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FUMES: An anthology of stories
When I was told that I had been mugged on the street, I sat up abruptly and began to laugh and laugh, so much that the onlookers – and there were several – were alarmed and rushed to call the doctor again.
They thought I must have hit my head and lost my memory – or worse, lost my head itself. In their murmurs I thought I discerned the word 'hysteria'. When I was in school we learned hysteria and epilepsy together. We knew the latter from movies, but what was hysteria? Someone said hysteria was excessive laughter so we had a lot of fun with that word. If ever anyone laughed we accused them of suffering from hysteria and then we laughed hysterically too. I never forgot the word, though at the moment that was not my problem. Perhaps no one had uttered that word, it might have been my memory playing tricks as usual.
FUMES is a collection of stories about ordinary people who experience one extraordinary day in their lives, and how that defines them, or alters them. And how they deal with their fears, mistakes, betrayal, revenge, love and, most importantly, hope.
A parasite that feeds on an unsuspecting couple...
A young woman who stares into the face of love and makes a difficult decision...
An old woman who has mastered the art of life...
A twelve year old who has made a grave mistake - and has a narrow escape...
A woman who has lost her way, unable to cope with her loss...
They thought I must have hit my head and lost my memory – or worse, lost my head itself. In their murmurs I thought I discerned the word 'hysteria'. When I was in school we learned hysteria and epilepsy together. We knew the latter from movies, but what was hysteria? Someone said hysteria was excessive laughter so we had a lot of fun with that word. If ever anyone laughed we accused them of suffering from hysteria and then we laughed hysterically too. I never forgot the word, though at the moment that was not my problem. Perhaps no one had uttered that word, it might have been my memory playing tricks as usual.
FUMES is a collection of stories about ordinary people who experience one extraordinary day in their lives, and how that defines them, or alters them. And how they deal with their fears, mistakes, betrayal, revenge, love and, most importantly, hope.
A parasite that feeds on an unsuspecting couple...
A young woman who stares into the face of love and makes a difficult decision...
An old woman who has mastered the art of life...
A twelve year old who has made a grave mistake - and has a narrow escape...
A woman who has lost her way, unable to cope with her loss...
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2021
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2022
Fumes, as this book is written as an anthology thus we would be able to read and encounter various genre and storyline in this book. While reading the anthology we always remained skeptical about the subsequent and upcoming story in the book as how it will turn up since, every story would be different from one other. In this book also the author had written different stories from different perspectives.
FUMES is a collection of stories about ordinary people who experience one extraordinary day in their lives, and how that defines them, or alters them. And how they deal with their fears, mistakes, betrayal, revenge, love and, most importantly, hope.
The POV has been taken into consideration from the story telling. The author had embedded various emotions in the book perse hope, love, mistakes , belongings as well. How each emotion alters their lives and other aspects of lives as well. I loved the stories in the book but I could highlight only one of my favourites that is resonating the tittle of the book "FUMES". Loved the portrayal of the lady in the story and how intricacies have been dealt and shared in the story. The word play in the book is really amazing and narration is maintained with uniformity. This is the book which can be read in one sitting and indeed a splash of refreshment in our mundane life these days despite the stories being kept short keeping in mind the theme of anthology. I loved the way author had kept the depth in the characters quite good, which really helped to connect with the story and make this relatable as well.
FUMES is a collection of stories about ordinary people who experience one extraordinary day in their lives, and how that defines them, or alters them. And how they deal with their fears, mistakes, betrayal, revenge, love and, most importantly, hope.
The POV has been taken into consideration from the story telling. The author had embedded various emotions in the book perse hope, love, mistakes , belongings as well. How each emotion alters their lives and other aspects of lives as well. I loved the stories in the book but I could highlight only one of my favourites that is resonating the tittle of the book "FUMES". Loved the portrayal of the lady in the story and how intricacies have been dealt and shared in the story. The word play in the book is really amazing and narration is maintained with uniformity. This is the book which can be read in one sitting and indeed a splash of refreshment in our mundane life these days despite the stories being kept short keeping in mind the theme of anthology. I loved the way author had kept the depth in the characters quite good, which really helped to connect with the story and make this relatable as well.
