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The Planet Spins on Its Axis, Regardless
Meet the inventor of pre-conception contracts. The foodie high roller. The menopausal student shamans. The young window cleaner. The aspiring philosopher. The people taking it one-day-at-a-time.
These astute and prescient stories zigzag from England to India, from Europe to Hong Kong, and from the past to the future. As they traverse youthfulness to late life and everything in between, fault lines trip the characters, revealing rifts and the gift for resolutions.
“If the skill of constructing a short story can be tested anywhere it is in its final line, and Jindal has us right in the palm of her hand until the end.”
Gabrielle Barnby in Riggwelter
These astute and prescient stories zigzag from England to India, from Europe to Hong Kong, and from the past to the future. As they traverse youthfulness to late life and everything in between, fault lines trip the characters, revealing rifts and the gift for resolutions.
“If the skill of constructing a short story can be tested anywhere it is in its final line, and Jindal has us right in the palm of her hand until the end.”
Gabrielle Barnby in Riggwelter
- GenresShort Stories
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2025
7 people want to read
About the author
Kavita A. Jindal
7 books3 followersKavita A. Jindal is an award-winning fiction writer, poet and essayist. Her novel "Manual For A Decent Life" won the Eastern Eye Award for Literature (2020) and was shortlisted for the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize (2022). Her poetry publications include "Raincheck Renewed" and "Patina". Her short stories and poems have appeared in anthologies and literary journals worldwide and been broadcast on BBC Radio 4, Zee TV UK and European radio stations. Selected poems have been translated into Arabic, German, Italian, Punjabi, Romanian, Spanish and Ukrainian. Reviewers have said of her writing: "witty and wry, with a steely heart" and of the novel "the book's boldness, beauty and courage are utterly seductive." Kavita previously served as Senior Editor at Asia Literary Review and is the co-founder of The Whole Kahani collective for British-Asian writers. She enjoys collaborating with other artists across a range of projects. Her new book "The Planet Spins On Its Axis, Regardless" is a collection of short stories published by Serving House Books in the U.S. in April 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 16, 2025
As someone who gravitates toward short story collections, The Planet Spins On Its Axis, Regardless instantly appealed to me—starting with the title. There’s something quietly magnetic about it, and I was curious if the stories would carry the same weight. Thankfully, they did.
This collection includes 14 stories, and what stood out to me right away was the accessibility of the writing. English isn’t my first language, but I had no trouble following along. The stories are clear without being simplistic, and still carry emotional and thematic weight.
The first story, The Unusual Properties of Cork, reminded me a little of the film The Menu. They’re different genres, but both take place in a restaurant and carry this subtle tension. The main character goes to eat at Faviken—a famous, now-closed restaurant in Sweden known for its immersive and almost ritualistic dining experience—with her date, who’s weirdly obsessed with cork. I looked up Faviken after reading the story, and it made the setting feel even more vivid. Kavita A. Jindal captures this moment so well that I felt like I was right there with her, trying to enjoy the meal, quietly navigating the awkwardness.
As I continued into the second and third stories—which also use first-person POV—I started to sense a pattern. A lot of the stories here seem to favor that close, personal voice. It also became more obvious that many of the stories, while not always set in India, carry traces of Indian culture—sometimes through character names, family dynamics, or small cultural cues. You can feel the roots without them ever being overexplained.
Then I arrived at Tulip Persimmon’s Head Wetting, and finally met a third-person POV. It was written just as smoothly. That’s when I started realizing Jindal is a writer who knows how to shift styles without losing control.
One of my favorite stories is Where He Lives, which features a philosophy student. As a philosophy student myself, I couldn’t help but laugh at the line: “What use is philosophy, Sabina?” asked her mother-in-law. “Philosophy is for people with leisure, with nothing to do in their lives.”
It’s a small moment, but it stuck with me. The characters, the tension, the way the dialogue unfolds—it all felt grounded and quietly sharp.
After that came Sweet Peas, written in second-person. I don’t usually enjoy this POV—it’s hard to get right—but somehow it works here. The only downside is that the story is quite short, and I found myself wanting more of it.
What I enjoy most about this book overall is the way each story opens. The first few lines are always strong—just enough to pull you in without trying too hard. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing calm but deliberate. And the titles? They’re all so well-chosen. As someone who writes short stories too, I know how hard it is to pull off these little things, and Jindal does them well.
The book ends with a story that shares the same title as the collection, The Planet Spins On Its Axis, Regardless. I expected it to be the longest or most memorable piece, but it’s actually more of a short note, only a page long. Still, I appreciated how it closed the book quietly, leaving me with one final line to think about: “It’s out of your control. Realise this, and everything is easy. Also much more difficult.”
Thank you to Serving House Books for the ARC.
