Book Review: ‘Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not’ by Vasudha Sahgal

Book Title: Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not: A Collection of Short Stories
Author: Vasudha Sahgal
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 978-9361567858
Date Published: Feb. 5, 2025
Price: INR 235

Book Review

Vasudha Sahgal’s “Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not: A Collection of Short Stories” is a dazzling book of emotions, relationships, and life’s unpredictable twists. A seasoned journalist, author, and screenwriter, Sahgal masterfully curates fourteen short stories that capture the beauty of imperfection. Through crisp prose and deeply relatable narratives, she invites readers into a world where love isn’t always enough, success comes with sacrifice, and moments of clarity often arrive too late. Whether it’s an artist battling creative despair or a woman rediscovering herself after heartbreak, each character feels like someone we know—or someone we once were.

The magic of Vasudha Sahgal’s storytelling lies in her ability to balance humor with heartbreak, nostalgia with newfound hope. Take Maya, whose journey through love and self-reinvention in Istanbul is as turbulent as the city itself. Her transformation from a woman defined by others’ expectations to one who takes charge of her story is compelling and real. Then there’s Pia, caught between the comfort of the familiar and the thrill of the unknown, navigating the murky waters of marriage, temptation, and regret. Each story lingers, not just in its plot but in the emotions it stirs—questions of ‘what if’ and ‘what could have been’ reverberate long after the final page.

The author crafts characters with striking depth—flawed yet endearing, lost yet searching. Her writing is immersive, filled with sharp observations about human nature, society, and the little ironies that shape our lives. The stories, though distinct, share a common thread: the aching need for connection and the courage to embrace uncertainty. The prose is evocative, effortlessly shifting between lighthearted banter and deeply poignant moments. Just as in life, not all endings are neatly tied—some stories conclude with a sense of closure, while others leave us contemplating the characters’ futures, much like unfinished conversations with old friends.

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“Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not” is more than a collection of stories; it is a mirror reflecting the contradictions of life. Some tales will make you smile, others will leave you with a lump in your throat. Sahgal doesn’t just tell stories—she breathes life into them, ensuring each one resonates with the reader on a deeply personal level. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate storytelling that is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, proving that even in imperfection, there is beauty.

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