January 11, 2022
The book Fumes by Jeena R Papaadi is a mere collection of some different stories showing different scenarios of life. This is my first read from this writer.
I find it purposeful for every aspect of life as it shows the ups and downs without even forcing any certain characters that the stories talk about. The whole idea is "live life to its fullest" as if it's your last day.
More relatable stories for me are Friends that shows how in daily hectic life, parenting should also re-live their childhood with their little one's,
Like the wind that tells about the connection that we must hold on to to be with each other or else, we'll miss it all.
I just loved that the author showed the aspect of Growing up and the importance of being happy and smiling <3.
Death is something that is gonna happen anyway after birth either you want or you beg to live more.
Rebirth depicts the hope we must have because the show must go on.
The writer wants to speak about all the frenzied moments connecting all the stories yet describing different scenarios. All the stories I felt so beautiful reading the book, admiring stories and their characters.
The cover is simple and the language is rich, so many new words, I've learnt. highly recommended for people who prioritise emotions.
I find it purposeful for every aspect of life as it shows the ups and downs without even forcing any certain characters that the stories talk about. The whole idea is "live life to its fullest" as if it's your last day.
More relatable stories for me are Friends that shows how in daily hectic life, parenting should also re-live their childhood with their little one's,
Like the wind that tells about the connection that we must hold on to to be with each other or else, we'll miss it all.
I just loved that the author showed the aspect of Growing up and the importance of being happy and smiling <3.
Death is something that is gonna happen anyway after birth either you want or you beg to live more.
Rebirth depicts the hope we must have because the show must go on.
The writer wants to speak about all the frenzied moments connecting all the stories yet describing different scenarios. All the stories I felt so beautiful reading the book, admiring stories and their characters.
The cover is simple and the language is rich, so many new words, I've learnt. highly recommended for people who prioritise emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2022
FUMES: An Anthology of Stories by Jeena is a collection of stories that takes us down different memory lanes.
The author through her impeccable narration takes us journeying through our lives, our experiences, that being said I know all of us to have different experiences but to a certain degree it boils down to the same emotions, we are all humans and we share the same set of emotions at the end of the day.
The book has a lot of important messages, every story teaches you something different and the stories although different have one thing in common, a very positive and productive effect on you. This entire book is so beautifully crafted authentically in its emotions, there is a different kind of warmth to it that makes you connect to it on a very personal level which adds to the many merits of the book.
Just like the title reads ‘Anthology of Stories’, it is a collection of stories tied together with lessons, experiences, ups, downs, love sadness successes, downfalls life and death.
Reading this book is like the perfect ‘pause’ everyone needs. I think it’s an ideal read for anyone basically, it doesn’t require a specific set of audience.
The simplicity of the book is what makes it special and provides originality to it. Moving on to the language of the book, it is simple, easily comprehendible.
It was a worthwhile read. Highly recommended.
The author through her impeccable narration takes us journeying through our lives, our experiences, that being said I know all of us to have different experiences but to a certain degree it boils down to the same emotions, we are all humans and we share the same set of emotions at the end of the day.
The book has a lot of important messages, every story teaches you something different and the stories although different have one thing in common, a very positive and productive effect on you. This entire book is so beautifully crafted authentically in its emotions, there is a different kind of warmth to it that makes you connect to it on a very personal level which adds to the many merits of the book.
Just like the title reads ‘Anthology of Stories’, it is a collection of stories tied together with lessons, experiences, ups, downs, love sadness successes, downfalls life and death.
Reading this book is like the perfect ‘pause’ everyone needs. I think it’s an ideal read for anyone basically, it doesn’t require a specific set of audience.
The simplicity of the book is what makes it special and provides originality to it. Moving on to the language of the book, it is simple, easily comprehendible.
