Framed
By Nishi Pulugurtha
ISBN 9788198156464
Reviewed by SAFA SHARFUDEEN
There are times when we fall into a reading slump where long novels feel too daunting, and we struggle to find the energy or the time to engage with a book. Framed, a collection of eleven short stories by Nishi Pulugurtha, is the perfect remedy for such moments. A lighthearted read, it offers glimpses into small yet significant experiences of everyday life.
Nishi Pulugurtha brings her keen insight, observations and quiet sensitivity to this collection. The stories unravel the beauty of ordinary moments, exploring themes such as love, loss, family, and tradition with a gentle yet profound voice.
The collection feature eleven short stories: “Framed”, “Sitting Out”, “Dinner Party”, “Matters of the Eye”, “Kali”, “The Verandah”, “Pulling Along”, Mobile Phone Recordings”, “Little Star”, “Sounds”, and “The Harmonium”.
Each story in the book offers a distinct perspective, narrator, and style, which contributes to the anthology’s overall diversity and appeal. Some tales delve into introspection, while others adopt a more observational tone, as if we are quietly witnessing the characters go through their lives.
“Pulling Along” highlights the struggles people faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It shows that while the situation was very tough for everyone, individual experiences varied depending on the financial circumstances. As I read the story, I could clearly see how my own experience during the pandemic was quite different from what the characters went through. Though the story was not overly dramatic or complex, it made me realise and reflect deeply on people’s struggles, hardships and the importance of holding on to hope.
In contrast, “Dinner Party” employs an observational narrative style and tone that captures the subtle complexities of human relationships through casual conversations and unspoken tensions. I won’t give any spoilers, but this was one of my favourite stories in the book because of how effortlessly it portrayed the aspects of family dynamics, marriage and friendships without explicitly stating emotions that allows the readers to infer deeper meanings through character interactions and small details. The ending, though understated, carried a powerful message proving my point that it had a profound effect of subtle storytelling.
The book also beautifully captures the essence of human existence through brief, transient moments. One key takeaway from this collection is that life consists of seemingly simple moments that reveal profound significance with closer observations.
In “The Verandah”, the third person narrative beautifully mimics human perception. In real life, we don’t just experience the world from our own perspective. We also observe others, interpret their emotions, and make assumptions about their thoughts. The story has a simple plot but evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the pandemic and lockdown time period that was challenging for everyone due to the limited social interactions. Since meeting new people and engaging with others is essential for personal growth, the isolation made life difficult. The use of third person narrative enhances the experience and storytelling by reflecting how we naturally observe and understand the world. It connects a character’s inner thoughts with their actions, making the reading experience feel natural and immersive.
Pulugurtha highlights the notion that our observations— of individuals, places, customs, and feelings— inform our perceptions of the world. Her narratives are not sweeping tales of dramatic events or occurrences but gentle and tender mediations on daily life, inviting readers to explore and discover beauty in the ordinary moments of life.
Her themes explore familial relationships, cultural traditions, and evolving lifestyles. One of the most captivating elements of the book is its untranslated words in Telugu and Bengali. These words evoke the culture and traditions of particular places. This invites readers to explore and fully immerse themselves in the cultural context of the story. The addition of a glossary is a considerate feature that enhances the global participation of audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity. This decision underscores how language and culture are intertwined and even if the text is written in English, certain elements and words are best preserved in their original form.
Pulugurtha’s narrative style is primarily a descriptive one, that emphasises everyday observations. She refrains from imposing conclusions or strong arguments. Instead, she encourages readers to derive their own interpretations from the stories. Her writing is straightforward and simple, filled with moments of quiet reflection.
In the story the “Little Star”, the child’s simple way of telling the story creates a contrast between what they understand and what the reader understands. This difference adds depth to the story, as readers can see a deeper meaning behind the child’s words and actions. The straightforward narration keeps things clear and honest, without over complicating events or emotions. Since children view the world differently without biases or complexities as adults do, their perceptions feel raw and genuine, making the story more powerful and emotionally compelling.
The stories are excellent at transforming the ordinary into something meaningful and remarkable. Pulugurtha doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or heavy philosophical references or discussions. Rather, she encourages the reader to pause, observe, and cherish life’s subtle moments.
In ‘Framed’, a familiar ritual and tradition are presented from a fresh perspective and narrator permitting readers to reflect on the theme of loss. Despite dealing with the serious subject of death, the story avoids dramatic narration or intense events. Instead, its subtle moments draw attention to the words, characters, and the emotional atmosphere it creates.
The interesting aspect of the book is that, when stories require intensity to capture attention, this anthology reminds us that you can even explore the gentleness of everyday life. It is just simple.
While this book may not have challenging beliefs or unveil shocking truths, it provides an equally satisfying feeling of warmth, nostalgia and celebrating the small joys in life. Framed is ideal for readers who appreciate reflective, slice of life narratives. If you enjoy stories that delve into human emotions and relationships in a quiet yet impactful manner, you will find Framed to be a true delight. For those looking to ease back into their reading with short, captivating pieces, these stories encapsulate the universal sense of human experiences that we all encounter in our lives.
SAFA SHARFUDEEN is a master’s student in English at the University of Madras with a deep passion for literature, writing and teaching. She also worked as the compiler and editor of “When the Moon Drowns in Waves”, collaborating with multiple writers and has interned for journals and publications.