"Beastly Tales from Here and There" written by Vikram Seth offers readers an enchanting collection of ten animal fables that transport us to different corners of the world. Through these captivating tales, Seth explores themes such as power, greed, love, and loyalty, while demonstrating his remarkable storytelling abilities and profound understanding of human nature.
Each fable in this collection showcases Seth's beautiful and unique writing style, painting vivid and engaging pictures in the minds of readers. From the cunning crocodile in the Ganges to the brave deer in the Himalayas, the animal characters truly come alive, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations.
One of the most commendable aspects of Seth's storytelling is his clever incorporation of elements from traditional folklore and mythology. This not only adds depth and complexity to the stories, but also prompts readers to contemplate larger philosophical questions. With a seamless blend of humor and thought-provoking insights, Seth encourages us to reflect on the intricate relationship between humans and animals, and the nature of humanity itself.
Available on Audible
Additionally, this collection showcases Seth's versatility as a writer. Each fable is written in a different poetic form, including sonnets, ballads, and quatrains, highlighting the author's mastery of diverse writing styles. This variety keeps readers engaged and further demonstrates Seth's immense talent and creativity as a writer.
In conclusion, "Beastly Tales from Here and There" is a delightful collection of fables that will captivate readers of all ages. With its enchanting storytelling, compelling themes, and poetic elegance, this book is a true testament to Vikram Seth's prowess as a writer.
What are readers saying?
Vikram Seth's book, "Beastly Tales from Here and There," has generated mixed reactions from readers. This collection of animal fables explores a variety of themes, including human nature, morality, and society, through the eyes of different creatures. While some readers appreciated Seth's storytelling prowess and poetic language, others felt that the tales lacked depth and substance.
Many reviewers praised Seth's imaginative storytelling and his ability to create captivating narratives. They found his use of animals as protagonists to be a unique and fascinating approach to exploring human nature. The fables were often described as witty and clever, with Seth's lyrical and poetic writing style receiving much appreciation.
However, there were readers who found the book to be disappointing. Some critics argued that the stories lacked depth and substance, which left them unsatisfied. They felt that the tales were too simplistic and lacked complexity, making it difficult to fully engage with the characters and their motivations.
The balance between entertainment and moral lessons in the stories also divided readers' opinions. Some appreciated the underlying moral messages conveyed through the fables, while others found the narratives to be overly didactic and heavy-handed. Some reviewers felt that the stories were too simplistic and lacking in nuance, causing them to question the overall impact of the book.
Despite the differing opinions on the depth and impact of the book, one aspect that remained consistent among readers was their admiration for Seth's writing style. The author's vivid imagery and evocative descriptions were widely praised, as they brought the animal characters to life and added depth to the stories. Overall, while there is a range of reviews for "Beastly Tales from Here and There," Seth's writing style stands out as a highlight.
BeastlyTales FolkloreAdventures CreaturesOfImagination