It was a worthwhile read. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2022
FUMES
An Anthology of stories
Written by Jeena R Papaadi
This book is a collection of beautiful and mind-blowing short stories of lessons and experiences, the ups and downs of life, the successes and failures, the crucial moments, the emotions of love and boredom.This is the story of an ordinary person who experiences an extraordinary day in life and how it affects them.
In one of these stories a girl is confronted with different phases of love and the decision she makes in that situation is difficult. The subject matter is the reality of life. A theme that is intertwined with the traumatic events taking place in the community.
Proficiency in the art of living is also very close to the character of the old woman. It is a character that influences the mind. The character and actions of this old woman are intriguing. There is another different character in this, he is a twelve year old boy who makes a serious mistake and makes an escape. His mental state and circumstances are all thought-provoking.
When the story of the life of a lost woman is told, the reader will feel great pain. The woman could not bear the thought of losing herself. There are so many different stories in this book. Curiosity is how even the smallest thing that happens at certain moments in life can affect life. The author connects these stories by incorporating various emotions such as the emotions of the characters, the fear they experience and the hope of revenge.
The presentation style that captivated the readers was beautiful. Thoughtful topics. Light language is used to make the reading clearer. I recommend this book.
An Anthology of stories
Written by Jeena R Papaadi
This book is a collection of beautiful and mind-blowing short stories of lessons and experiences, the ups and downs of life, the successes and failures, the crucial moments, the emotions of love and boredom.This is the story of an ordinary person who experiences an extraordinary day in life and how it affects them.
In one of these stories a girl is confronted with different phases of love and the decision she makes in that situation is difficult. The subject matter is the reality of life. A theme that is intertwined with the traumatic events taking place in the community.
Proficiency in the art of living is also very close to the character of the old woman. It is a character that influences the mind. The character and actions of this old woman are intriguing. There is another different character in this, he is a twelve year old boy who makes a serious mistake and makes an escape. His mental state and circumstances are all thought-provoking.
When the story of the life of a lost woman is told, the reader will feel great pain. The woman could not bear the thought of losing herself. There are so many different stories in this book. Curiosity is how even the smallest thing that happens at certain moments in life can affect life. The author connects these stories by incorporating various emotions such as the emotions of the characters, the fear they experience and the hope of revenge.
The presentation style that captivated the readers was beautiful. Thoughtful topics. Light language is used to make the reading clearer. I recommend this book.
February 8, 2022
“Fumes by Jeena Papaadi.”
This was tough. Learning Kindle.
I have always kept technology within arms-distance. Not really really close. Close enough only to exist.
My relationship with Jeena’s earlier works – “Shadows of the Past” and “Temple of Time” was friendlier and easier. The sequence was like,
I hear of it,
I buy it,
I read it,
I enjoy it.
But this time was different. Heard of “Fumes” about a century and a half back. No print edition.
Did you hear? I said NO PRINT EDITION.
Then how do I read it, I ask around. On Kindle. Oh, I see. Kindle, eh? I see. So what do I do? The answer comes in tech-speak. I try to put on a knowledgeable look and ask someone else. Hoping that someone will respond in English or Malayalam. I ask Jeena also. No luck. Tech-speak and nothing else.
Finally, I confess my shameful secret to Anu, my son. He tries to conceal the contempt in his heart, twiddles his fingers and hands me a slab of packed electronics. Our Jeena’s book on Kindle. I wish I had made this confession a century back.
Jeena, I have always loved your writing. But this time you have surpassed yourself. Every single story in your anthology touches the heart and plays on it.
I have always wondered how much of oneself an author of fiction puts into one’s stories. Having known you for more than a decade, I wondered about it on reading “Fumes” too. I still do not have an answer. I thought I saw you in several of the stories, but I am not sure.
I was also asking myself which of the stories I liked most. It is about a couple of weeks since I kindled my way through all of them. The one that comes uppermost in my mind is the old shivering woman on the street. By the way, Jeena, I think I saw you with that old woman.