This collection includes 14 stories, and what stood out to me right away was the accessibility of the writing. English isn’t my first language, but I had no trouble following along. The stories are clear without being simplistic, and still carry emotional and thematic weight.
The first story, The Unusual Properties of Cork, reminded me a little of the film The Menu. They’re different genres, but both take place in a restaurant and carry this subtle tension. The main character goes to eat at Faviken—a famous, now-closed restaurant in Sweden known for its immersive and almost ritualistic dining experience—with her date, who’s weirdly obsessed with cork. I looked up Faviken after reading the story, and it made the setting feel even more vivid. Kavita A. Jindal captures this moment so well that I felt like I was right there with her, trying to enjoy the meal, quietly navigating the awkwardness.
As I continued into the second and third stories—which also use first-person POV—I started to sense a pattern. A lot of the stories here seem to favor that close, personal voice. It also became more obvious that many of the stories, while not always set in India, carry traces of Indian culture—sometimes through character names, family dynamics, or small cultural cues. You can feel the roots without them ever being overexplained.
Then I arrived at Tulip Persimmon’s Head Wetting, and finally met a third-person POV. It was written just as smoothly. That’s when I started realizing Jindal is a writer who knows how to shift styles without losing control.
One of my favorite stories is Where He Lives, which features a philosophy student. As a philosophy student myself, I couldn’t help but laugh at the line: “What use is philosophy, Sabina?” asked her mother-in-law. “Philosophy is for people with leisure, with nothing to do in their lives.”
It’s a small moment, but it stuck with me. The characters, the tension, the way the dialogue unfolds—it all felt grounded and quietly sharp.
After that came Sweet Peas, written in second-person. I don’t usually enjoy this POV—it’s hard to get right—but somehow it works here. The only downside is that the story is quite short, and I found myself wanting more of it.
What I enjoy most about this book overall is the way each story opens. The first few lines are always strong—just enough to pull you in without trying too hard. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing calm but deliberate. And the titles? They’re all so well-chosen. As someone who writes short stories too, I know how hard it is to pull off these little things, and Jindal does them well.
The book ends with a story that shares the same title as the collection, The Planet Spins On Its Axis, Regardless. I expected it to be the longest or most memorable piece, but it’s actually more of a short note, only a page long. Still, I appreciated how it closed the book quietly, leaving me with one final line to think about: “It’s out of your control. Realise this, and everything is easy. Also much more difficult.”
Thank you to Serving House Books for the ARC.
May 15, 2025
As the title of the book implies, it really doesn't matter what you do or think or what happens to you because everything is out of your control and the world will keep turning regardless. In that sense, my review really doesn't matter but I'm still going to document my experience.
This collection really wasn't for me. The premises outlined in the books description sounded interesting but the execution mostly fell flat. I struggled to really care about or relate to most of the stories or characters (perhaps because I'm not really the target audience?) but it felt more like a lot of the characters weren't fleshed out- and the book being a short story collection isn't an excuse for this. Some of the stories I had to actively force myself to read and had to keep rereading paragraphs because the writing felt so disjointed and I couldn't follow the narrative. I also couldn't really get a feel for who the author is- if you told me this collection was made up of stories from different writers I would have believed you.
For me this wasn't an overall enjoyable read, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy some of the stories or at least elements of them. The stories that focussed on womanhood in a more universal, broader sense (Galvanise Gloss, Shamans in Luburbia and Pre-Conception Contracts) were the best reads for me. 'Galvanise Gloss' was a standout, watching a woman have a breakdown about the fact her life is going nowhere by incessantly naming lipstick shades was such a unique concept that was executed so well- I just wish the collection had more stories of the same ilk. However, if you like collections that focus on identity and the way culture and heritage can conflict with your identity then I think you may find this an interesting and insightful read.
Thank you to Serving House Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
This collection really wasn't for me. The premises outlined in the books description sounded interesting but the execution mostly fell flat. I struggled to really care about or relate to most of the stories or characters (perhaps because I'm not really the target audience?) but it felt more like a lot of the characters weren't fleshed out- and the book being a short story collection isn't an excuse for this. Some of the stories I had to actively force myself to read and had to keep rereading paragraphs because the writing felt so disjointed and I couldn't follow the narrative. I also couldn't really get a feel for who the author is- if you told me this collection was made up of stories from different writers I would have believed you.
For me this wasn't an overall enjoyable read, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy some of the stories or at least elements of them. The stories that focussed on womanhood in a more universal, broader sense (Galvanise Gloss, Shamans in Luburbia and Pre-Conception Contracts) were the best reads for me. 'Galvanise Gloss' was a standout, watching a woman have a breakdown about the fact her life is going nowhere by incessantly naming lipstick shades was such a unique concept that was executed so well- I just wish the collection had more stories of the same ilk. However, if you like collections that focus on identity and the way culture and heritage can conflict with your identity then I think you may find this an interesting and insightful read.
