsin @jennybhatt0 @bookworm_falguni #shortstories #greatindianstorytellers #dhumketushortstory #gujaratistories #greatshortstory #bookreviewers #bookstagramar #bookish #bookaddict #translatedfiction #translation
Translated by Jenny Bhatt.
Pages - 315. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever observed? we all just listen to stories. Six-word short story, Panchatra, Grandmas bag of stories. We grow up short stories. The short story is different from the Novel. A short story makes an impact on your mind within three to four pages. Who doesn't love short stories? Anton Chekov, Guy De Maupassant, O. Henry's short stories are masterpieces. I still remember The Necklace short story by Maupassant.
Indian short story writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Munshi Premchand, Manto dominated the reader's mind for ages. Dhumketu pen name of Gaurishankar Giridhar Joshi was contemporary of Tagore and Munshi Premchand. He is a Gujarati short story writer. Ratno Dholi is a collection of some of his great short stories. I wondered why not somebody discovered this gem to date. He is a reputed author in Gujarati Literature. His work has not reached the wide readers like Tagore.
Every short story made me think twice. It took 4 days to complete this book because of the depth of human emotion, psychology, philosophy. Dhumketu studied human nature very well. All short stories explore the psychological, social, aspect. It comments on the futility of human life.
The post office and Ratno Dholi these two short stories brought tears to my eyes. Some stories never leave your mind for a long time. The Necklace, The Prisoner of Andaman, Gulabvahu, Light, and shade are heart-wrenching. Jenny Bhatt who translated these stories did excellent work. No one can feel it's a translated work. She gave footnote of Gujarati words, folk stories. She even translated the Gujarati proverb into English. I am eager to read her next work. You want to read some delightful and heart touching book then go for it. Go and buy this book. It's available on Amazon.@harpercollinsin @jennybhatt0 @bookworm_falguni #shortstories #greatindianstorytellers #dhumketushortstory #gujaratistories #greatshortstory #bookreviewers #bookstagramar #bookish #bookaddict #translatedfiction #translation
October 28, 2020
#readwithharpercollins #dhumketu
RATNO DHOLI- The Best Stories Of Dhumketu.
✨Originally published in Gujarati as;
"Dhumketu Ni Tunki Vartao".
✨Now translated from the Gujarati by @jennybhatt0
Jenny Bhatt is a writer, translator, bookreviewer, podcast host.
✨Prior to " Dhumketu", Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi, used various "nom de plumes" like Vihaar, Paagal.
✨One of the foremost writers in Gujarati & a pioneer of short story form. (1892- 1965).
_____________
🎨 This work of art, is an culmination of 26 short stories, each a treat to experience the deep nuances of human behaviour.
✨There's variety in terms of range & it focuses on different strata of people.
✨Major of the stories are set in rural Gujarat.
✨Even after translation, there are certain vernacular words which have been retained & for that, there's a glossary of gujarati terms, at the end.
✨There's a separate space demarcated on the page, to give a brief background of the topic in discussion, wherever needed.
📌 The stories, are simple to say the least, coming from deep observation of the human nature but the highlight is the writing style, with use of metaphors & detailed, descriptive narration.
Irrespective of the time, when this piece was first written, the reader can totally be in tandem with the emotions.
There are emotions which leave your heart heavy, a bygone era, life lessons, humour, relationships, faith, music, societal problems, corruption, unemployment, caste, religion, love, hurt, rumour...
I don't feel, there's any emotion not dealt with here.
This work will always be special.
📌Indebted to good translators for bringing forth such forgotten work.
#noorthebookwormreviews
RATNO DHOLI- The Best Stories Of Dhumketu.
✨Originally published in Gujarati as;
"Dhumketu Ni Tunki Vartao".
✨Now translated from the Gujarati by @jennybhatt0
Jenny Bhatt is a writer, translator, bookreviewer, podcast host.
✨Prior to " Dhumketu", Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi, used various "nom de plumes" like Vihaar, Paagal.
✨One of the foremost writers in Gujarati & a pioneer of short story form. (1892- 1965).
