21 Under 40: Emotions in paperback

You’re no Temperamental Tina. But there are days when you seem to slip back into your adolescent mindset: No one understands you. Especially when it comes to the big things.

Trendy recommends reaching out. To a slim new book called 21 Under 40, where 21 new South Asian woman writers under the age of 40 have a short story for every emotion.

Frustrated? Read ‘Hue and Cry’, a riveting story about a woman who can always tell when someone’s lying.

Angry? Try ‘Hammer Gang’, in which the protagonist, after waiting for years for a US visa and a better life, finally loses his cool.

Scared? The terribly touching ‘The Third Cloud’, about a child caught in a war she does not understand.

Resigned? A miniature masterpiece, ‘Lotus’ is about a father, his newborn and his wife who has died in childbirth.

Surprised? So you think nothing will faze you again? ‘Ferris Wheel’ takes you on a ride to places you’ve never been.

Curious? Delve into ‘Murk of Art’, featuring the first ever Mughal-era detective.

Joyful? To laugh aloud, check out ‘Something Special About Sayyida’.

You’ll never feel alone again.

21 Under 40: New Stories for a New Generation. Edited by Anita Roy. Published by Zubaan.
Price: Rs. 295.