Title of the Book: Lapbah Volume I: Stories from the North-East Editor(s): Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih & Rimi Nath Genre: Literary & Contemporary Fiction Pages: 366 Publisher: Penguin
Lapbah – a word I didn’t recognize, and one I was, admittedly, too lazy to Google. So, why pick up a book with a title that’s a complete mystery?
The answer was simple: its subtitle, “Stories from the North-East.” That was the only reason I needed.
For those of us living in northern India, the North East often feels like a distant, mesmerizing land. We remain largely unaware of the rich tapestry of its cultures, traditions, and people. Our mainstream media offers only fleeting glimpses, and news channels seldom report on the region, leaving a void in our understanding. This silence keeps us oblivious.
So, when I was presented with the chance to read this book—to open a window into that world through its stories—my answer wasn’t just yes. It was an immediate and enthusiastic one.
About the Book
The meaning of the title was revealed right at the start, in the editors’ “Elucidation.” “Lapbah” translates to “heavy rain” in the Khasi language.
This choice of title was deeply intentional. Editors Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Rimi Nath were inspired by the memory of a time when the rainy season was synonymous with “story time” for many families. They wanted to honor this tradition. With this vision, they compiled an incredible anthology of 57 short stories from 52 different authors, showcasing some of the best and most evocative writing from the North East.
The first volume presents 29 distinct stories, each unique in its narrative and style.
This creates a fascinating blend, with some works originally written in English while many others are masterful translations that bring the vibrant voices of the North East’s regional languages to a wider audience.
The collection opens with Temsüla Ao’s “Laburnum for My Head” On the surface, it appears to be a simple tale about an old woman who desires a living laburnum tree for her grave instead of a cold marble headstone, and the efforts she undertakes to make it happen. But the beauty of the story lies in the small details—the little moments that teach us so much about life. It gently exposes uncomfortable truths: how funeral expenses for a parent can be perceived as a burden by their children, and how a mother’s wisdom can go unnoticed and untapped for most of her life by children who never felt the need to consult her about the family business while their father was alive.
Many of the stories in this book showcase the journey through the depths of female emotion. You’ll discover the many layers of what it means to be a woman, from enduring exploitation to inspiring accounts of strength and bravery.
While Monalisa Changkija’s ‘Knowing’ describes how daughters are neglected and how sons—treated as precious gems—are often destroyed by the very love lavished upon them, Lummer Dai’s ‘Koinar Mulya’ explains the customs of child marriage, showing how girls are sold for a price, which breaks their ambitions and aspirations.
Uddipana Goswami’s ‘Body, Bones and All‘ is a chilling, heartbreaking tale of women’s exploitation and unimaginable hurt. Further highlighting female vulnerability, ‘Dead Child‘ and ‘Purification‘ expose the vulnerability of women in a society where they are often treated as mere playthings.
‘Thirst’ by Sarat Chandra Goswami is a poignant narrative that illustrates the extremes of a mother’s devotion. while simultaneously cautioning against the adverse consequences of embracing nascent scientific theories at the expense of natural understanding.
While many stories portray the heartbreaking realities faced by women, the resilience of strong women shines through. In ‘A Morning Diversion‘ by Cherrie L. Chhangte, we see a woman fiercely pursuing her dreams and building her identity, yet she remains bound by the ingrained belief that household work is solely her ‘Duty’.
Similarly, ‘Haflong Hills’ and ‘Civility is All That Counts’ spotlight women who embody wisdom, bravery, and unwavering determination. These stories powerfully convey messages of courage, understanding, and graciousness.
This collection of 29 stories touches upon a diverse array of topics, ranging from the complexities of the caste system, superstitions, and mental health challenges like suicide and depression, to issues of poverty, environmental degradation, drug abuse, and marriage. Notably, ‘Chongpreng‘ and ‘The Gift‘ powerfully depicts the struggles for survival faced by low-income families.
Nirupama Borgohain’s ‘The Gift’ provides a stark, realistic look at how wedding gifts become a source of immense burden and complex emotions—shame or pride—for the poor. The narrative also subtly, yet powerfully, highlights the frustration of an educated housewife confined to the domestic sphere by a misogynistic society.
It’s clear the editor meticulously selected the finest works from each author, making it impossible to single out a “best” story. Yet, a few narratives resonated deeply, leaving me with a profound sense of heartbreak and a powerful message about the essential need for companionship in life.
‘The Lame Squirrel’ by Parshu Dahal, alongside Arup Kumar Dutta’s ‘The Old Man and A Bunch of Litchis,’ profoundly illustrate how a single, deep connection can become one’s sole ray of hope and reason for living. ‘The Old Man’ particularly moved me to tears, powerfully conveying that memories and books, however cherished, can never truly substitute the warmth and passion of genuine human relationships, and how loneliness can silently consume you from within.
Loneliness isn’t merely the absence of another; it’s a complex emotion that can persist even in the presence of a partner.Bhaskar Roy Barman’s ‘The Manuscript’ masterfully explores this, demonstrating how the creeping quietness within a marriage can ultimately foster a heartbreaking detachment and indifference.
Expanding on the complexities of human emotion, Nabina Das’s ‘Monobina Baruah’s Secret’ aptly captures the destructive grip of jealousy, illustrating how it consumes the good within a person. Another unique and deeply affecting piece is Amitabha Dev Choudhary’s ‘The Hand of Radcliffe.’ It stands out as a deceptively light yet incredibly weighty tale. Its quiet depth is truly moving, ultimately leaving the reader with a deep sigh of regret for the tragic historical events it portrays.”
Adding to this exploration of the human condition, Dipendu Das’s ‘I Wished to Be a Tree’ stands out as a profoundly moving tale. In just a few pages, it masterfully weaves together diverse and poignant themes like the simple pleasure found in nature, the darkness of depression and suicide, and the pain of societal ostracization, all with a seamless flow that feels entirely natural and never abrupt.
Most of the stories in this collection offer an authentic slice of life, delving into the profound emotions and innate depths of ordinary individuals. Through vivid descriptions of everyday scenes and an evocative writing style, these narratives illuminate the experiences of everyday people—the farmer, the housewife, and the uncelebrated—exploring their struggles, their feelings, and society’s perceptions of them. The book compels readers to pause, reflect, and truly connect with these relatable human journeys.
If I had to recommend just one book from all my reviews on this site, this would be it. It comes with my highest recommendation, and yes, I’m already eagerly recommending ‘Lapbah – Volume 2‘ to myself! My expectations are incredibly high after diving into this first volume.
Ultimately, “Lapbah – Volume 1” isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s an immersive journey into the human heart and the complexities of society. It prompts deep thought, stirs strong emotions, and leaves a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable read that truly stands apart.
This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. You can buy the book from Amazon
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Anthologies always pave the way to hidden treasure in literature. Lapbah is no exception.
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