_____________
🎨 This work of art, is an culmination of 26 short stories, each a treat to experience the deep nuances of human behaviour.
✨There's variety in terms of range & it focuses on different strata of people.
✨Major of the stories are set in rural Gujarat.
✨Even after translation, there are certain vernacular words which have been retained & for that, there's a glossary of gujarati terms, at the end.
✨There's a separate space demarcated on the page, to give a brief background of the topic in discussion, wherever needed.
📌 The stories, are simple to say the least, coming from deep observation of the human nature but the highlight is the writing style, with use of metaphors & detailed, descriptive narration.
Irrespective of the time, when this piece was first written, the reader can totally be in tandem with the emotions.
There are emotions which leave your heart heavy, a bygone era, life lessons, humour, relationships, faith, music, societal problems, corruption, unemployment, caste, religion, love, hurt, rumour...
I don't feel, there's any emotion not dealt with here.
This work will always be special.
📌Indebted to good translators for bringing forth such forgotten work.
#noorthebookwormreviews
October 3, 2021
Dhumketu, a name, lots of Gujarati kids may recall from their Gujarati textbooks which incorporated stories by Gaurishankar Joshi, who wrote under his pen name Dhumketu. He is a very important name in the Gujarati literature. Ratno Dholi is a collection of short stories by Dhumketu which have been translated to English from Gujarati by Jenny Bhatt.
A collection of 26 short stories similar in themes yet distinct from each other in multiple ways, this collection surely impressed the reader and the Gujarati in me. Dhumketu writes in a way and at a pace that tends to elicit the reader's deepest of emotions, then be that sympathy for the protagonist or the ability to relate to a part of the story. Agreed, it may take you some stories to get used to the writing but once you do, you'll enjoy them through and through. This collection made me realise that there are stories around us, within us, we just need to pay attention to them. Its really admirable how he's written about the simplest of stories in his elegant manner. Having always loved the rural India more than urban, this collection served to be entertaining. Simple rural language (with annotations), stories full of emotion and some with profound meaning form the core of this book. The cover of the book certainly needs to be talked about because it's art sends a message straight away about what the book is, a work of art simply presented in another language. The selection of stories in this collection is really praiseworthy.
My favourites were :
• The Post Office
• Ebb and Flow
• Unknown Helpers
• Anaami
• The Noble Daughter In Law
• Mungo Gungo and
• Ratno Dholi
• The Prisoner Of Andaman
I'll recommend this title to the ones who love reading short stories specifically the ones with an indulgence of human emotions and ruralistic backdrop.
A collection of 26 short stories similar in themes yet distinct from each other in multiple ways, this collection surely impressed the reader and the Gujarati in me. Dhumketu writes in a way and at a pace that tends to elicit the reader's deepest of emotions, then be that sympathy for the protagonist or the ability to relate to a part of the story. Agreed, it may take you some stories to get used to the writing but once you do, you'll enjoy them through and through. This collection made me realise that there are stories around us, within us, we just need to pay attention to them. Its really admirable how he's written about the simplest of stories in his elegant manner. Having always loved the rural India more than urban, this collection served to be entertaining. Simple rural language (with annotations), stories full of emotion and some with profound meaning form the core of this book. The cover of the book certainly needs to be talked about because it's art sends a message straight away about what the book is, a work of art simply presented in another language. The selection of stories in this collection is really praiseworthy.
My favourites were :
• The Post Office
• Ebb and Flow
• Unknown Helpers
• Anaami
• The Noble Daughter In Law
• Mungo Gungo and
• Ratno Dholi
• The Prisoner Of Andaman
I'll recommend this title to the ones who love reading short stories specifically the ones with an indulgence of human emotions and ruralistic backdrop.
January 28, 2021
The very name Dhumketu transports me back to my school. Amidst long summer days when the sun was boiling over our heads, I used to sit near the window (gazing at the world outside) trying to create a visual imagery of the lines being read by my teacher. These lines from the mind of Dhumketu stuck with me then and have come back to me now- only in a different language. Ratno Dholi– a translation of some of the finest works of Dhumketu by Jenny Bhatt opens the door to this wonderful regional literature, which meanders its way to the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.
