APK Publishers LLP (6 November 2023)
This impressive collection of twelve sophisticated and highly imaginative tales covers a wide range of themes, ranging from the triumph of an underdog, to a life-changing friendship, to the study of a parasitic man, a sensitive portrayal of an elderly Muslim man, from science fiction mingled with humor or crime, to political intrigue and revenge, from a comedy of errors to Indian mythology retold, from a love of nature to a mystical encounter with a wolf, and finally a saga of rebirth and retribution. The factual science parts in the two science fiction stories are consistent with the latest scientific research.
Each of these original stories has a different flavor and taste. Various characters from different walks of life find themselves in unexpected situations. Each story stands out from the rest and is worth appreciating for itself. All the stories are written in an easy-to-read style.
Some of the stories, if not all, are suitable for on-screen adaptation.
Reviews
DHRUBA DAS GUPTA
Former journalist, research worker, award-winning environmentalist and activist
for protection of Kolkata Wetlands. Presently, Project Director, Society for Creative Opportunities and Participatory Ecosystems, Kolkata
Pratyush Deb’s ”A Boat on the Sea of Stories“ engages with a wide variety of genres and allows us to flow through a visually appealing set of stories, one of the great attractions of this book. He observes life with empathy and humour, and some of his stories show an endearing attachment to nature. Hopefully, he will present to us more on that theme in future. The author’s skillful treatment of a repertoire of characters in every story leaves an imprint on the mind. The title of the book, very thoughtfully given, bring up expectations of a long journey ahead of the author.
PARTHA GUHA
Co-Founder and Director, Elephant Design Pvt. Ltd, Pune
”A Boat on the Sea of Stories“ is an apt title for this wonderful collection of short stories. I loved the way the stories touched upon the humanity, social relationships and imaginative concepts. The characters are unassuming and the narrative flows smoothly. The author’s creativity shines through in the stories. A truly enjoyable read.
DR. PRASHANT PANSARE
CEO – Inteliment Technologies, Pune
Beautiful stories with a fluid writing style that draws the reader in. Each story contains a strong human element with characters evoking a range of emotions and conveys lessons from life itself in a charmingly simple manner. The sheer variety of genres in the collection makes ‘A Boat on the Sea of Stories’ a delightful read, and the perfect traveller’s companion.
SOURAV DE
Photographer, writer, and film festival juror, acclaimed for his significant body of work.
”A Boat on the Sea of Stories“ by Pratyush Deb serves as a powerful metaphor for life’s journey. This collection of 12 short stories offers a vivid portrayal of life’s diverse experiences. As a filmmaker, I am naturally drawn to the visual potential of these narratives, and some stories indeed achieve this feat deftly.
Deb’s concise storytelling allows readers to fully grasp the entire narrative structure, making it easy to retain the complete arc without losing any details during or after the read..
Ei Samay, The Times Group
Sunday, Aug 4, 2024
(Translated from Bengali)In this title, inspired by the medieval collection Kathasaritsagara, the author gathers twelve literary gems. These include tales of an underdog achieving rare success, transformative friendships, and narratives steeped in nature and mythology. These stories seamlessly blend themes of rebirth and revenge with those from modern scientific research. Written in a simple and lucid style, their dramatic and engaging nature will captivate readers. Dive into this literary ocean to embark on a journey through a raft of these endearing tales.