Book Review: ‘Maguni’s Bullock Cart and Other Classic Odia Stories’ by Mini Krishnan

Book Title: Maguni’s Bullock Cart and Other Classic Odia Stories
Editor: Mini Krishnan
Translator(s): Leelawati Mohapatra, K.K. Mohapatra, and Paul St-Pierre,
Publisher: Harper Perennial India
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-9365691573
Date Published: Mar. 18, 2025
Price: INR 304

Book Review

“Maguni’s Bullock Cart and Other Classic Odia Stories” is a wonderful collection of short stories translated from Odia into English. Published in March 2025 as part of the ‘Early Classic Stories Series’ by Harper Perennial, the book brings together powerful tales from Odisha’s literary past. The stories were translated by Leelawati Mohapatra, K.K. Mohapatra, and Paul St-Pierre, who have done a beautiful job making these regional classics accessible to English readers. Covering works from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, the book gives a deep and thoughtful look into an India that once was.

Each story in the collection explores different aspects of life—caste, class, poverty, love, betrayal, friendship, and the changing world. The writers capture the essence of rural and small-town life with great sensitivity, especially how these communities were affected by modernization. The stories feel timeless, yet they are full of cultural and social detail. They make readers pause and reflect on how society has evolved and what has remained the same.

The title story, “Maguni’s Bullock Cart” by Godabarish Mohapatra, is especially moving. It tells the story of Maguni, a bullock cart driver whose life is turned upside down when a bus service starts in his village. His slow, dependable cart is no longer needed, and he becomes a forgotten figure. Through Maguni’s story, the author shows how tradition struggles to survive against modern progress. It is a simple but deeply emotional story about survival, dignity, and the pain of being left behind.

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This anthology is an excellent introduction to classic Odia literature. The translations are smooth and thoughtful, allowing the original spirit of the stories to shine through. Readers will appreciate the rich storytelling and the glimpse into a world that still echoes in today’s India. For anyone curious about Indian regional literature, this book is a valuable and rewarding read.

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