Curtain Call

We live our lives like the ceaseless flow of a river, but we remember it only in pieces, pieces we like to call memories, memories that are shared in the form of stories. What is life if not a number of stories tied together like an anthology? The Curtain Call, compiled and edited by Rafaa Dalvi, is one such anthology that brings together stories from different walks of life, stories that would make you pondering upon them for days, stories that make you think, and stories that will leave an imprint on the souls of the readers. From historical fiction to fantasy fiction, this multi-genre anthology contains thought-provoking stories that will take you through a delightful journey beyond time and reality. Whether it is a train journey, space expedition or Mrinalini's royal marriage, Gloria's guest, a spy or an Ookleeboo, a story of love or of bitter sadness, these stories will make you cry, laugh, love and, most importantly, live. Featuring some of the best names in contemporary short fiction in India, the anthology chooses to avoid the traditional route of sticking to a single theme, providing the reader with something different to look forward to within each tale. From historical fiction to romance, horror and humour, there is something for everyone in this collection. So what makes this posse different from the other collections of short stories available presently? Simply a matter of class, really. Between the 20 who have contributed here, you have authors with not 1 or 2 or even 10 or 20 published stories in their combined quiver. You have a whopping 75 published short stories (both Indian & International) and no less than 13 published novels between these authors. That is talent that has gone through literally more than hundreds of short story contests, honing their skills through both success & failure till they got the art of storytelling down to a science.