This was tough. Learning Kindle.
I have always kept technology within arms-distance. Not really really close. Close enough only to exist.
My relationship with Jeena’s earlier works – “Shadows of the Past” and “Temple of Time” was friendlier and easier. The sequence was like,
I hear of it,
I buy it,
I read it,
I enjoy it.
But this time was different. Heard of “Fumes” about a century and a half back. No print edition.
Did you hear? I said NO PRINT EDITION.
Then how do I read it, I ask around. On Kindle. Oh, I see. Kindle, eh? I see. So what do I do? The answer comes in tech-speak. I try to put on a knowledgeable look and ask someone else. Hoping that someone will respond in English or Malayalam. I ask Jeena also. No luck. Tech-speak and nothing else.
Finally, I confess my shameful secret to Anu, my son. He tries to conceal the contempt in his heart, twiddles his fingers and hands me a slab of packed electronics. Our Jeena’s book on Kindle. I wish I had made this confession a century back.
Jeena, I have always loved your writing. But this time you have surpassed yourself. Every single story in your anthology touches the heart and plays on it.
I have always wondered how much of oneself an author of fiction puts into one’s stories. Having known you for more than a decade, I wondered about it on reading “Fumes” too. I still do not have an answer. I thought I saw you in several of the stories, but I am not sure.
I was also asking myself which of the stories I liked most. It is about a couple of weeks since I kindled my way through all of them. The one that comes uppermost in my mind is the old shivering woman on the street. By the way, Jeena, I think I saw you with that old woman.
Currently reading
September 21, 2021Jeena's stories of FUMES are gentle reminders of ruthless facts of daily living with love, mistakes, revenge, hope, death and experiences we tend to push down the memory lane.
A great reading experience that should not be missed.
Jeena reminds us to turn back to have a look at the path tread .. to look deep into those simple truths among the woes of every day life .. some like ..
The vagaries of a lone old woman who got mugged up on her way to fulfill her wish to have a berger.
The imperceptible jealously in its crude and newborn form that goes otherwise unnoticed .. that slowly takes the shape of a unfriendly dangerous beast.
The teacher recognising simple signs of happiness in her pupils for little appreciations.
The courage .. one helplessly gathers in the midst of being sacked from the job .. one painfully gains when you are sure of your partner cheating on you behind the facade of pretence.
A great reading experience that should not be missed.
Jeena reminds us to turn back to have a look at the path tread .. to look deep into those simple truths among the woes of every day life .. some like ..
The vagaries of a lone old woman who got mugged up on her way to fulfill her wish to have a berger.
The imperceptible jealously in its crude and newborn form that goes otherwise unnoticed .. that slowly takes the shape of a unfriendly dangerous beast.
The teacher recognising simple signs of happiness in her pupils for little appreciations.
The courage .. one helplessly gathers in the midst of being sacked from the job .. one painfully gains when you are sure of your partner cheating on you behind the facade of pretence.
October 10, 2021
Jeena takes us through stories which are from our lives.. the feeling of mothers universally, is captured brilliantly in some of these.. My personal favourites are the first one- Sunrise and sunrise, where an old woman is mugged but she likes the experience, Witness, which is like a thriller, the snapper, about a person who has experiences with death, LIFE, a sci-fi one..
There are recurring themes like motherhood, death etc..but they are captured in different ways often. 'The open door' and 'A medal from Once upon a time' have so many lines which I felt are taken straight from my mind, many of us can resonate with those words.
It's a good read, which lovers of short stories can enjoy.
There are recurring themes like motherhood, death etc..but they are captured in different ways often. 'The open door' and 'A medal from Once upon a time' have so many lines which I felt are taken straight from my mind, many of us can resonate with those words.
It's a good read, which lovers of short stories can enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
The book is an engrossing tapestry of commonplace life that we all can relate to, which the author has strung well together. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews