Book Review – The Bicycle Thief and Other Short Stories by Manish Sahu
My review
One of the best books that I have read in recent times!! This book is nothing short of brilliant, and the author Manish Sahu is a genius, a master storyteller who can twist and turn the tales, thereby raising the bar higher in every story till the human psyche is revealed, sometimes in glory, sometimes in a con.
The book had short stories, lasting a few pages, but each revealed a different facet. Every story was a master stroke of entertainment which had me either chuckling or shaking my head with disbelief.
Some of these stories have Indian/Hindi colloquial words, which are minimal and are apt for the story they tell. I liked the way author Manish Sahu has weaved his yarn of tales, dipping into the lives of people, till the flavor seeps into the pages of the book.
There is a unique Indian-ness about this book, but every story can be read by a global reader; it would resonate into the core because at the end of it all —We Are Humans!!
I loved, loved the book, it was a glorious 2 hours spent just perusing and wondering about each story. I loved the rhetoric endings which are so real that I had to write this review as soon as I finished the book.
“Who killed Vidyasagar” was my favorite story, it had me as exasperated as the main character!! Hahaha!!
Well written, Mr. Manish Sahu!!
I received a copy from the author, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating : 5 stars
About the Author
Manish Sahu started his career a copywriter in a mid-sized advertising agency back in the mid-1990s, where he specialised in marketing to rural-Indian audiences. He has worked as a freelance web and graphic designer for the past 17 years. His expertise also includes web programming and search engine marketing.
He has written a couple of feature-length screenplays and a number of short stories. The Bicycle Thief and Other Stories is his debut work.
Manish Sahu lives in Beltarodi, a small village that lies on the outskirts of Nagpur city.
Author Contact Details
Email: email@manishsahu.com
Website: https://www.manishsahu.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/manishwa/
Book blurb
A man who wakes up to read his own obituary in the newspaper… A woman who learns the meaning of life thanks to her stolen bicycle… A stern sub-inspector who is expected to rid a small town of a prowling leopard… A traumatised man who is intent on ending his life, thanks to his adulterous wife… A man who is willing to get his little finger chopped off in order to win his lady love… A pickpocket who can’t forget his art… A caterer in debt who steals a dog for ransom…
These are some of the characters from this collection of short stories. Some weird, some cranky, some adventurous—but all overwhelmingly familiar and believable.
The Bicycle Thief and Other Short Stories is Manish Sahu’s debut work. The stories which are all based in the heart of India, are earthy, amusing and very perceptive. Each tale is a slice of life from everyday India.
Product Details
Publication date : 9th October 2018
Book Links
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Wow, this sounds very intriguing indeed Shalini😊 And you saying this is one of the best books you have read in a while, makes me intrigued even more. As always your review was a joy to read. Glad you enjoyed this one so much 😀
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I really, really did. I loved the way the author was so gracious especially when I was down with migraine. He gave good vibes over the mail… Hence I had to read his book
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Well, then I am especially glad that you have had such a good time with this novel. Hope you are feeling better now, and that your migraine is gone😘❤️😊
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Hmmm no… They are there. This week has been pretty bad and hectic too. Hence I am unable to read much
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Aww, I’m really sorry to hear that Shalini. I hope you will feel better soon. Take care to take as much rest as you can and hopefully the pain will go away. 😘❤️
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😘😘❤️❤️
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Maybe that’s the secret of getting a five-star review from Shalini. Email her when she has a migraine attack.
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Hahahaha yes Manish, email her and be nice and understanding to her 😉😉😂😂😂😂
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Awesome review, Shalini! I think I’m going to give this book a try. Thanks for the recommendation. 😀
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Thank you… It was a pretty awesome read for me.
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Am gonna review this soon! 😁
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Great… Have a fab time reading it!!
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Excellent review of this short story book, Shalini.
I’m sorry to hear about your migraine.😔 I woke up with a headache. I get them a lot. They’re awful. Feel better.🤗
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I have been having it since the past 2 weeks, so not having good days. Yesterday was absolutely pits… By evening everything was pounding. Taking a break today and tomorrow
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I’m so sorry, Shalini. Headaches are awful. I suffer with frequent headaches, sometimes they’re debilitating, so I understand. Please take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon. 😔😘
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I am doing my round of going to the docs, hopefully the heat will also go down and then I have to assess.
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Very good. Keep me posted, okay? 🤗
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😘😘
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❤️❤️
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I liked first one above all though
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Cool that’s really nice…
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that’s great news 👌♥❤
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I hope you get to read it too. It was fab
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Sound interesting. Will look into this one.
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Thank you. It is a fab read
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Well love your review! This looks lovely!
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Thank you Berit. Sorry down with headaches over the past few days. So rays from digital are blurring my eyes.
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Feel better soon Shalini. Migraines are not fun. Nice review of this short story book. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Thank you Carla. I am going to the docs today and tomorrow. Fingers crossed❤️
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I hope you get some relief.
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Oh wow. Great review Shalini!!! 🙂
So who did kill Vidyasagar??????? 😉
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Hahaha… He wasn’t dead, but paper had an obituary and so all told him he is dead to his face…. And story continues
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Hahahaha. Okay… cute.
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Oh wow, great review Shalini. I love your enthusiasm about this one. I haven’t read any short stories in ages but I am definitely tempted by this one and its themes. Fab review!
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This was absolutely fun, Diana. It is sweet and a fab read
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A “unique Indian-Ness” about it. 😂😂 I love it! It definitely sounds like the author captured the folly of the human condition! ❤️
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There are some characteristics very Indian, and he caught it right😂😂😘😘
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Well, I’ll have to check it out, then! 💖💖
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Check me out Baby😂😂😂😂🙈🙈
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Well, that ALWAYS happens!! Ha ha!!!
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Hahaha nobody ever seems to…
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Psh. You are ALWAYS on my mind, darling!! 💋💖💖
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Been running around all day before work (have to work my boss’ political party by myself tonight… WOOT!) But, maybe it’s time for a chat tonight!! It’s been too long! 😘😘
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Hasta la vista baby, I will be there *in Arnold voice*
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😂😂😙😙
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Oh poor you, migraines are so painful. My hubby suffers from those. I love short stories and obviously I can’t say no to this book. I’m going to add it to my To-Read list. Thanks Shalini for introducing me to this author. I hope you will soon feel better dear friend.
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Yayyy that’s great ❤️
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I’ll give you news when I read it.
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It had to like this post because of the title being about bicycles. Thanks!
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Thank you
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That’s a wonderful, to the point review! I’ll try to read the book soon 🙂
Cheers!
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It’s a fun book. I loved it
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