'The Third Eye' belongs to the class of suspense, drama fiction: Author Sumana D Chaudhary

Debut authors are often known for sailing on the familiar waters, by engaging in a genre that is trending and appealing such as romantic fiction and so on. Contrary to that it is heartening to witness a debutante author Sumana D Chaudhary carve away from the oft-trodden path and bring out the most enthralling book 'The Third Eye and Other Tales'.

Published by Locksley Hall this work born out of the fecund imagination remarkably succeeds in shedding light on the latent creative impulses of its author. The writer Sumana D Chaudhary, a resident from Kolkata, mesmerises the readers with her innovative style as she does not harp on the same tune in all of her stories. Repetitiveness that often mars a literary work has been kept under a strict check-in this work. Thus, it would not be hyperbolic to articulate that rich diversity is the hallmark of this anthology of short stories which abounds in a vast variety of literacy sub-genres and categories. The book is artistically loaded with stories which thrill, explore the psychological upheavals, contain the element of dramatic fiction and give the readers creeps with horror too. The book is not only all about people and their situations, but it infuses life into the otherwise inanimate places as well. One gains many new refreshing insights about the city of Kolkata and formulates variegated opinions and perspectives about the place.

In toto, the anthology consists of 10 tales. What sets each tale apart from the other is the novel way of reaching the conclusions. This is what makes the book stimulating and keeps the usual insipidity at bay. The eponymous story 'The Third Eye' belongs to the class of a suspense, drama fiction where the subject matter is fully in synchronisation with the title. The first story depicting Kazi, the Fisherman, dwells on the idea of the fundamental nature of beasts, to which even intense love fails to reverse. In 'Bloody Marry' the readers have their rendezvous with a successful writer who happens to witness the chief antagonist of her stories come alive, leading to disastrous consequences.

Although 'Mee Godbole Boltoe' emerges as the best among the good. It revolves around the three characters, Akhilesh Matondkar, a business magnate, Prakash Maheshwari, the chairperson of a prestigious NGO and Geeta Mahesh, Government School Headmistress. Owing to their lofty positions they remain saddled with many cumbersome responsibilities. Therefore, their work-weary souls desperately search for a new doctor – Dr Godbole, whom they contact on a weird number: 911911. The manner in which Godbole treats them opens their tightly shut eyes to their own follies and shortcomings. The story 'Flipside' is about the real virtue of altruism and philanthropy. No doubt we are residing in a world fraught with rank materialism and utilitarianism but there still exists a segment of humanity that epitomises the true essence of humanism and does not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the people in distress.

Contemplating over the style of narration one comes across the exquisite fusion of Tolstoy, subtlety and poignancy of Chekhov and tenacity of Lovecraft. The success of the author can also be well determined from the choice of her language, which she takes recourse to while unfolding the different layers of the narratives. The magnificent fluidity in the language is the cornerstone of this spellbinding book. The usage of easy to comprehend words and phrases with profound aesthetic sense reflects the author's understanding of quality literary diction. Sublimity in style is the quintessence of any masterpiece, remarks Cassius Longinus. Giving credence to his idea the author displays inimitable elegance. The plots of all the stories have also been woven with meticulous care and extreme deftness without any loose ends. The delineation of flesh and blood characters is ample testimony to the fact that the raconteur is endowed with innate ability to understand the human psyche. In a nutshell, this deeply engaging anthology of short stories will spontaneously captivate the hearts of the readers and offer them an elaborate buffet of literary sumptuousness to feast on.