The Greatest Punjabi Stories Ever Told Paperback – 5 September 2023

Although the themes covered in these translated stories broadly pertain to family relationships, alienation, rurality and urbanity, development, partition, patriotism, martyrdom, state repression, human connections, place, people, and sexuality, the most that stood out was a common thread of myriad forms of love that binds and keeps these stories together.The Punjabi short story, merely a century old, is an important part of Punjabi modern literature. Renuka Singh, in the beginning of the anthology, mention that In the Punjabi sociocultural context, many aspects of human issues and concerns form its constituent elements and, symbolically, Punjabi philosophical thought and life-world emerges vividly through descriptive accounts. Through translation, these stories have acquired a new and different flavour. Relishing them in the original is certainly more delicious. But when a reader like me doesn’t know the original language, it’s a gift that translators exist at all.Now coming back to the theme of love. The story that kickstarts the collection, Bhabhi Myna by Gurbaksh Singh sets to challenge your notions about love and restrictions around it, its meaning and your understanding around the meaning you have given to this emotion. It’s provocative and philosophical in equal measure with a strong streak of pathos embedded throughout the spine of the story. Written around a young Jain widow on the cusp of accepting monkhood and a preadolescent Punjabi neighbor of her, this is a story that defines the very theme and what this anthology is going to be. Brave in idea and bold in execution, this story is widely open to interpretation by readers which is a good thing as it opens a dialogue for what is not in the focus in the society.While Bowl of Milk (Gurbaksh Singh) is about a family’s love of food and hospital, Daughter of the Rebel (Gurmukh Singh Musafir) explores the hardships and tragedy that befell the families of freedom fighters, a price they paid for the love of their country. Kung Posh (Devendra Satyarthi) again is about a middle-aged man’s abused obsession with random women around who he weaves the thread of his infatuation and fantasies.The only grouse I had was with translation in some places as it wasn’t going as smooth as I’d have wanted.

Reading stories about Punjab, Punjabis and the legendary Punjabiyat have always been a homecoming for me.Being a land that witnessed a partition, the state reflects a great endurance and the grace of sacrifice in its literature and way of life. Renuka Singh and Balbir Madhopuri have compiled this collection of 30 stories by the 20th century writers of the Progressive movement.Themes of family and relationships, life in urban and rural Punjab, patriotism, partition, loss, void, social-economic-political conditions impacting daily life minutely are portrayed through these stories. Tinged with a rustic melancholy and occasional wry humour these stories are grim, gripping and palpable.What impresses me the most is the retention of nuances in the translation, that retain the charm of the cultural ethos of Punjab. Do give this book a read, read slowly to savour these stories!⭐⭐⭐⭐

The outer cover of the book was highly damaged. It was virtually in a torn condition. Very disappointed with the product.

The Greatest Punjabi Stories Ever Told, is an engaging anthology of Punjabi short stories. It offers readers a captivating window into Punjabi literature, featuring both established and emerging writers from the region. The anthology excels in its ability to transport readers to the heart of Punjab, vividly capturing its culture, traditions, and daily life. With themes ranging from love and yearning to social issues and historical events, the stories provide a comprehensive view of Punjabi storytelling. The narratives themselves showcase the storytelling prowess of Punjabi authors, with well-defined characters and impactful storytelling. This anthology is a celebration of Punjabi literature, offering insight, entertainment, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. It is a literary journey worth embarking upon.