Title: Silhouettes of Time
Author: Maya Mitra Das
Publisher: Authors Press
ISBN: 978-1-64314-509-9
Pages: 347
Genre: Short Stories
Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
Maya Mitra Das’ collection of short stories, Silhouettes of Time is a delightful inspiration for all readers to behold. Das’ stories feature bold heroines and protagonists that love to learn and go on adventures. The stories take place in the beautiful country of India – Das’ love for her country and heritage shines through on every page.
I recommend this book to young girls who find themselves at cross roads in life – their parents may be urging to study a medical field while their hearts yearn for another path. Das was one of these girls, she was able to pursue the medical field and become a doctor and also write a beautiful collection of short stories later in life. The doctor-author proves that anything is possible with dedication and passion.
Das’ writing is a joy to read – her words take readers on a journey to India, they stir up feelings of pleasant nostalgia as characters go to school and visit grandparents. I would feel comfortable reading these stories to my daughter as she gets older and I know they would inspire a fire of courage within her.
The stories read quickly and flow well one-to-another. They can be read in any order, and favorites can be easily returned to again and again. ln “The Vigilant Muse” the narrator admires a pine tree in her garden, while unbeknownst to her – the pine tree finds her an object of interest. Das writing is fun and creative, each story contains a gem of delight. Her stories are well researched and planned; there are no awkward moments. Every detail is thoughtfully placed and adds to the story.
In Das’ collection of stories, the reader travels through time, around the world, and even meets a multitude of various characters. This book is filled to the brim with delightful stories which make you laugh, cry, and catch the same joy for life the characters carry. The collection of short stories has a variety of tales and themes – with something to learn on every page. This book is great to bring along on a trip or pick up for light reading at any time.
I recommend this collection to all lovers of short stories, young aspiring writers, and students who find themselves at crossroads in life. Ras may not have any answers for you, but she can surely inspire you to work hard and follow your heart.