Ratno Dholi is an anthology of twenty-six stories which give the readers a glimpse of the society in which Dhumketu resided and wrote for. Each of the stories binds the readers’ interest through emotion, wit, dreams, and desires. Interestingly these urban and rural sentiments and actions are no different from what it is today. Dhumketu’s far-sightedness while writing the stories re-establish the fact that even though over the years, the mode of expression or reaction to situations may have changed, the primitive desires and feelings of mankind remain the same.
What is interesting to note is the patriarchal society in which Dhumketu lived in. Out of the twenty six stories, majority revolve around men and their lives. Those that do talk about women either portray them as mere instruments of building political relations or as burdens in the society. His take on the caste system and untouchables are also thought-provoking viewpoints of his time. Jenny Bhatt has done a phenomenal translation of his writings keeping the nascent emotions alive and yet rewriting the stories in a language that reaches the global readers. Reading Ratno Dholi also makes us realise the treasure trove of literature that resides in regional language and how their translation is the need of the hour. Definitely a must read!
Ratno Dholi is an anthology of twenty-six stories which give the readers a glimpse of the society in which Dhumketu resided and wrote for. Each of the stories binds the readers’ interest through emotion, wit, dreams, and desires. Interestingly these urban and rural sentiments and actions are no different from what it is today. Dhumketu’s far-sightedness while writing the stories re-establish the fact that even though over the years, the mode of expression or reaction to situations may have changed, the primitive desires and feelings of mankind remain the same.
What is interesting to note is the patriarchal society in which Dhumketu lived in. Out of the twenty six stories, majority revolve around men and their lives. Those that do talk about women either portray them as mere instruments of building political relations or as burdens in the society. His take on the caste system and untouchables are also thought-provoking viewpoints of his time. Jenny Bhatt has done a phenomenal translation of his writings keeping the nascent emotions alive and yet rewriting the stories in a language that reaches the global readers. Reading Ratno Dholi also makes us realise the treasure trove of literature that resides in regional language and how their translation is the need of the hour. Definitely a must read!
December 2, 2020
Jenny Bhatt has translated Dhumketu's stories really well retaining the Gujarati nuances. Casteism is rampant even today despite the apparent appeal to democracy and secularism. The plight of the women too isn't ignored. The stories were ahead of the times I would say and I totally loved reading them.
December 11, 2020
A beautiful book that carries rich culture and authenticity of India and its literature. Jenny Bhatt has done an incredible job in translating it without extracting and taking away the nuance of the folktales. A must read story for folktales lovers!!!
January 23, 2021
These stories cannot be classified into any category. The background ranges from the urban to the rural, the locales being from all parts of India – there is even a whimsical SF yarn. The stories are set mostly in pre-Independence times when rupee, anna and paise were the currency. The rustic flavour seems to have been lost in translation.
April 8, 2021
Surprising, charming, wise and wonderful stories. This book was a pleasure.
September 18, 2021
It is a collection of short stories by Dhumketu, originally written in the Gujarati. Speaking of Dhumketu, he was heaviluy influenced by the ancient epic of Vyas and Valmiki and the uncountable gujarati folklores passed on from generations to generations. In his memoirs, The Path of Life and The colour of Life, he writes about how stories came to flow in his blood from an early age through oral storytelling of his parents and his own fascination with the lives of historical figures.
When I had first come across Ratno Dholi on bookstagram, it raised my curiosity in knowing more about the book. Well, I did search about the writer and also listened to her interviews which drew me towards buying the book indeed. Though, it took me quite a long while in finishing the book, it was worth every minute. And one funny part is that I dragged the book for almost two long months and it made the best travel companion from Chennai to Rajasthan and then from Rajasthan to Gujarat. It's now settled here finally, making its way to my review list.
I loved all the stories but Yes, there are some characters that really did touch my Spirit. One is Ratno Dholi, the one after whom the book is titled and the other is Makno Bharthi. A glance at this book will first bring to my mind, these heart-touching fictional humans.
