D. Jayakanthan’s short stories depict the life of common people in Tamil Nadu in the middle of the 20th century and reflect his progressive thinking. Selected and translated by the author’s daughter, these stories sensitively explore situations in the lives of both the marginalized and the middle class and comprise some of the best of his writing. Each story in this collection delves into the depths of the human psyche, revealing the hidden strengths ordinary people find within themselves when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Portraying courage, vulnerability and humanity in its many dimensions, the Heroine and Other Stories reminds us of the richness of our regional literatures, presents highlights from the oeuvre of a master storyteller and holds up a mirror to ourselves.

The main story of Rukmini and the Turning of Time takes place before, during and after the Mahabharata War, an event that marked the ending of one era and the beginning of another – a time when spiritual knowledge was decreasing but material development increasing. The story begins in the ancient city of Dwarka, India and is told through the voice of a dancer of that time. It is a story about Rukmini, who is said to be the rebirth of Mata Sita, both of whom are avatars of the great deity Narayani. Although Rukmini is the consort of the much beloved Bhagavan Krishna, her story has been lost in time, but it is essential now to recall her as the energy and presence of the divine female incarnations is so critical for the healing and evolution of human society. As with all of Dena Merriam’s books, this story explores the complex and wondrous workings of cause and effect, the law of karma, as it guides and shapes our lives. But it is also a story of love, one that transcends time and place and that persists from one incarnation to the next. As we leave one form and take another through the laws of rebirth, we bring with us our love, the relationships that have left deep impressions and that have helped in our awakening. This tale follows the dancer of Dwarka through a series of rebirths, as she unknowingly carries with her the love and teachings of Rukmini, who patiently and silently guides her evolution. It is a story that applies to each one of us, because we all participate in this great cosmic dance of love as the illusion of time keeps turning.

The collection of stories in Krishna’s Jaunt and Other Stories is a blend of fiction and fantasy. While most of them deal with human emotions and human reactions to different sets of circumstances and situations, quite a few deal with gods and goddesses who also, despite their supernatural powers, display human emotions and reactions. At times, they too commit blunders that lead to hilarious situations. Besides, the gods and goddesses take to sports like cricket and soccer, and a couple of stories are woven around them. Animals like the dog and the squirrel too find a place in the stories where they play vital roles in apprehending criminals. Amongst the stories, are a few involving men of high principles, and who are a role model for others. With romance being the main theme in most of them, and with humour interspersed here and there, the stories make for an interesting read.

Never before, has such psychoanalytical human stories of unpredictable nature and macabre intensity been told with impeccable precision and creativity, extremely probing; exposing the human psyche on a different dimension. The stories ruthlessly reveal the self-destructive human conflicts immersed in despair, impassivity, inhibitions, fears and vanity . . . influenced by uncertainties and sudden occurrence of tragic, comic and ironic situations. Stories created from mundane ideas and incidents demonstrate the amazing versatility of the author.The author captures the shifting mood of intriguing characters in a calculative manner reinforced by sudden and thrilling action. Stories written in a lucid style lends a lilting grace and cinematic effect to the narrative and every scene moves frame by frame before the eyes. The stories impact the mind, inspire and motivate through highly contrasting and imaginative content, which is both philosophical and psychological in nature. Readers will wade through the strange circumstances that compel all humans to indulge in actions with inextricable mingling of elements . . . difficult to dislodge, which are achieved with ruthless passion. The masterwork titles - The Unknown Giver, The Last Stitch, Veil of Disgrace, The Funeral Coat, Walk for Money, The Melting Pride, Silent Punishment, The Begging Bowl and A Life Wasted make way for an interesting reading.

‘I, Kalari Kovilakom, grande maison, guardian of memories—births, deaths, marriages, hopes, dreams, laughter and tears—having gone through so many lifetimes, now stand witness to the march of time and the waywardness of fortune. I, with my louvered windows.’ This is the chronicle of a grand old mansion bursting to tell its tale! The House That Dhathri Built and Other Stories will lead you deep into the heart of a Malabar palace, a sequestered world behind high walls where life is veering towards an unlit crossroad, strange and unfamiliar. Throughout this telling, the life of Dhathri, Ranee of the ‘little kingdom’, appears and reappears like a skein of silken thread that draws the narrative together into a moving saga of the times. Sweeping from British-occupied Malabar—through the war years and Independence up until the ‘sea of red’ causes the feudal system to break up and implode—can Kalari Kovilakom, the house that Dhathri built, survive the stormy buffets of social change? Or will it be condemned to die an ignoble death at the hands of a common pickaxe?