A Spoonful of Curds

by Bharati Jagannathan

Written with plenty of heart and a touch of humour, A Spoonful of Curds brings together a dozen short stories that unfold around Tamilians - both in India and abroad.

From negotiating an arranged marriage and surviving the politics of the domestic realm, to love blossoming for the first time between newlyweds and empowering journeys of self-discovery - these stories bring out the curious, sometimes eccentric, singular world of their loveable characters.

Accessible yet evocative, this is perhaps the closest we can get to a new R.K. Narayan - stories set in the recent past, told for the present and sure to be cherished in the future.

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2020

Reviews

[Avani ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan is a collection of around 12-13 short stories that unfold around Tamilians - both in India and abroad. I was excited to read this because I thought it was going to bring me closer to knowing more about the Tamil culture, which it did to an extent.

The stories deal with everyday aspects and issues, which makes these stories more related to us. One story was dealing with a new and budding romance between the two, which was heart warming to read about. The collection of story in this book takes us to different places across the world.

It brings events and aspects of Tamil culture from different time frame as well as with people from different age group. So I must say the book is very diverse in terms of story collection but at the same time also keeping the Tamilian theme very live. Overall a good one time heart warming read for me.

[Chhavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something so warm and homely about this book that I couldn't help but fell in love with it! Each story felt like reading about someone whom I have known my entire life. This is the beauty of this book.

Some stories were heartbreaking enough to leave me numb and some so sweet that I was left with a little smile. But all of them left me craving for more because each ended with a bittersweet cliffhanger!

If you haven't read this book, you are missing a gem! I urge you to read it, you will absolutely love it!

[Romita Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Centred around Tamilians, A Spoonful of Curds brings to you 13 stories from the heart of their day-to-day lives, weaving through the fine threads of past and present.

From finding solace in solidarity to making peace with the inner turmoils, from experiencing the jitters of budding romance to trying to close the distance of generation gaps - these stories, even though centred solely around Tamilians, holds its essence in every cultural household.

I loved how the stories were so insightful and rich in familial humour and warmth. The stories depicted characters in place of whom we can easily visualise ourselves, emphasising on the similarity of the context.

Reading these stories made me feel the kind of warmth that only these tales of domestic moments can give. This is the kind of book which I can always go back to, just to experience the different flavours of life.

Even if you are not someone who enjoys short stories, I will still suggest you give this one a try. And if you are a short story lover like me, this will be a treat to read.

[Anju Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamil Nadu is the state I used visit often before covid! I've been to rural villages as well as cities. Temples, narrow roads, beaches, hill stations, extreme higher temperature, authentic Tamil food, vada, sambhar, rasam, curd rice, Tamil Nadu is almost like a home for me. This book gave an opportunity to live in Tamil Nadu for one more time. Memories knocked hard!

My parents always say developing a family, being in a family is difficult. Two individuals of different families, different cultures, different tastes, different passions, different profession unite together to form a new family! They may have difficulties with the in laws, they may have a broken love story to share, they give birth to children, there may arise financial crises, conflicts, still a husband and wife have to move on. Indeed maintaining a healthy happy family is difficult.

A spoonful of curds, share a spoonful of stories about family, Tamil families to be precise. All the stories except one are told from the perspective of women. All of us especially south indians can relate to some of the incident mentioned in the stories. I never felt I was reading some fiction, I felt I'm reading the life of my grandparents, my parents, my sister's, my friend's and mine as well.

(4/5 Stars)

[Preethi Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this A spoonful of curds by Bharati Jagannathan as part of the #womenshistorymonth and #femmemarchatwomaniyat hosted by @womaniyat . This book was the prompt for Week 1: short story collection by an Indian female author . The spoonful of curds is basically a book with short stories set in Tamilnadu or around Tamil folks both India/abroad .
When I read its blurb and the reviews I was really intrigued and I wanted to pick it up but unfortunately after picking up the book I realised that this book is only about one particular community within Tamil speaking crowd and I think from the title of the book this should have been obvious to me my bad I missed noticing the nuance.  The book itself however was a great read indeed only that I could not connect to many events terms faiths and descriptions due to the fact that I am a non Brahmin / non - hindu. Hence I think this book cannot justify for all Tamilians or their culture as such but can only the culture of one particular group or community of people.

