Ruskin Bond's short stories are also great. His works are set in the Indian hills and small towns, and they usually revolve around simple yet beautiful stories of everyday life. For instance, his stories about children, their adventures, and their relationships with the people around them are very suitable for family reading.
Read different genres of English written stories. For example, if you only read adventure stories, try reading romance or mystery ones too. This broadens your perspective. Keep a journal where you can jot down ideas for stories, interesting phrases you come across, or new words. When you start writing a story, plan it out first. Outline the main events, the beginning, middle, and end. This gives your story a clear direction.
One such story could be some works by Shobhaa Dé. Her writing sometimes delves into modern Indian society's exploration of sexual identity, especially in the context of urban India where traditional and modern values clash. However, her works are also controversial for some. Another is some of the emerging voices in Indian - English literature that are starting to explore LGBTQ+ themes within the Indian cultural framework, though they may not be as widely known yet.
Another option is to explore short stories by Rabindranath Tagore. His works are filled with rich imagery and profound thoughts. For example, 'Kabuliwala' is a heart - warming story about the relationship between a Pashtun fruit - seller from Kabul and a young girl in Calcutta. It showcases the cultural exchanges and human emotions in the Indian context.
One of the common themes is coming - of - age. This is when a young character grows up and learns important life lessons. In many English written stories, the theme of good versus evil is also prevalent. It creates conflict and drives the plot forward. Additionally, the theme of survival, whether it's in a post - apocalyptic world or in a harsh natural environment, is often explored in stories.
Yes, there are some. For example, works by Arundhati Roy often explore complex social and gender - related issues within the Indian context. Her writing delves into power dynamics, oppression, and the experiences of women, which are related to gender, without being overly sexual. Another is Vikram Seth's 'A Suitable Boy' which subtly shows the role of gender in society through its rich tapestry of characters and their relationships.
Well, Indian - authored English short stories typically have a strong sense of community. The characters are often deeply connected to their social groups, whether it's their neighborhood or a particular caste or religious community. The stories also tend to be very character - driven. The characters' inner thoughts and emotions are explored in great detail, often against the backdrop of the larger Indian society. And there's often a touch of the mystical or spiritual, as India has a long history of religious and spiritual traditions.
The first English novel is often said to be 'Robinson Crusoe' published in 1719. However, the definition of a novel has evolved over time, and different scholars might have varying opinions on which work truly deserves this distinction.