Publisher's Synopsis
Step into a realm where the immortal grace of Urdu literature finds new life, entwined with the delicate grandeur of Victorian English, harkening back to the days of Charles Dickens himself.
In 13 Munshi Premchand Short Stories, Qasim Usmani ushers you through the hallowed corridors of Premchand's poignant tales-each story a pearl of the Indian subcontinent's treasured lore. With prose as elegant as it is heartfelt, Usmani preserves the intricate weave of Urdu's cultural tapestry while imbuing it with the stately charm of a bygone English era. From the tender simplicity of Shikwa Shikayat to the gripping tension of 'Zevar ka Daba', these translations breathe a fresh spirit into Premchand's masterful explorations of human endurance, compassion, and strife. Each tale unfurls as a portal into the hopes and heartaches of everyday folk, painted in rich hues of Victorian eloquence. 1. Boorhi Kaki (The Aged Matron)2. Shikwa Shikayat (Grievance and Lament)
3. Doodh Ki Qeemat (The Price of Milk)
4. Nai Biwi (A Newly Wedded Wife)
5. Nijaat (Deliverance)
6. Zevar ka Daba (The Jewel Casket)
7. Do Behnain (The Two Sisters)
8. Punchayat (The Council of Elders)
9. Ah Bekas (Ah, the Wretched Sigh of a Soul Forlorn!)
10. Roshni (The Celestial Glow that Dispels the Darkness)
11. Ghaas Wali (The Grass Maiden)
12. Banka Zameendar (The Dashing Landlord)
13. Akseer (The Elixir of Life) This anthology is not merely a translation; it stands as a bridge-a meeting of worlds, a beckoning to all who seek the timeless beauty of Urdu storytelling, spoken now in the dulcet tones of Victorian English. Here, within these pages, the universal themes of humanity and the lyrical pulse of Premchand's genius shall stir your soul. For those who cherish the power of language and the art of literature, this collection is a treasure beyond compare. Qasim Usmani, a devout custodian of both English and Urdu literature, pours his heart into unveiling the hidden gems of Urdu poetry and prose for the global English-speaking audience. With deep reverence for the lyrical grace of Urdu's classic beauty, his translations carry the breath of life into these cherished works, allowing their spirit to shine across cultural shores. Through his scholarly devotion, Usmani builds a bridge, uniting readers in a shared love for the written word.
