Book Review: Over the Edge by Vandana Kumari Jena

Swapna Peri

680

Book Title: Over The Edge

Author: Vandana Kumari Jena

Format: Kindle

Published By: Rupa Publications

ASIN & Edition: B09W9GHFN2 & 1st

Genre: Fiction

No.of pages: 216

Rating: 3/5

About the Book:

Over the Edge is a collection of stories where you will find love and longing, recriminations and regrets, murder and mayhem. Some stories are poignant; some are edgy, others whimsical. The range of experiences presented is varied, but the common thread running through this eclectic mix is that each story will keep you on the Edge and sometimes take you over it.

About the Author:

Vandana Kumari Jena is a retired officer of the Indian Administrative Service. She writes novels, short stories, and poems. Her short stories have been published in over twenty anthologies. Her works include two novels—The Dance of Death (2008) and Clueless (2019); three collections of short stories—The Incubation Chamber (2014), The Future is Mine (2015) and One Rotten Apple and Other Stories (2018); and a collection of middles—In the Middle (2015). She lives in Mumbai.

What to Expect:

Expect a book that with-holds emotions in a story format.

Expect a book that showcases honest feelings.

Expect a book that has stories that look like the next-door tales.

Expect a book that questions one’s virtues and freedom.

Expect a book that has unexpected events that shape the lives in and around.

Who Can Read:

Some books are to be read. Keeping this in mind, I would recommend this book to regular readers. The stories have great content that can be dealt with and compared with one’s life. However, those who wish to improve their reading skills with quality content can pick up the book.

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My Thoughts:

Short stories always have this quality of mesmerizing the readers with a small word that each story creates within. Similarly, in this book, with an interesting story-telling manner, Author Vandana has captured her readers’ minds with great stories. As the blurb says, every story comes under a different theme. The way the story is dealt with remains the best part of the book. I will recommend this book to all the readers who like to read good stories.

How is the Narration:

The book Over the Edge has 24 stories in total. Each story has its own character and sense. With an engaging and appealing storyline, the narration takes the reader’s mood and mind to the peak level; if one story rides high on emotions, the other mellows down the mind.

About the Characters:

Each story has a minimum of one interesting main character through which the story is either treated or talked. Most of the stories have relatable and realistic characters. In the attempt of portraying human emotions involve in drama, all the characters have blended well into the drama quotient. In the story Eureka Moments, Neena happened to be my favorite character for her jubilant attitude and unnerved excitement.

Order your copy of the book Over the Edge now from – Amazon

Writing Style:

From the very beginning of the book, traveling with Manisha and her dead partner, the book and its stories are intriguing. As the stories move from one to another, the reader will definitely get excited to read more. Author Vandana’s simple, honest and attractive writing style hooks the readers in the book.