Step into Saadat Hasan Manto’s fearless world with Manto: Stories - Well Known, Less Known, Ill Known. This second installment of Harish Narang’s translations gathers Manto’s beloved favorites, little‑known jewels, and stories that sparked controversy, thoughtfully arranged into Well Known Stories, Less Known Stories, and Ill Known Stories. Perfect for adult readers, students of postcolonial literature, and anyone curious about bold, socially observant fiction, the book carries a direct, contemplative, and emotionally resonant tone.
Each story is presented with care: Narang’s translations are more than faithful renditions—they are interpretive renderings that illuminate context and nuance. The Introduction explains his choices for each piece, including his provocative renaming of Khol Do as My Daughter is Alive to reflect the original’s emotional gravity. The volume closes with an essay titled Manto: An Evaluation, offering a thoughtful appraisal of Manto’s place in both regional and global literature. The volume’s structure invites readers to move through celebrated works and discover overlooked voices, delivering a brisk pace, vivid settings, and a fearless moral center. Whether you’re drawn to sharp social critique, stark urban realism, or intimate portraits of ordinary people under extraordinary pressures, Manto: Stories invites a powerful readership experience.
- Three distinct sections: Well Known Stories, Less Known Stories, Ill Known Stories
- Thoughtful English translations by Harish Narang with interpretive notes
- Introduction explaining translation choices and cultural context
- Concluding essay: Manto: An Evaluation by Narang
- Renarrated pieces that highlight emotional depth, including Khol Do retitled as My Daughter is Alive
- Engaging, accessible prose that brings Manto’s bold vision to a modern audience
Reading Manto: Stories leaves you with a deeper understanding of Manto’s groundbreaking voice and his enduring relevance. It invites reflection on society, humanity, and justice, encouraging empathy and critical thinking long after the last page is turned. This edition stands as a confident invitation—to new readers and lifelong fans alike—to continue exploring Manto’s remarkable world and its global significance.
