Goya  

Goya  

Author: Priya Bajapai 

Publisher‏: ‎ ArtoonsInn Room9 Publications; 1st edition (28 November 2020) 

Language‏: ‎ English 

Print length‏: ‎ 108 pages 

Bajapai makes you step into a literary tapas bar with her anthology of 27 short stories, Goya.   

The title is beautiful both in the way it sounds and its meaning. The word does not have an exact translation but is primarily used in Urdu poetry. It means the feeling of shifting into a dream—something that seems unbelievable but is real. Bajpai stories, ranging from science fiction to murder mysteries to mind-bending fantasies and bordering on psychological introspection, offer a similar feeling on a platter.  

Each story is a brief journey in a diverse realm. One moment, you are in a futuristic world and turn the page, and you are entangled in a murder mystery that boggles your mind. While some may have an issue with the lengths of the stories, I consider it one of the highlights of the book. Bajpai doesn’t dwell on any story unnecessarily, nor does she force too many elements into a single piece. The climax comes in most naturally—sometimes as expected and sometimes leaving you dumbfounded. It says a lot about Bajpai’s writing abilities that she lets it unfold. To have so much confidence in your characters and narrative and allow them their own journey is harder than expected. Not every writer has the guts to do that. And I applaud Priya for that.   

Crafting compelling narratives within a limited word count and letting the stories come to their natural yet satisfying end is no small feat. Bajpai’s ability to carve characters and plotlines is praiseworthy. Her prose is both stunning and fresh.    

The stories are “unusual, refreshing and fascinating,” making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy variety and depth in short bursts.   

Reading “Goya” is akin to embarking on a series of mini rides in a park bursting with adventures. There is something for the thrill-seekers, something for the chillaxers and even something that requires a leap of faith.   

Bajpai’s versatility as a storyteller ensures that you have a gala time swirling and whirling in these bite sized adventures, relishing every twist, turn, lazy drifting and even surprising drops.  

So, if you’re in the mood to flit like a butterfly from one blossom to another, savouring different scents, tastes and flavours “Goya” would suit you just right! 

The book is available on Kindle Unlimited.