Thank you to Serving House Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
June 21, 2025
I’ve said this before, short stories are a fine art and not every writer has the knack. It’s not the same as poetry, which is a subjective expression of the written art or whichever way it is presented to the audience. Being able to capture a whole story within a few pages is a skill, especially when they leave you asking for more, for another page, chapter or brief look in the window.
Jindal has that gift. It’s almost as if the mind’s eye can see the narrator drawing listeners in as they spin the yarns full of experiences, reflections, moments of emotional turmoil. Soundbites of stories become tongue lashings of awakenings. Shout the warning, scream about the injustice, whisper the concern, think the unthinkable or indeed close the eyes and ears to the truth and reality that surrounds you.
I really enjoyed the variation and the way something so innocent turns into a story of misogyny, oppression, abuse and the futility of lack of control over our existence. Then equally those moments of uprising, of choice, self-exploration and discovery.
This would be the part where I mention one or two of my favourites, but I have to admit I would find it hard to highlight one above the other, because they are all very good. They also leave a lasting impact. I did wonder whether the stories are purposely written in a way that results in a variety of interpretations, depending on the background, gender, and experiences of the reader. I can imagine that Tipping Point would result in an interesting group conversation, as would Where He Lives.
I highly recommend this selection of short stories and indeed the work of the author.
Jindal has that gift. It’s almost as if the mind’s eye can see the narrator drawing listeners in as they spin the yarns full of experiences, reflections, moments of emotional turmoil. Soundbites of stories become tongue lashings of awakenings. Shout the warning, scream about the injustice, whisper the concern, think the unthinkable or indeed close the eyes and ears to the truth and reality that surrounds you.
I really enjoyed the variation and the way something so innocent turns into a story of misogyny, oppression, abuse and the futility of lack of control over our existence. Then equally those moments of uprising, of choice, self-exploration and discovery.
This would be the part where I mention one or two of my favourites, but I have to admit I would find it hard to highlight one above the other, because they are all very good. They also leave a lasting impact. I did wonder whether the stories are purposely written in a way that results in a variety of interpretations, depending on the background, gender, and experiences of the reader. I can imagine that Tipping Point would result in an interesting group conversation, as would Where He Lives.
I highly recommend this selection of short stories and indeed the work of the author.
June 30, 2025
Thanks to Kavita A. Jindal, Isabelle Kenyon and Serving House Books for the opportunity to read and review this eclectic collection of intriguingly crafted short stories. Most, but not all, feature female main protagonists. They are permeated with a South Asian influence, some exploring (albeit briefly) the conflict between cultural traditionalists and those of a more progressive persuasion.
I only occasionally pick up a book of short stories, as the longer form of storytelling usually affords more opportunity to develop a richer understanding of the protagonists, to appreciate their virtues as well as scrutinise their flaws. But there are certainly some of the characters to whom we are fleetingly introduced in these 14 vignettes who I would relish the opportunity to get to know better.
There’s a futuristic, innovative contract lawyer with a penchant for a frisson of danger who skilfully masks her true emotions, a woman who is quietly appalled by her self-serving, passport aggregating, fellow party-goers who spare no thought or sympathy for refugees whose migrations are not temporary acts of convenience but permanent flights from terror or poverty, and a woman who compiles a clandestine list of men with whom she imagines having sex, but is yet to initiate any relations (“virgin or siren” queries her professorial friend).
A few themes ripple through the stories. The link between food and love (or at the very least bonded friendships) is prominent. As is the question of whether the passive approach of accepting whatever life serves up is more or less fulfilling than trepidatious attempts to proactively control events and outcomes.
Short story collections can resemble a luxury box of chocolates. A creative list of contents with the prospect of tantalising fillings. Each has a certain appeal, but some linger longer than others, both on the palette and in the mind. And so it was with Kavita A. Jindal’s piquant and unconventional anthology, the standouts for me being Pre-Conception Contracts, Tulip Persimmon’s Head-Wetting and Where He Lives.
I only occasionally pick up a book of short stories, as the longer form of storytelling usually affords more opportunity to develop a richer understanding of the protagonists, to appreciate their virtues as well as scrutinise their flaws. But there are certainly some of the characters to whom we are fleetingly introduced in these 14 vignettes who I would relish the opportunity to get to know better.
There’s a futuristic, innovative contract lawyer with a penchant for a frisson of danger who skilfully masks her true emotions, a woman who is quietly appalled by her self-serving, passport aggregating, fellow party-goers who spare no thought or sympathy for refugees whose migrations are not temporary acts of convenience but permanent flights from terror or poverty, and a woman who compiles a clandestine list of men with whom she imagines having sex, but is yet to initiate any relations (“virgin or siren” queries her professorial friend).
