Book Review: ‘A Teashop in Kamalapura & Other Classic Kannada Stories’ by Mini Krishnan

Book Title: A Teashop in Kamalapura & Other Classic Kannada Stories
Editor: Mini Krishnan
Translator: Susheela Punitha
Publisher: Harper Perennial India
Number of Pages: 296
ISBN: 978-9365693423
Date Published: Mar. 18, 2025
Price: INR 304

Book Review

“A Teashop in Kamalapura & Other Classic Kannada Stories” edited by Mini Krishnan and translated by Susheela Punitha isn’t just a collection of stories—it’s a vibrant mosaic of voices, memories, and moments that echo across generations. With the lyrical rhythm of regional Indian languages and sharp undercurrents of social insight, these tales dive into the everyday lives of people navigating love, rejection, caste, friendship, and faith. What makes this anthology especially captivating is how effortlessly it bridges the past and the present. The reviewer found a personal hook in the title—“Kamala,” also the name of their grandmother—which added a layer of warmth and nostalgia to the reading experience. But beyond that emotional tie, it was the sheer storytelling brilliance and cultural richness of Kannada literature that made the book unforgettable.

The anthology features works by renowned literary figures, including Panje Mangesh Rao, Maasti Venkatesha Iyengar, and Triveni. The opening story, written in 1900, was a pleasant revelation—full of wit, relatable characters, and a narrative voice that felt modern despite its age. Translator Susheela Punitha and editor Mini Krishnan are credited with carefully curating these stories and making them available to a broader audience. Their work emphasizes the vital role translators play in preserving regional literature while expanding its reach beyond linguistic borders.

What makes this collection particularly powerful is its thematic and narrative diversity. The stories move effortlessly between humour, tragedy, social commentary, and philosophical reflection. From a comedic tale of a man eager to marry, to the haunting account of a girl married to a deity in ‘The Girl I Killed’, the collection traverses a wide emotional landscape. One standout story, ‘Two Ways of Living’, reveals in a twist that the narrator is a horse, exploring themes of exploitation with quiet intensity. Another story features a divorced Muslim woman rejected by her mother—highlighting how patriarchy is often upheld by women themselves.

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In addition to its emotional depth, the collection also offers insights into the evolution of Kannada language and storytelling. Early stories are rich in natural imagery and everyday dialogue, while later ones reveal a fusion of linguistic influences, including Hindi proverbs and modernist themes. These shifts reflect broader societal changes and the impact of colonialism, modernisation, and reformist thought. Spanning nearly a century, this anthology captures the essence of Kannada society over time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in short stories, cultural narratives, or the enduring power of regional literature.

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