The Forest That Ate People & Other Not So Scary Stories

The highly inventive stories of The Forest That Ate People and Other Stories by Harsita Hiya make for a very absorbing read. Quirky at times, humorous at others, these beautifully told narratives roam across dimensions and worlds, with a delicacy of touch that evokes spirits as well as mangogreedy matrons, the seasons as well as preparations for contemporary Bihu celebrations, folk tales as well as life in an urban colony. Rooted in Assam, the masterful use of vocabulary situates them firmly in this land, while being at the same time universal in their appeal. Several stories are pure poetry in prose, their evocativeness bringing in many images and lyrical metaphors that never seem forced or stretched. Yet the narratives never falter, their crispness taken forward by everyday, believable characters, and dialogues that are contemporary and absolutely spot on. The originality of these stories will surely have a big impact on the existing canon of writings in English from India.