Sip, Read, Review  – ‘‘Folklogue” by Yogita Bansal Ahuja

Have you observed how ‘Folk Tales’ are usually intentionally layered? Different ages understand them differently. A child sees adventure and enjoys what happens. An adult sees symbolism and understands what it means. An elder sees life wisdom, thus making these folktales timeless teaching tools!

This book is based on a charming concept - to share folk stories from different parts of India. It also covers historical stories from the independence era. I loved the theme on which this anthology is based. It is a strong binding factor. ‘‘Folklogue” is an anthology - 18 short stories, 125 pages. A quick read. Every story mentions the Indian state it is from, which for me, was interesting. There are snippets of local languages multiple times, giving a local vibe and an authentic feel to the stories.

I like folktales especially when locals relate the stories to actual buildings, graves, symbols,paintings etc - from the distant past in that area. There are pictures of the same for these stories in the book. Such elements make the past somehow feel touchable and doesn’t feel abstract! 

The language of the book is simple and uncomplicated.The flow and approach to storytelling remind me of a grandparent or parent narrating stories in our childhood. The kind you listened to with acute interest, eyes wide open, imagining everything right in front of you, constantly asking, “Next, what happened?” I realised I read the stories with a smile - loved the way they are narrated. It makes you want to hear more, read more.

My favourites:
a) ‘Sohni-Mahiwal’ - a curiosity generator. @yogitastoryteller
b) ‘Cuckoo the Brave Bird’ - a commonly known takeaway, told sweetly with poetic local language snippets. @astha1chadha
c) ‘A Grain of Rice’ - a mathematical folktale based on algebraic thinking and growing patterns. @astha1chadha

In the latter part of the book, stories about ‘folk art forms’ and their artists are interesting to read. You need a creative eye and mindset to enjoy this book and its stories.

Alright then, do share your feedback if you already read this one.Until next time, keep the coffee brewing and the pages turning! 📖 ☕️ 🖊