Words from the book:
When man puts aside his own perceptions and looks through another's viewpoint, then half the world will be at rest.
'Vaishali! Oh, Vaishali! I gave you my womanhood, gave you my motherhood. Now, what do you want? Tell me, what should I offer you next?'
It was as if the jungle were speaking from all four directions: ' Your soul."
Only after all the important conversations are done is a man free to turn his attention to his most precious asset, his child.
The Untouchability established by inequality in wealth is greater than that caused by birth or caste.
But, when a crazy man gets a crazy woman, half the world goes mad.
In a village, first a thing chafes, then it combusts into a flame. Then it is as if that itself is the main event.
The whole world finds other people's flaws very big. Never mind that, on a given day, they themselves indulge in fifty black deeds.
There was a great man who made history. No one was brave enough to seek justice and he, alone, had the courage to do so. Since then, Makno Bharthi's cushioned seat in the square has remained empty, for no one considers themselves worthy enough to sit on it.
The Educated must get jobs; what else can they do? Education ruins you for anything else. To make lakhs of people weak, there was education worth crores.
Happy reading.
When I had first come across Ratno Dholi on bookstagram, it raised my curiosity in knowing more about the book. Well, I did search about the writer and also listened to her interviews which drew me towards buying the book indeed. Though, it took me quite a long while in finishing the book, it was worth every minute. And one funny part is that I dragged the book for almost two long months and it made the best travel companion from Chennai to Rajasthan and then from Rajasthan to Gujarat. It's now settled here finally, making its way to my review list.
I loved all the stories but Yes, there are some characters that really did touch my Spirit. One is Ratno Dholi, the one after whom the book is titled and the other is Makno Bharthi. A glance at this book will first bring to my mind, these heart-touching fictional humans.
Words from the book:
When man puts aside his own perceptions and looks through another's viewpoint, then half the world will be at rest.
'Vaishali! Oh, Vaishali! I gave you my womanhood, gave you my motherhood. Now, what do you want? Tell me, what should I offer you next?'
It was as if the jungle were speaking from all four directions: ' Your soul."
Only after all the important conversations are done is a man free to turn his attention to his most precious asset, his child.
The Untouchability established by inequality in wealth is greater than that caused by birth or caste.
But, when a crazy man gets a crazy woman, half the world goes mad.
In a village, first a thing chafes, then it combusts into a flame. Then it is as if that itself is the main event.
The whole world finds other people's flaws very big. Never mind that, on a given day, they themselves indulge in fifty black deeds.
There was a great man who made history. No one was brave enough to seek justice and he, alone, had the courage to do so. Since then, Makno Bharthi's cushioned seat in the square has remained empty, for no one considers themselves worthy enough to sit on it.
The Educated must get jobs; what else can they do? Education ruins you for anything else. To make lakhs of people weak, there was education worth crores.
Happy reading.
November 26, 2020
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 - 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗼 𝗗𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘁
I just love the literature that is so beautifully engraved in our regional languages that whenever some kind soul brings it in English, I just have to pick it up right away. Ratno Dholi is a collection of 27 short stories that are one of the best works of Dhumketu. It explores varied themes, contexts and settings that take you to a world of fantasy.
Dhumketu was the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi who was one of the foremost writers in Gujarati. He was a pioneer of the short story and wrote more than 500 short stories and 36 novels.
With most of his stories set in rural Gujarat, Dhumketu managed to write the stories that are still so relevant in the present world. He wrote independent-minded women as well as emotionally sensitive men. The range of the stories picked by Jenny is so wide that in a span of 27 stories, you will find yourself laughing in one story and having wet eyes in other.
My personal favourite of these stories has to be the title story itself. In Ratno Dholi, you will get to read a beautiful story of diminishing love. A relation so pure but could not stand the tests of societal assumptions, inner rage and hollow doubts.
