Boats on Land: A Collection of Short Stories

Janice Pariat’s “Boats on Land: A Collection of Short Stories” presents a captivating perspective on India’s northeast, juxtaposed against a rich historical backdrop. Spanning the early days of the British Raj, the World Wars, and the influences of Christianity and missionaries, these stories delve into a realm where everyday life intertwines with folklore and a profound belief in the supernatural.

Within these pages, a girl yearns to transform into a firebird, while an artist witnesses souls metamorphosing into trees. A man undergoes a mesmerizing shape-shift into a tiger, and another becomes enchanted by water fairies. Against the backdrop of political struggles and social unrest, fireside tales and age-old superstitions add depth to the narrative tapestry. “Boats on Land” masterfully captures the delicate essence of our existence, evoking both fragility and unease within our place in the world.