Stories From the City Called Kolkata: Book Review

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 Book Title: Stories From the City Called Kolkata

Author: Ishita Ganguly

Publishers: Evincepub Publishing

My Rating: ***1/2

About the Author: Ishita Ganguly has worked in the corporate and also the academic sector having double master’s degree, MSc and MBA. But finally, her childhood passion for writing turned her towards a profession she had never planned. She believes this profession chose her! Till now her published work includes articles on multiple niches, short stories, and poems. She is the co-author of 3 popular anthologies and winner of multiple writing contests. 


'Stories From the City Called Kolkata' is a collection of 10 short stories telling the realistic tales of the humble and simple middle class life in Kolkata. Beginning with the beautiful Black & White book cover, that captures the iconic look and feel of the city, every story reminded me of my personal experience of the city, and the lifestyle seen in old Bengali movies. It transported me to that world of emotions where people have learnt to take disappointment in their stride. 

"The world forgets to choose the ordinary. Love is forgotten and changed all the time and especially when a better prospect is found." A quote from the story 'Sulochana's decision'.

Each story is like a peek into the lives of the 'humans of Kolkata', whether it is the frail old Rickshaw puller or Mr. Bhaduri living in a dilapidated ancestral mansion in old Bhowanipore. The stories are told at a slow pace, giving great importance to sentiments, and leaves the reader with a melancholic sort of feeling. My favourite story is 'The Jewellery Box' which has its namesake in the famous Bengali Movie- Goynaar Boksho. It has a poignantly surprising end that makes it memorable. 

In my opinion, the only downside of these stories is that they made an extremely quick and easy read. It felt like I'd finished the book in no time. 

A big thankyou to the author Ishita Ganguly for giving me her book for reading and reviewing but I assure my readers that my opinions of the work remain unbiased.






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