A few themes ripple through the stories. The link between food and love (or at the very least bonded friendships) is prominent. As is the question of whether the passive approach of accepting whatever life serves up is more or less fulfilling than trepidatious attempts to proactively control events and outcomes.
Short story collections can resemble a luxury box of chocolates. A creative list of contents with the prospect of tantalising fillings. Each has a certain appeal, but some linger longer than others, both on the palette and in the mind. And so it was with Kavita A. Jindal’s piquant and unconventional anthology, the standouts for me being Pre-Conception Contracts, Tulip Persimmon’s Head-Wetting and Where He Lives.
August 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Serving House Books for providing me with an eARC.
This was a great collection of short stories. I was drawn in by the title. I really liked the way the stories slowly shifted themes, from first person to third person and back again and the locations. I liked the central theme behind the collection, of taking things one step at a time, one day at a time and what's meant to be, will happen eventually. Sometimes thinking this way helps even if it's not always useful. I liked the references to Indian culture that were embedded in most of the stories. Overall, these stories were both simplistic and deep in a sense and I quite enjoyed reading them.
This was a great collection of short stories. I was drawn in by the title. I really liked the way the stories slowly shifted themes, from first person to third person and back again and the locations. I liked the central theme behind the collection, of taking things one step at a time, one day at a time and what's meant to be, will happen eventually. Sometimes thinking this way helps even if it's not always useful. I liked the references to Indian culture that were embedded in most of the stories. Overall, these stories were both simplistic and deep in a sense and I quite enjoyed reading them.
May 19, 2025
K. Jindal’s short story collection is enthralling - each tale provides cause for reflection, allowing us to appreciate the mundane moments of day to day living.
A personal favourite of mine is Pre-Conception Contracts. A concept which I think most of us would think of as excessive, and a contract in which affluence can afford. Slightly dystopian and unthinkable, but equally tangible in this modern era.
A special shout out to Shamans in Luburbia - I can imagine eavesdropping into this conversation with delight !
A personal favourite of mine is Pre-Conception Contracts. A concept which I think most of us would think of as excessive, and a contract in which affluence can afford. Slightly dystopian and unthinkable, but equally tangible in this modern era.
A special shout out to Shamans in Luburbia - I can imagine eavesdropping into this conversation with delight !
August 22, 2025
I think the author is a good writer, but for a short story collection to stand out for me each story needs to be important and impressive. Unfortunately there were a few too many mundane or uninteresting stories for my taste. I wish some of the stronger stories like the old city or the pre conception contracts had been expanded on some instead of including smaller, less interesting stories. Still I found this to be an interesting read with some diverse stories. Thank you for the ARC!
September 7, 2025
I loved this collection of short stories. Overall, they are very insightful of human emotions and interaction explored by Ms. Jindal on deep levels, resulting in excellent character development quickly in the short story template. Interestingly, I found this immediately apparent in her shortest stories.
If you are into short stories, this collection is a most satisfying read.
If you are into short stories, this collection is a most satisfying read.
September 8, 2025
I do enjoy short stories because they are perfect when I’m in a reading slump or when I want to read something short. I was looking forward to reading these stories especially because they took place in many countries.
I would describe these short stories as unique and completely different to anything I’d read before.
What I liked about them was the human aspect to them. The more I read I felt like they were stories that belonged to real people, with situations and scenarios people encounter every day. The stories were all very different and no two were the same.
There were some that I wanted to learn more about and would have happily read many pages more. An example of this was Where He Lives which follows newlyweds Sabina and Riyaz trying to spend fine together. At the end Sabina made an important decision about her education and I would have been intrigued to find out what happened next. When You Go You Leave A Farce was a poignant story of a daughter returning to India to fulfil her fathers last wishes. What I liked about the story was that although the character wanted to fulfil her fathers wish she also wanted to make sure that it was done properly and with dignity.
Short stories spanning the beginning of life, the end of life and everything in between.
I would describe these short stories as unique and completely different to anything I’d read before.
What I liked about them was the human aspect to them. The more I read I felt like they were stories that belonged to real people, with situations and scenarios people encounter every day. The stories were all very different and no two were the same.
There were some that I wanted to learn more about and would have happily read many pages more. An example of this was Where He Lives which follows newlyweds Sabina and Riyaz trying to spend fine together. At the end Sabina made an important decision about her education and I would have been intrigued to find out what happened next. When You Go You Leave A Farce was a poignant story of a daughter returning to India to fulfil her fathers last wishes. What I liked about the story was that although the character wanted to fulfil her fathers wish she also wanted to make sure that it was done properly and with dignity.
Short stories spanning the beginning of life, the end of life and everything in between.
June 9, 2025
Fantastic collection of stories with a global feel to them. Kavita A Jindal has an exciting approach to telling stories. Her writing style is fashionable, but in a unique, original way. "Cocoon Lucky" and "Pre-Conception Contracts" are my personal favorites.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews