In this collection of twenty-seven short stories, a novelette and a novel, there are many delightful tales, characters and situations to encounter and relish. The stories range from the light-hearted to the sombre. Many are laced with Manoj Das' characteristic irony. Told with humour and compassion, wit and sensitivity, this collection brings together the best of the works of one of India's most mature and rewarding writers. 'Manoj Das. will] take place on my bookshelves beside the stories of Narayan.' --Graham Greene 'Das's ghosts are people one might like to meet. Das Transports us into a space at once simpler and more entertaining than the world in which we live.

The worlds he conjures up are more than welcome in an age of excessive striving after complexity, the direct and chatty writing style refreshing in an era of increased experimentation with language.' --Hindustan Times, New Delhi 'The author is an extremely skilled exponent of the short story, weaving the medium with magic and whimsy.' environment effortlessly, he also provides an authentic voice which deeply reflects the vernacular, depth, substance and humour. The short stories are very skillful, indeed. Characters are so finely etched. Luminous re-discovery of the quiet life.' --The Indian Express, New Delhi.