The author has indeed written a very sensitive collection of stories touching upon both issues that women face day to day, a lot of stereotypes and social issues for example How the society treats a woman who is unmarried/childless for a long time. Some stories were very short less than 10 pages but some of the stories were a bit long.My favourite of these was the story called guilt it is about a disabled husband and a young wife who has to suppress her temptations both physical and mental. This was very well written and thought provoking. Some stories are heart warming and others heart wrenching some cliffhangers makes you wonder how it might have ended making you finish the story in your head and some stories leave you with a thought to ponder on for days later, some stories I wished were books on their own, not wanting them to end how and where it did.

These stories were definitely unique and each had a lesson to be learnt from. The writing style this book was articulative.So overall it was a pretty decent read and was definitely worth investing my time in and I'm glad I picked it up and would definetely recommend to anyone who likes to read short

3.5/5 but rounding it to 3

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man visits a garrulous neighbour to borrow just a little curd, and ends up being sucked into a long, involved monologue. A woman begins an affair with a man she had long ago been in love with. A young woman moves in with her recently widowed grandmother, and finds that the generation gap may only be of chronological years, little else.

The stories in A Spoonful of Curds are not vastly different from each other. These are stories, by and large, of Tamilians: in Tamilnadu, in other parts of India, even abroad. Tamilians, with their culture, their food, their religion and rituals, their beliefs. And yet, never in a way that makes one feel “this couldn’t happen anywhere else”: these stories are so universal, these characters could be us, no matter if we’ve never been to Tamilnadu, no matter if we don’t have a drop of Tamil blood in us. Their reactions might be ours, their pain and their triumph might be ours.

This is what I loved the most about each of these stories: Jagannathan’s grip on, and understanding of, human nature. The nuanced insights she offers, the details of how our minds and our psyches work: all of these make these stories so very personal, so relatable.

Also a word about the writing: lucid, very readable, and occasionally witty as well.

One of the finest collections of short stories by a single writer I’ve come across recently, this is one I’d strongly recommend.

[BOOKS SHOWER · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spoonful of Curds is a collection of 13 short stories revolving around the Tamilians.

While reading the book I came across various aspects of the Tamil community and colloquial
Tamil words as well. All the stories are heartwarming but the one that stands apart is the story
named 'A Spoonful of Curds' (coincidently) because of the resemblance of character Nagappa
with Perumal Murugan’s Amma. If you admire Perumal Murugan’s work then this book by
Bharati Jagannathan is worth reading.

[Hamsini · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first start reading this book, you wonder if its parochial (most of the protagonists belong to an extremely over represented, privileged caste in India), but no, you realise the setting/ character choices are because the author just probably feels most confident writing about this milleau.

A wonderful set of stories, very evocative of regular settings, emotions, families, generations, friendships. The comparison to RK Narayan on the book's back cover is not without reason at all. I got lost in several of the stories and wish they could be expanded into full length novels.

[Nazarin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan is an anthology of a dozen short stories set in South India, precisely in Tamil Nadu. This was an easy, feel good read; stories with female protagonists, some charming characters; unfolding the importance of love, family, friendship and moreover self respect.

The stories unravel a number of female issues, social taboos, people's attitude to certain affairs and the patriarchal approach of the society. This book is a touching and soul stirring piece of fiction and we often feel like we know the characters for real. I've felt it, I know these characters perosnally, I've seen them and they are around me. Perhaps the stories of people around me are not similar to these characters, but truly the feelings are.

These stories are realistic and relatable, free of dramatic contents, full of life. From youth to old age, from creamy curds to spicy sambar, this book will take you to the core of Tamil Nadu, their cultures, traditions, religious harmony, superstitious legends and their eternal love for traditional food. If you enjoyed reading R. K. Narayan's "Malgudi Days", then this book will also find a place in your heart.

[Aarti Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spoonful of Curds written by Bharati Jagannathan, is a stunningly good read. I believe both, young adults and adults, will love this book and I would recommend you to dwell in this book, and let go.

I love how the author has carefully weaved the stories from the normal routines of people and presented them in a graceful and surreal way. The stories are handpicked from the daily lives of Tamilians living in both India and foreign land.

This collection of short stories flows seamlessly leaving the reader with a sense of connection to the characters and their situation. Of the collection’s a dozen stories, all the stories fit in the realistic mode and create a homely environment around the reader.

Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...

[Monika Satote ( Monikareads_ on Instagram ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Spoonful of curds is a collection of short stories revolving around Tamilians. When I say this, there goes a strong cultural representation in each short story. These stories are based on the lives of common people, no elite stuff. It involves themes like leaving an abusive marriage, divorce, intercultural marriages, savage heroines with savage attitudes, oh-so-perfect partners, the old and modern take on some regular things in life, etc. So, a good thing, I could relate to the commonness of the stories. The bad thing, I didn’t want each story to be so common. Because, while reading some stories, I didn’t feel anything different and that felt a little monotonous. I must appreciate the sense of humour and emotional touch in every story though.

I would not say that I was able to connect to it fully, but I appreciate that the author made sure to be right in presenting the culture. Also, I have a Tamil friend who was also my roommate,so I at least knew a few things about food and stuff. Some Tamil words are used in this book and at the end of the book, the glossary is given so that it helps to know the words well in the context of stories.

The writing style is pretty unique, but it is not suitable for beginners or people who are in a reading slump. Stories do not flow like an easy breeze. You need to get involved with what’s happening, and because stories are a little longer, these may or may not interest you. If you read this with good focus, that shall help.

Overall, an okayish and a one-time-read.

[Priyadarshini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️, rounded down.

“But only men in films sing paeans to their beloved’s tresses. Normal men go to office.”

A Spoonful of Curds is a collection of stories about Tamilians in urban or small town settings.. sometimes in their home state and sometimes as immigrants in Delhi or even US, and the period seems to be a decade or two ago. Bitter-sweet stories about friendship, love, marriage, loss, loneliness and infidelity are told with utmost grace.
In ‘Black and White’, my favourite story, a wheatish Tamil woman desirous of fair skinned children dates a very fair man. A simple enough premise but what Jagannathan puts her characters through results in a story that is dark, poignant and even funny.
‘In Memorium’ is about a woman’s grandfather who religiously reads the obit section of The Hindu.
‘The Prime of Janaki Ammal’ is about a grandmother’s graceful acceptance of her granddaughter’s female lover.
‘Guilt’ is a fascinating study in infidelity.
Grhapravesham and A Spoonful of Curds are both stories about loneliness, though that’s where the similarity ends.
The stories are easy to read and yet there are layers that unravel very satisfyingly. I didn’t care for all the stories in the collection but the ones I mentioned, I loved!

“But how does one notice the silence of a radio?”

This is my second book about the Tamil milieu and I can’t help but compare Jagannathan’s quietly assured writing to Salma’s raw ferocity. Two very different voices from the south, adding to the already diverse literary landscape of the country.

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories are written in an interesting manner and make for a refreshing read. Each of the stories actually develops around a central idea, which is usually a social taboo or a stereotype, and then goes on to discuss it from a completely different perspective. The book is inherently focused on Tamilians, and thus the storytelling, the events and happenings are actually something that comes from the culture of the same. I loved the fact that Bharati actually wove stories around same-sex relationships, divorce, arranged marriage and love, and yet managed to keep them away from the traditional mindsets. The climax of each of the story comes out completely different from one would have expected, and I think this is the biggest aspect of her storytelling. However, there were some very specific terms borrowed from Tamil that were a bit difficult to comprehend, and while there is a glossary in the end, it would have been better if the meaning could have been given in the text itself. Secondly, in some of the stories, the plot seemed a bit muddled up as the names and events changed without notice and that could have been improved. If I had to pick favorites, I would choose Grhapravesham, and The Prime of Janaki Ammal.

Coming to the characters, Bharati has come up with a motley of characters that are quite interesting in their perspectives, along with maintaining their true sense of belonging to a community yet transitioning into a modern society. From NRIs to people living in India for generations, a plethora of characters find place in her stories, and each of them have a sense of individuality, one that makes them stand out from the other in a true sense.

[Arhan Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan, brings together a dozen short stories that unfold around Tamilians - both in India and Abroad.

India is the epitome of the world and is one of the oldest civilization in the world, which follows different cultures and religions. The best thing of Indian States is that, each state preserves it's own histroy, language, culture and tradition and I loved how so many states had their individual language and unique set of dialects across their land. Being a North Indian, I really wanted to know more about South India and their culture and as we always say that a book is a magical thing that lets you travel to faraway places without leaving your chair.