My second favourite had to be “The Post Office.” It is a story of a longing father who waited all his life for his daughter’s letter. Every day brought new hope only to end in despair in the end. Did his expectation get fulfilled in the end? You have to read the book to know this. But this story is a story of every father whose daughter is married or living far away from him in another city. In our digital world where we are so busy, this story will urge you to call your father at least once a day and tell him how you are doing because this is what he wants to know.
I will highly recommend this book to all.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟰.𝟱/𝟱
I just love the literature that is so beautifully engraved in our regional languages that whenever some kind soul brings it in English, I just have to pick it up right away. Ratno Dholi is a collection of 27 short stories that are one of the best works of Dhumketu. It explores varied themes, contexts and settings that take you to a world of fantasy.
Dhumketu was the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi who was one of the foremost writers in Gujarati. He was a pioneer of the short story and wrote more than 500 short stories and 36 novels.
With most of his stories set in rural Gujarat, Dhumketu managed to write the stories that are still so relevant in the present world. He wrote independent-minded women as well as emotionally sensitive men. The range of the stories picked by Jenny is so wide that in a span of 27 stories, you will find yourself laughing in one story and having wet eyes in other.
My personal favourite of these stories has to be the title story itself. In Ratno Dholi, you will get to read a beautiful story of diminishing love. A relation so pure but could not stand the tests of societal assumptions, inner rage and hollow doubts.
My second favourite had to be “The Post Office.” It is a story of a longing father who waited all his life for his daughter’s letter. Every day brought new hope only to end in despair in the end. Did his expectation get fulfilled in the end? You have to read the book to know this. But this story is a story of every father whose daughter is married or living far away from him in another city. In our digital world where we are so busy, this story will urge you to call your father at least once a day and tell him how you are doing because this is what he wants to know.
I will highly recommend this book to all.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝟰.𝟱/𝟱
February 28, 2025
As someone who enjoys writing and reading short stories, discovering Dhumketu’s collection of short stories has been a blessing. A prominent name in the world of Gujarati literature, Gaurishankar Govardhan Joshi, aka Dhumketu, has revolutionised the field of Indian literature with over 600 short stories and 30 historical novels. I can only imagine his potential and the amount of hard work that went behind such ginormous figures.
Ratno Dholi is a collection of thirty of his best stories, translated with utmost sincerity and perfection by Jenny Bhatt. The collection begins with the most poignant tale titled ‘The Postoffice’, where a man’s wait for a letter from his abandoned daughter evokes a sense of empathy and fondness for the characters in less than three pages. From the very first chapter, the book draws your attention towards it and gradually moves on to deeply engrossing and stirring tales based on Gujarati culture and geopolitics.
While some stories were unique and terrific, certain others did not have the same impact on me. Either I couldn’t grasp the ending well, or the translation wasn’t refined enough to bring out the true emotions it should have evoked. However, these stories were very few in number compared to the former category.
Special mention to the cover and title, inspired from one of its short stories, ‘Ratno Dholi’, which is also my most favourite one from the collection. This tale of love and loss between Ratno, the drummer, and Sundari, who dances to his tunes, has managed to stay with me out of all the stories. There’s also exploration of humour, anger, betrayal, vengeance, repentance, and every other human emotion from a multifaceted perspective.
Ratno Dholi is a collection of thirty of his best stories, translated with utmost sincerity and perfection by Jenny Bhatt. The collection begins with the most poignant tale titled ‘The Postoffice’, where a man’s wait for a letter from his abandoned daughter evokes a sense of empathy and fondness for the characters in less than three pages. From the very first chapter, the book draws your attention towards it and gradually moves on to deeply engrossing and stirring tales based on Gujarati culture and geopolitics.
While some stories were unique and terrific, certain others did not have the same impact on me. Either I couldn’t grasp the ending well, or the translation wasn’t refined enough to bring out the true emotions it should have evoked. However, these stories were very few in number compared to the former category.
Special mention to the cover and title, inspired from one of its short stories, ‘Ratno Dholi’, which is also my most favourite one from the collection. This tale of love and loss between Ratno, the drummer, and Sundari, who dances to his tunes, has managed to stay with me out of all the stories. There’s also exploration of humour, anger, betrayal, vengeance, repentance, and every other human emotion from a multifaceted perspective.
