The Legends of Lakshmi Prasad

Written in a plain language, the book gives a complete sense of ‘Indian Writing in English’. And the writing includes those common Indian aspects that we often let pass from our eyes. The common here, mainly includes the comments of the society and that of a mother-in-law ("formerly an easy going woman who almost instantly turn into eagle-eyed perfectionists with the arrival of a daughter-in-law"). They are so aptly portrayed, that the reader might end up thinking “Oh, so it happens everywhere”.

Four short stories, that is what the book contains, the last one covering half of it. As such, it could be named after this last story of ‘Padman’ itself. Because the legends of Lakshmi Prasad do not as such cast any shadow on the book.

Anyhow, leaving the title to the author’s choice, the stories are indeed different, showcasing the women empowerment. Although in the effort to bring social awareness, the literary aspects did suffer somewhere. As such, the stories do not stay in the mind, nor do their lessons, if there are any.

The book qualifies for a one time quick read, at the same time it qualifies for the knowledge of ‘this too happens’, with certain witty remarks that Twinkle Khanna is known for.

Few lines I liked from the book:

▶Why do people have define relationships, underline each word till the paper gives way beneath.

▶Things have a way of turning up when they want to be found, though they may not always be the things you actually want to find.

▶Life is but a play of chance in the game of choice.