I really loved author's writing style. After a long time, I came across with such an amazing short stories collection. Although the stories are fictional but seems so realistic at some points. The stories are mostly related to female issues and loved the fact that author discussed about some debatable topics (for instance, arrange marriage failures, divorce, same-sex relationships, intercaste relationship) through heartwarming and distressing stories.

I definitely recommend this to everyone (whether you love reading short stories or not). Overall, a good heartwarming read.
Rating : 3.5/5

[Krishnasree V · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Spoonful Of Curds' is a mesmerizing collection of short stories which revolve around Tamilians, both within the country and abroad. It is an enjoyable family-centric book which narrates the story of our everyday life, the bonds we share with our loved ones, the heart-wrenching situations we face, etc. The book talks about the the past and present lifestyles and the treatment we receive from typical families.

The stories are refreshing, which one may adore and relate at times. The author presented each story, which develops around social issues, myths or stereotypes. I liked the way she discussed those serious topics smoothly and in a different perspective. The climax of every single story is unexpected and greatly executed.

The book cover is designed in a Tamilian sort of way and it is apt for the book.

The book is filled with familial humour and comfort. It was wonderful to read so many different aspects of Tamilian life. This became my go-to book to experience the different flavours of life.

I feel that this book will not be perfect for beginners, as the stories are rather lengthy, and many characters are introduced, which may confuse the reader. I recommend this book to readers who can wait to have the book's spell to work on you.

Bharati Jagannathan is presenting stories set in the recent past, told for the present and sure to be cherished in the future.

[Venkyarasu]

Thirteen stories are compiled in the book 'A spoonful of curd'. Each story revolves around the life of Tamilians. Many aspects of the Tamil culture are brought into the book through the many stories. From raising a kid to getting he/she married, many aspects are included in this book.
.
The book cover is very beautiful. Being a Tamilian myself, I was attracted to this book the moment I saw the book cover. Each story shares the life of Tamilians, both within the country and abroad. The stories are quite lengthy and many years worth of happenings about a person/family are included in each. Even though this provides an in-depth clarity of their lives, many characters are introduced which confused me at times. And at some places, there is an abrupt change of name which confused me and the change is only notified a while later. I think, like other short stories, has these stories been shorter and crisper, I would have enjoyed them better. Still, it was wonderful to read so many different aspects of the Tamilian life. This book definitely cannot be enjoyed by new readers. So this book can be recommended to ardent readers who have the patience to sit through long narrations.

[Ginny Dutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of thirteen short stories that revolves around Tamil families (living in different parts of world). Each and every short story discusses some real important issue that we as a society tries to avoid all the time. Different views on late marriage or spinsterhood. This novel beautifully sums up every theme- solitude, spinsterhood, widowhood, motherhood, individuality etc. and comes to the conclusion that you owe nothing to anyone, not a single explanation at all. This book isn’t preaching anything but shows us the unaltered picture of ordinary people and their ordinary lives. The struggles of working women, the struggle of women to get permission to work outside their home, even though this book portrays such sensitive issues, it’s still lively, fun and vibrant. I felt really great reading this because in one way or other it resembles the life of people I’m surrounded with and my own too. I really love the way such sensitive issues have been handle with great artistic skills. Also, I have learned a lot about South Indian culture and heritage. Glossary of Tamil, Hindi and Sanskrit words given at the end was really helpful.

[Jahnvi Raol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple and thoughtful short story collection revolving around thirteen different stories. I'm really happy that I picked it up. This book makes you explore alot about the tamilians and their culture.

From the beginning to the end you're completely hooked. The stories throughout the book seems relatable and realistic.The way author has craved the life and struggles of ordinary lives is amazing.I really liked the way that end of the every story was different from what we call easily predictable.

I wish the glossary was given within the text instead at the end so that it would be much easier to keep the flow while reading tamil terms.At some points it was even confusing to get a clue about events and names in the book which could have been presented in a better way.

Overall I would like to recommend it to everyone who read or don't read short stories.

It's a best partner to grab a tea or coffee with.