June 22, 2022
A 5 star from me for this compilation of short stories, originally written in Gujarati by Dhumketu, and later translated into English by Jenny Bhatt.
Dhumketu is the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi, one of Gujarat’s most prolific writers in the early-20th century. During his lifetime, he wrote some 600 short stories in 26 volumes, 29 historical and 7 social novels, various plays, travelogues, memoirs, and more. He was also an avid translator of Rabindranath Tagore and Khalil Gibran.
And I am ashamed to say that I did not know about him. I chanced upon him and few of his works when I was searching for translated literature from across India, and the world.
I took quite some time to read this compilation. Short stories often reflect acquired taste, and if one is not attuned to them, they are not easy reads. That's what I feel personally. When I started with the first story and the next, it was a slow read and I struggled with the open ended-ness of these stories. I gave myself time, and I am glad, I did it.
All the stories are top class, brilliantly written to bring forth the ambiguities and complexities of people involved, and yet revealing to us the simplicities of our lives. Each story reveals so much that they sparkle like gems.
This book contains few of Dhumketu's works. At the end of it, I am left thirsting for more.
My rating - 5/5
Dhumketu is the pen name of Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi, one of Gujarat’s most prolific writers in the early-20th century. During his lifetime, he wrote some 600 short stories in 26 volumes, 29 historical and 7 social novels, various plays, travelogues, memoirs, and more. He was also an avid translator of Rabindranath Tagore and Khalil Gibran.
And I am ashamed to say that I did not know about him. I chanced upon him and few of his works when I was searching for translated literature from across India, and the world.
I took quite some time to read this compilation. Short stories often reflect acquired taste, and if one is not attuned to them, they are not easy reads. That's what I feel personally. When I started with the first story and the next, it was a slow read and I struggled with the open ended-ness of these stories. I gave myself time, and I am glad, I did it.
All the stories are top class, brilliantly written to bring forth the ambiguities and complexities of people involved, and yet revealing to us the simplicities of our lives. Each story reveals so much that they sparkle like gems.
This book contains few of Dhumketu's works. At the end of it, I am left thirsting for more.
My rating - 5/5
October 17, 2022
A gorgeous cover. A legendary writer and a mammoth amount of works to
chose from. The expectations soar high, obviously. The task, is not small, which Jenny Bhatt has taken on hands. Translating the Gujarati stories in English, has biggest risk of losing the rustic flavor. Which happens here in many stories. So, you get the crux of the story well, but that joy of being immersed, getting into the characters and their feelings - is, at places, not present. Yet, yes, there are stories that work very well in translated versions too.
The Post Office, On the Banks of the Sarayu, The Queen of Nepal, The Rebirth of Poetry (surprise ! A dystopian story !!), Ratno Dholi, The Golden Necklace, Svarjogi - are favorites. Footnotes are helpful and preface - the evolution of the Gujarati Short Story - makes an interesting read. In totality, the effort is worth applauding, but as it always happen, lost in translation - is the factor which this book suffers from. Even, being a Gujarati myself, I felt less connected to the translation, despite the fact I haven't read all the original works of Dhumketu yet.
chose from. The expectations soar high, obviously. The task, is not small, which Jenny Bhatt has taken on hands. Translating the Gujarati stories in English, has biggest risk of losing the rustic flavor. Which happens here in many stories. So, you get the crux of the story well, but that joy of being immersed, getting into the characters and their feelings - is, at places, not present. Yet, yes, there are stories that work very well in translated versions too.
The Post Office, On the Banks of the Sarayu, The Queen of Nepal, The Rebirth of Poetry (surprise ! A dystopian story !!), Ratno Dholi, The Golden Necklace, Svarjogi - are favorites. Footnotes are helpful and preface - the evolution of the Gujarati Short Story - makes an interesting read. In totality, the effort is worth applauding, but as it always happen, lost in translation - is the factor which this book suffers from. Even, being a Gujarati myself, I felt less connected to the translation, despite the fact I haven't read all the original works of Dhumketu yet.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 37 reviews