Neha’s keen observation skills and empathy for her characters makes each story a profound experience.
Neha Gupta
Neha Gupta's debut short story collection, "Keepsake," is a literary gem that masterfully captures the essence of human emotions and relationships. This collection is a testament to Neha’s extraordinary storytelling prowess, making it an essential read for those who cherish the art of narratives.
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"Keepsake" immerses readers in a world of old photographs, cherished letters, and heirlooms, evoking memories and emotions that resonate deeply. The eye grabbing book cover is charming and evokes warmth and wistfulness. A reminisce of the prominent wall of pictures in any family household. The old pictures fading in sepia, the vintage wall hangings, the clock and the books. The corner of the house where stories once lived are preserved in the art of nostalgia. The images of pressed flowers between the pages and the opening lines of the book, ‘Truth or lie, nostalgia maketh fly’ further celebrate the memories. Each story in the collection is a delicate exploration of life's moments, both light-hearted and intense, crafted with a profound understanding of the human condition.
The opening tale, is an ode to our childhood storytellers, and the role they play in shaping our identities and imparting a wealth of wisdom. The title story, is emotionally resonant where a daughter remembers her distant mother, portrayed with honesty and grace, capturing the bittersweet blend of love and loss. Lahore to Jagraon, set against the backdrop of partition, stands out as it vividly captures the journey of life, with the events around the world triggering new paths in our lives changing it in incomprehensible ways. Jaan Hai, Jahaan Hai, celebrates the essence of ‘life is for the living’ thru the story of a man grappling with the dilemma of leaving home. Neha’s sensitive portrayal of these journeys explores the universal quest for identity and belonging. Her versatility shines in a lighter tale of a quarreling couple whose love story is both tumultuous and endearing. Neha’s humor and heart turn everyday moments into compelling narratives that linger long after the last page is turned.
Neha’s keen observation skills and empathy for her characters makes each story a profound experience. Her background as a trained therapist infuses her writing with understanding of humanity and emotional depth. Having honed her craft under Ramesh Menon and Neeraj Kabi, Neha’s writing is sophisticated and earnest, with her eloquence and emotional intelligence shining through the collection. Neha Gupta's own journey is as compelling as her stories. A graduate of SRCC Delhi and an MBA from Symbiosis Pune, she balances a successful corporate career with her passion for writing. Her journey into the literary world began as a hobby during a hiatus caused by Lehman bankruptcy, but it quickly became a calling. After 15 years of writing in the shadows, she has finally emerged with a collection that is both whimsical and warm.
The carefully crafted tales are Keepsakes themselves, each story is a testament to Neha’s belief that life gives us stories to tell, and she tells them with a rare blend of insight, compassion, and artistry. She skillfully weaves in history, culture and traditions in every story while still creating characters that leave an impression. She balances description and dialogues and lets the story unfold at its own pace, sensitively capturing the various plays of life.
"Keepsake" is not just a book; it's an experience that stays with you, urging you to reflect on your own life and the memories that shape who you are. Neha Gupta is a master raconteur on her way to become a unique literary voice in the Indian contemporary fiction. The book is published by Garuda and available online and in major bookshops.
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