• ISBN13: 9788124802502
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: Creative Writing, Fiction
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Peacock Books
• Publication Date: May 26, 2012
• Pages: 176
• Original Price: INR 175.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 80 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): Anthropology / Cultural & Social

The book is a collection of very interesting and readable pieces of narrations/short stories earlier published by the author in different reputed newspapers. Most of these pieces have India’s local backdrop as their themes which revolve around common men and women with their beliefs, lifestyle and cultural affiliations. Written in simple language and easily comprehensible manner, these short stories bear testimony to author’s keen observation. The incidents picked offer a vast variety of issues of common concern for all sections of Indian society—rich and poor, educated and illiterate, orthodox and modern, young and old, and simple and fashionable. Each story narrates some incident or happening in an interesting way and leaves a message for the reader. Some of the stories like, ‘Death of a Park’, ‘Wait for Jaimala, ‘Gandhi Who?’, ‘Backdoor Entries,’ etc. are satires on some particular social behavior. They mostly deal with the issues and problems of Indian society. There is a deep-rooted sense of humour underlying all the stories which makes them so special. The headings of the stories are not only appropriate but also evoke immediate laughter. Some keywords from Indian dialect like jaimala, samadhi, paan, filmi, damad, etc. have been used throughout the writings to create a humorous effect. Even common- place situations are narrated in such a fascinating style that the reader is compelled to continue reading them with interest and enthusiasm. The book will find favour with a wide cross-section of people, particularly those who prefer light and inculcating reading.

R.N. Sharma is a well-known author of books, articles and anecdotes. For a number of years he has been a regular columnist with prominent national dailies like The Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Tribune. He is not only aware of the issues and problems of Indian society but is also gifted with a keen sense of observation which enables him to highlight common man’s concern in his writings. He has a unique, inimitable style with a subtle sense of humour which makes his writings popular among the readers.

• Preface
• 1. A Matter of Address
• 2. A Fading Memory
• 3. Hindustan Hamara
• 4. A Diminishing Want
• 5. Point of No Return
• 6. A New Party is Born
• 7. Hairdo Fashions
• 8. The World of Paperbags
• 9. The Snoring Syndrome
• 10. An Intellectuals’ Workshop
• 11. A VIP Occasion
• 12. Computerised Baptism
• 13. Crowning Glory
• 14. On Mother India
• 15. All for the Guests
• 16. Working Lunch
• 17. We too are Champs
• 18. The Rebaptising Fever
• 19. Right-about Turn
• 20. A Matter of Heart
• 21. Our Milky Way
• 22. The Solo Show
• 23. Good Morning, City Folks
• 24. From “Tamas” to Twilight
• 25. Festival Sidelight
• 26. Kamaachi
• 27. Drought Dinner
• 28. Specialists’ Dens
• 29. A Fast Unto Death
• 30. A Matter of Moods
• 31. Fast Development
• 32. Snakes and Ladders
• 33. Demoted Dreams
• 34. The Smarter Gang
• 35. Mera Bharat Mahaan
• 36. Court Room Shock
• 37. Fashion Fantasies
• 38. Caught Napping
• 39. One Man Died
• 40. Tipsy Turvy
• 41. Backdoor Entries
• 42. Truly Yours
• 43. Of Matches and Match-Making
• 44. Much-Maligned Mamashrees
• 45. Not Static
• 46. Sahib, Swagatam
• 47. New Year Cards
• 48. Trucks to Anywhere
• 49. Filling in a Form
• 50. From Table to Cable
• 51. Noble Sentiments!
• 52. Death of a Park
• 53. Reliving Past Through Junk
• 54. Khalnayaks at the Helm
• 55. Mundane Problems: Swami’s Remedies
• 56. The Tale of the Old Tiffin-Box
• 57. On Becoming a ‘Barati’
• 58. Punjabi “Kudi” did It!
• 59. Beg Your Pardon
• 60. Today’s Lullaby
• 61. A Matter of Company
• 62. India’s Queue Culture
• 63. Untainted by Power
• 64. The Middle Name
• 65. Criminals and Elections
• 66. A Case of Poetic Injustice
• 67. Exporting Scams
• 68. Name Dropper Par Excellence
• 69. Clinically Doctored Matrimonials
• 70. A Class by Themselves
• 71. Bumpy Star Tracks
• 72. Wait for the ‘Jaimala’
• 73. Function(al) Problems
• 74. In an Age of Walks
• 75. With No Regrets
• 76. Gandhi Who?
• 77. Right Message Goes Home
• 78. Beware of the Sleight of Hand
• 79. Against Effigies
• 80. Bride-Shopping!
• 81. Kotwal Uncle
• 82. Service Rules
• 83. Grooming for the Groom
• 84. Full Circle
• 85. A Handy Man
• 86. Rescued by a Cartman