Title: Bombay Review & Other Stories
Author: Ravi Valluri
Publisher: One Point Six Technologies
Genre: Short Stories
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Bombay Review & Other Stories by Ravi Valluri
Bombay Review & Other Stories is a collection of stories inspired by real life incidents. The stories are woven around tales of drama, romance, unrequited love, unbridled ambition, avarice, murder mysteries, politics, legacies, the conflict between ethics and what is purportedly unethical, about writers (accomplished and the one’s emerging), singers and artistes, betrayal, issues pertaining to sexuality, sex change, faith, hope, and the law of attraction.
The drabbles are drawn on occurrences which take place around us in our daily lives. I have been inspired by the epic Mahabharata, Panchatantra tales, and Zen stories as they capture human emotions and behaviour in totality which resonate in my stories in current days. To my mind life is a synodic curve, with upheavals, storms, vicissitudes, and great moments. Nothing is purely white or black. There is a vast shade of grey in between. Humans always have a choice before them and take the plunge.
Characters like Karna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Buddha, Ashwathama, Bhishma, Duryodhana, Shakuni, various Zen Masters and heroes and villains from Panchatantra find a place in the stories set in present times.
Book Review: Bombay Review & Other Stories by Ravi Valluri
Ravi Valluri’s ‘Bombay Review and Other Stories’ is a spellbinding collection of short fiction that provides deep insights into the complexity of human nature and relationships. Spanning multiple genres from drama, mystery, romance to even philosophy, the stories in this book are inspired by real-life events and examine the vicissitudes of life through a diverse set of characters. Despite the brevity, these compact narratives pack a powerful punch, delving into intricate themes around morality, sexuality, unfulfilled aspirations, and more.
The opening and title story ‘Bombay Review’ offers an engrossing look at the world of media and the conflicts journalists face in sticking to ethics. It charts the journey of Swapnil Das Gupta, the newly appointed editor of Bombay Review, a newspaper known for its ethical reporting. With the paper facing falling sales, Swapnil resorts to an ingenious strategy by publishing controversial ‘Letters to the Editor’ to revive reader interest. However, as readership shoots up, ethical lines get blurred. The story throws light on how commercial pressures can sometimes compromise integrity, even at a principled publication.
Matters of the heart and the turmoil of relationships constitute another dominant theme across the stories. In the mystically tinged story ‘The Monk and the Prostitute’, a sage tries to morally reform an impoverished prostitute living near a temple, only to realize that true spiritual liberation comes not from external judgment but from internal change. Set against the backdrop of a drought-ravaged town that regains its joie de vivre after the duo’s death, the narrative makes profound points about human fallibility, forgiveness, and the subjective nature of sin.
While most stories have a contemporary setting, some like ‘Arjuna’s Mojo’, provide refreshing yet relatable retellings of Indian mythological tales. It depicts a modern-day Arjuna as a shy, introverted teenager battling confidence issues and parental discord. When a new classmate Draupadi spurns his interest, deeming him arrogant, Arjuna is broken but finds his mojo after being inspired by his grandfather through the Bhagavad Gita. The story ingeniously infuses the Mahabharata character with universal adolescent insecurities and even throws in a startling twist towards the end.
Speaking of twists, ‘Avenged – A Love Story’ packs in a couple of shocking revelations under its deceptive romantic premise. Set in a mental asylum, it narrates the unconventional love story between inmates Kamlesh and Kavita, before taking sinister turns to uncover the truth behind Kamlesh’s death. The story keeps readers hooked with an unreliable narrator and suspenseful unfolding of events to highlight the corrosive nature of bitterness and vengeance.
While most tales focus on darker emotions, ‘A Beautiful Story’ warms the heart with its simple yet profound message of empathy and compassion. A math teacher’s unique assignment asking students to write positive comments about their classmates has an incredible impact on their lives, as seen years later when they reunite at the funeral of a fellow classmate. The emotional story underscores the significance of kind words, especially to children facing self-doubt.
Apart from drama, some stories introduce elements of mystery and thrill. In ‘Murder in Matheran’, what seems like a straightforward case of a wife murdering her husband takes unpredictable turns across two timelines before the actual killer is uncovered. The story features convincing red herrings and motives to keep one guessing while highlighting the corrupting nature of greed and secrets in relationships. Another thrilling story – ‘She Stabbed Me, Darling’ explores gaslighting and twisted relationships against the backdrop of a murder investigation.
While most of the stories explore relationships, some like ‘Indraprastha – Filling the Void’ lean philosophical. It uses the myth of the ancient city of Indraprastha disappearing due to geological turmoil as a metaphor to reflect on the erosion of values and culture in today’s world. It highlights timeless questions around the transient nature of existence and meaning of life.
Even amidst dark themes, the stories are punctuated with touches of humor and positivism. ‘Martha’s Hat’ chronicles hilarious confusion around a misplaced hat at church, while drabbles like ‘Everything Happens for Good’ showcase funny coincidences that hold deeper spiritual meaning. Such occasional comic relief adds warmth and balances the narrative tones.
One of the biggest strengths of Valluri’s writing is the razor-sharp characterisation. Despite the limited canvas, the central characters are brilliantly etched – be it the principled yet conflicted Swapnil in ‘Bombay Review’ or the medieval guru with a modern outlook in ‘The House of Horror’. We get just enough glimpses into their personalities, quirks, backgrounds and motives to make them come alive.
The stories also shine in their vivid settings, from the psych ward of ‘Avenged’ to the trek up Matheran peaks in ‘Murder in Matheran’. Crisp visual detailing transports the reader right into these spaces without getting bogged down in verbose descriptions. Valluri also expertly weaves in historical, mythological and pop culture references to add contextual richness. As seen these stories, Valluri’s achievements include realistic yet thought-provoking plots, multidimensional characters, and economically conveying impactful themes within few words. Readers are sure to find many perspectives to ponder upon long after finishing each short read. While each story can stand alone, common ideas that emerge on re-reading the collection include ambition and its effects, often stemming from deeper insecurities. Morality is a recurring theme, as binary ideas of vice and virtue are constantly challenged through realistic human dilemmas faced by complex individuals.
A recurring motif is how spiritual figures struggle with human weaknesses despite their outer roles, acts of care, like the teacher’s, are portrayed as profoundly impacting lives. Deeper reflections on karma, fate, interconnectedness of lives, and impermanence of worldly identities underline the stories’ philosophical depth within their compact sizes. Valluri artfully brings ancient folk and scriptural wisdoms to modern relatable narratives and settings.
Overall, Ravi Valluri’s collection offers a potpourri of highly engaging short fiction united by insightful observations on the human condition. “Bombay Review & Other Stories” stands out for its nuanced yet enjoyable way of addressing profound questions about human nature and society through short, immersive stories. While tackling complex issues, Valluri avoids coming across as preachy and keeps readers engrossed through compelling plots and multilayered characters. The economy of words adds to the impact. Drawing from classics increases the stories’ nourishment value. The book merits recognition for sparking thought-provoking reflections through its simple yet insightful narratives. Both casual readers and literature students will find much to appreciate in this collection. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking well-written, thought-provoking modern reads. The collection surely leaves readers contemplating profound reflections on humanity long after they have finished reading.