[Shreya Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories centered around Tamil households. Even though the stories are based on Tamilian households settled in India and abroad I could somewhat find a connection (though there were a few terms I came across that I did not understand). A few of these stories were centered around women, on what they go through if they are unmarried or childless beyond a certain age. This book also talks about the patriarchal approach of society. Even though these were a collection of short stories they left an impact while I was reading them. Most of the stories had a female protagonist and Bharati Jagannathan has weaved a world through their eyes. Each story was unique in its own sense and had a takeaway for the readers. This book was evocative, unfolding emotions, love, family, and society in a very regular setting. This is definitely a must-read if you are into short stories, with women protagonists.

[Aditi Debnath · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Spoonful Of Curds' is a collection of short stories which revolve around Tamil families. It is a family centric book which narrates the story of our humdrum life, the bonds we share with our loved ones, the guilt or insecurities we feel at times and the heart-wrenching situations we face. Further it tells us about the generation gaps, the past and present lifestyles and the treatment we receive from typical families.

To be honest, I loved this book and it was one such book which one may adore and relate at times. The stories were simple yet so limber, pleasing and heart-rending. I loved the way the author has woven the stories with utmost simplicity along with diverse emotions and feelings in sluggish way. I definitely recommend it to readers who relish domestic tales or short stories. Overall, I would rate it 4.8/5

[Pranali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spoonful of curds is exactly like the title says, the stories are both sweet and sour. The book is centred around short stories about Tamilan's from India and Abroad. I love the way how the author have taken stories from different lives and made it insightful and presented them in a the most surreal way. Every story is so relatable that I was able to picturised it as if I was living it in them. The stories are sweet, heartbreaking, some will leave you with cliffhanger but over all I liked them. The best part was to know about the culture and their true language. Author has also given a glossary of the Tamil Language with their meaning.

[Unordinary Escapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spoonful of Curds by Bharati Jagannathan is a collection of a dozen short stories, all revolving around the lives of Tamilians both in Inda and abroad. It opens with the story of a Tamilian who leaves her abusive marriage and finds her sister wanting to marry inter-culture. Through the stories you can find the community being conservative in their own right yet progressive.

It's a modern day take on lives around us, touching on generations old and new, adding a spice to everyday life. The fictional characters are so real, so common written surrounded by love, family, friendships and raw emotions.

It is a nice collection of short stories.

[Wagisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spoonful of Curds consists of twelve short stories, about Tamilian.
It is a book full of yearning; yearnings buried within one's soul. Yearnings we do not express till the end. I took long pauses after every story. I kept it on my side table and waited for the moment when my heart would stop aching so that I could go back and read another story. It never happened. I finished the book long back and it left me wanting more of it. I wanted to know more. I wanted to know if Revathi could ever muster up the courage to ask those 'stupid questions' to his husband. If yes, what answers she got? I wanted to know if Meenatchi got a good match; a boy who would love her for her true self.

[Vaishnavi Kamble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 🌸

Name - A spoonful of curds
Author - Bharati Jagannathan
Genre - Short stories
Book length - 244 pages
Rating - 4.3/5 🌸

A Spoonful of curds is one of the best short story collection I've read. The book is a mix of various stories revolving around tamilians living in India as well as abroad. The stories all end in a way which makes you yearn to know more.

The stories are heartwarming and funny and make you want to keep reading. I really loved the characters and stories. My favourite one was "Grhapravesham' and "In Memoriam". There were a few stories which I wasn't a big fan of but nevertheless I enjoyed this book a lot. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes reading short stories.

[Ashwini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary lives of ordinary people is how I’ll describe the book. There’s some kind of peace in stories like the ones in this book, like sipping warm chocolate milk that’s not too sweet, not too hot, just right. These stories are written from the heart, with hints of humour and dashes of emotions. All in all a very easy read.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and engaging

Very thoughtfully fleshed out characters, engaging stories, the traditional blends into the modern world and brings out an even more interesting connotation, across geographies, across timelines. 👍👍

[Ayushi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful narrative and scenic description of South India. Beautifully narrating entangled lives of people. Good read for people who love short stories.

[Bala Chandrika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a good timepass read. Some stories are great. While some are not so appealing. It's a short read, one time pass!

[tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

touching short stories about Tamil culture, with realistic characters, set in different locations, but focused on Tamilians.

[Vanika · Rating 3 out of 5]

some of the stories were nice, some were mildly horrifying. All in all it was underwhelming.