A Fistful of Moonlight: New Fiction from Assam

A Fistful of Moonlight is a collection of fourteen stories by GEETANJALI SHREE that explore love, identity, politics, fantasy, and a fresh take on an age-old fairy tale. The stories are the culmination of a literary project led by Untold and BEE Books in Kolkata, and include four stories by more established Assamese writers. The book introduces new and diverse voices to audiences worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

GEETANJALI SHREE, the acclaimed author of the International Booker Prize-winning Tomb of Sand and A Fistful of Moonlight, has crafted a captivating collection of fourteen stories that delve into the depths of love, identity, politics, fantasy, and a fresh perspective on an age-old fairy tale. Through her vivid storytelling, GEETANJALI SHREE transports readers into the heart of contemporary writing from Assam, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of its diverse population.

In one poignant tale, a man's fascination with shoes becomes an all-consuming obsession, shaping his worldview and influencing his interactions with the world. Another story explores the devastating consequences of a daughter's forced death, leaving a family haunted by trauma for generations. A young girl finds liberation when she courageously chops off her long tresses, symbolically cutting away the pain of multiple identities that have burdened her. The oilfield disaster at Baghjan claims a life, and a community grapples with the senselessness of loss. Social taboos hinder a love match, leaving emotional scars that endure forever. In another heart-wrenching story, a family is forced to leave their home yet again, jeopardizing their future and stability.

UNTOLD, a writer development programme aimed at empowering marginalized writers in conflict and post-conflict regions, has collaborated with BEE Books in Kolkata to produce this remarkable collection of stories. These tales are the culmination of a literary project that seeks to showcase the voices of underrepresented writers. In addition to four stories by established Assamese writers, UNTOLD introduces new and diverse voices to audiences worldwide, expanding the horizons of literary exploration.

UNTOLD is a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. By providing a platform for marginalized writers to share their stories, UNTOLD contributes to the promotion of cultural diversity, social justice, and human understanding. This collection serves as a companion volume to My Pen is the Wing of a Bird: New Fiction by Afghan Women, another initiative that celebrates the voices of women writers from diverse backgrounds.

GEETANJALI SHREE's A Fistful of Moonlight is a must-read for anyone seeking a rich and diverse literary experience. Through her captivating stories, GEETANJALI SHREE invites readers to explore the complexities of human emotions, societal challenges, and the search for identity. Her writing is tender, terrifying, and heart-rending, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to immerse themselves in her narratives.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529431926