The Hungry Stones, and Other Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
"The Hungry Stones and Other Stories" by Rabindranath Tagore is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 19th century. Through vivid narratives and rich imagery, the stories explore themes of love, magic, and the complexities of human emotions, revealing the underlying tensions of life in India during that period. The characters often grapple with their desires and societal norms, providing a glimpse into the multifaceted human experience. The opening
of the first story, "The Hungry Stones," introduces a narrator and his kinsman who encounter an intriguing man on a train returning to Calcutta from a Puja trip. This man, who appears to be a mystical figure, captivates them with his formidable knowledge and foresight about impending dangers and complexities in their world. As the story unfolds, the narrator learns about a hauntingly beautiful yet eerie palace where the forces of time and emotion seem to blur. He becomes entranced by visions of ghosts from the past, pulling him into a whirlwind of longing and desire as he struggles between reality and the captivating allure of dreams from a bygone era. This initial glimpse sets the stage for a deeper exploration of love, loss, and enchantment threaded throughout Tagore's tales. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
"The stories contained in this volume were translated by several hands."--Preface
Contents
The hungry stones -- The victory -- Once there was a king -- The home-coming -- My lord, the baby -- The kingdom of cards -- The devotee -- Vision -- The babus of Nayanjore -- Living or dead? -- "We crown thee king" -- The renunciation -- The Cabuliwallah [The Fruitseller from Cabul].
Credits
Produced by Alev Akman, and David Widger
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 80.4 (6th grade). Easy to read.
