Mortal Remains and Other Stories
Mortal Remains and Other Stories is truly a unique anthology in many ways. Sundar Viswam, who is well-known for his short and witty takes on social media, will surprise some of his readers with the depth and poignancy of these stories. But many of them are already familiar with the serious stories that he has written on Facebook, some of which are quite emotional. He has also written several essays and commentaries that have appeared in several newspapers and publications both in the US and India.
The characters that Sundar creates in this anthology are unique too, and their stories are complex and rich in emotion. But they are fast-paced, thus doubling the impact they make, which is the ideal combination for both quick and reflective readers. Also, the stories do not conform to any theme and are totally different from each other, so the reader has no idea what will come next. The other surprising aspect is that these stories are about ordinary events making an extraordinary impact on ordinary people's lives, so readers can easily identify and relate to them. The stories will force readers to pause and think of some seemingly mundane happenings in their own lives and the toll they have taken.
These short stories will take you on a rollercoaster ride of human emotions and relationships, with all their highs and lows, their complexities and quirks. For example, "The Red Kite" is about two school-age friends and how the childish act of chasing a kite wreaks havoc on them. "Manda Oh my Manda" is a story about a daily help of uncertain gender who becomes part of the family he works for. A prolific writer's torturous and agonising journey while he waits to be free from his bondage is what the lead title story, "Mortal Remains," is all about. "The Invitation" is about how the closeness of a tight-knit family is shattered by something as innocuous and mundane as an invitation card.
This collection is a kaleidoscope of intricately woven colours and shades that bring with them stark tragedy, sweet romance and historical fiction. The only thing common to all of them is that they have been written from the heart. You will put down this book many times as you read it, but only to take a deep breath between each story and allow the richness of its emotions to run into your bloodstream and rejuvenate you with their intensity.
When asked by his readers about the methodology he follows when writing stories, Sundar says, "No, I do not follow any process. I am not a âmethod' writer. I have a vague idea and I start writing. I do not plan beyond that. My pen or keyboard decides where that idea goes from there. I let it rip, so to speak, right from the heart!" No wonder then, that these stories are so intensely written, that some of them seem autobiographical. But Sundar denies that. "Maybe the seeds for these stories germinate somewhere in my subconscious, but the trees, the branches and the leaves are all mine!"
"The characters Sundar sir writes about are so different that the readers will never forget them," says a happy Suhail Mathur, CEO & Co-Founder of The Book Bakers, the leading literary agency of India, who represented this book.
Coming from a vastly experienced author and agent like Suhail and his team, Sundar considers it an honour and is thankful to them. This journey would not have been possible without their help, he says.
This book will appeal to all readers of literary fiction and short story enthusiasts, as well as readers who like to read fast-moving human life stories. We have no doubt that this book will be debated in many book clubs and reader groups. The stories are so visually written that film creators may consider them for short films.
This book is a picker-upper, and once picked up, it is a keeper! Highly recommended!
