Lamplight, Paranormal Stories from the Hinterlands------pan macmillan

The eight short stories in Lamplight walk a fine line between the ordinary and the paranormal. Family bonds form the backdrop to the stories, and old-world values and the laidback lifestyle of a bygone era lend them a unique charm.

The paranormal connection of the Chattopadhyay family spans across generations. A range of characters touched with an odd enchantment greet you – Balai or ‘lekhak kaku’, the novelist, Montu, the pampered brat, Raghu kaka, the old gardener who can see into the future and Avantika, the spinster daughter of a politician who with her leftist views and caustic tongue is a perpetual embarrassment to her father. The ghosts that flit through the stories – be it the gluttonous, desperate-to-be-married Tigmanshu or Chitra pishi who is out to wreak havoc or the generous Nimaida who acts as a guardian angel – are never boring or predictable! While the stories are sure to send a chill down your spine, the characters with their kindness and warmth, will not fail to touch your heart.