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Goya
Solve a murder mystery with Ahana in Murder in the Palace, see Tess� Kaleidoscopic World come alive, visit Oseye’s Egyptian land in An Archaic World, travel through time with The Time Traveller, feel the chills of the paranormal in Neil’s Shoes, understand an artist’s perspective in Sunset or Sunrise, with Kwakan welcome a new star in Banon’s Conundrum, and unravel a historical mystery with A Holy Book.
Goya is a collection of stories of different worlds of imagination and emotions. The stories are like a rainbow � intangible, fictional, yet so real that you cannot shake the illusion. And just like a rainbow is a spectrum of varied hues, this book is a collection of 27 colorful stories, comprising a variety of perspectives and shades of life.
Goya is a collection of stories of different worlds of imagination and emotions. The stories are like a rainbow � intangible, fictional, yet so real that you cannot shake the illusion. And just like a rainbow is a spectrum of varied hues, this book is a collection of 27 colorful stories, comprising a variety of perspectives and shades of life.
180 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2020
8 people want to read
About the author
Priya Bajpai
11Ìýbooks16ÌýfollowersPriya U Bajpai is a short story author and a poet, with several of her past work
having been published in mainstream newspapers. This literature scholar is a
versatile story-teller. She is adept at writing fast-paced and layered tales
across genres. And yet writing her own bio would throw her off! This extremely
modest writer would rather let her craft do the talking.
A voracious reader, Priya loves to quench her thirst for knowledge. When she
is not reading or writing, she daydreams about multi-verses. Maybe it is her
curiosity about the marvels of the universe that makes her so good at sci-fi.
Talking of dream- that's often where she gets her inspiration from! Some vivid
dreams these must be!! Music is what feeds her soul. She loves to play the
keyboard. Mother of a nine-year-old, Priya loves to create characters with
superlative sleuthing skills which are put to test when she creates exciting
treasure hunts for her son. But hunting for the TV remote that’s been thrown
away by him into some obscure corner of the home, is a different ball game
altogether. She also loves driving and taking her husband for long drives.
having been published in mainstream newspapers. This literature scholar is a
versatile story-teller. She is adept at writing fast-paced and layered tales
across genres. And yet writing her own bio would throw her off! This extremely
modest writer would rather let her craft do the talking.
A voracious reader, Priya loves to quench her thirst for knowledge. When she
is not reading or writing, she daydreams about multi-verses. Maybe it is her
curiosity about the marvels of the universe that makes her so good at sci-fi.
Talking of dream- that's often where she gets her inspiration from! Some vivid
dreams these must be!! Music is what feeds her soul. She loves to play the
keyboard. Mother of a nine-year-old, Priya loves to create characters with
superlative sleuthing skills which are put to test when she creates exciting
treasure hunts for her son. But hunting for the TV remote that’s been thrown
away by him into some obscure corner of the home, is a different ball game
altogether. She also loves driving and taking her husband for long drives.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 2, 2023
I find short stories very relaxing, and believe it is a genre which deserves more attention. This book packs a lot of stories (27) for its size. Most of the stories are about 2 pages, with a few longer and only one being much longer. The stories are shorter than what I expected. For stories this short, since they cannot be led by character development, some novelty is needed. A few of the stories do manage to introduce that, but many do not. That said, I recognize that it is not easy to do that with such a large number of stories. Many stories came across to me as if written in a hurry, and would have benefited with a relook, elaboration & rewrites. The stories span a variety of genres � crime, historical, romance, science fiction, mental health and others.
The stories I liked were:
- Horrific Holocaust � Though the title is a little unimaginative, a moving story of two friends set during World War II.
- Forever and Always � An emotional story on honouring the memory of the departed.
- The Time Traveller � A science fiction story with two adversaries battling it out to change & preserve the sanctity of history.
- Murder in the Palace � The longest story of the book on resolution of a murder mystery.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book.
The stories I liked were:
- Horrific Holocaust � Though the title is a little unimaginative, a moving story of two friends set during World War II.
- Forever and Always � An emotional story on honouring the memory of the departed.
- The Time Traveller � A science fiction story with two adversaries battling it out to change & preserve the sanctity of history.
- Murder in the Palace � The longest story of the book on resolution of a murder mystery.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book.
January 28, 2022
Goya is an Urdu word meaning “suspension of disbelief especially through stories�. When I read this in the introduction, I prepared myself for a fantastical journey through the realms of time and space. Some of the stories delivered exactly as per my expectations. Some other were too regular to fit under the definition of “goya�.
This is an anthology of 27 stories with nothing in common. The genres span drama, detective, fiction, SFF, contemporary, historical, and many more. All of the stories except for one are quite short, taking just about 3-4 minutes long to read. Some of the tales are quite imaginative; they start off sedately but soon offer an unexpected turn. In some cases, the endings were quite unexpected.
I was impressed by the variety of the stories, especially considering that this is a debut work. I liked quite a few of the stories but felt like some others would have worked better had they been a bit lengthier. The language use was quite decent. There were a few grammatical errors here and there, nothing too obvious to a lay reader. A bit more polishing was required in the editing to iron out some of the repetitions in some segments. American word usage is more dominant but there were some words with British spellings.
On an aside, I think that I am spending too much of time with my dear friend Srivalli because like she does, I could see adverbs popping up everywhere in this book. I don’t know whether to be happy or sad about this.
Some of my favourite stories from this collection were:
I think my feedback shows that I am happy with a story if I am happy with its end. Even I didn’t know this fact about myself until just now! 😂
3.25 stars, based on the average of my ratings for all the stories.
The book is available on KU India.
***
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This is an anthology of 27 stories with nothing in common. The genres span drama, detective, fiction, SFF, contemporary, historical, and many more. All of the stories except for one are quite short, taking just about 3-4 minutes long to read. Some of the tales are quite imaginative; they start off sedately but soon offer an unexpected turn. In some cases, the endings were quite unexpected.
I was impressed by the variety of the stories, especially considering that this is a debut work. I liked quite a few of the stories but felt like some others would have worked better had they been a bit lengthier. The language use was quite decent. There were a few grammatical errors here and there, nothing too obvious to a lay reader. A bit more polishing was required in the editing to iron out some of the repetitions in some segments. American word usage is more dominant but there were some words with British spellings.
On an aside, I think that I am spending too much of time with my dear friend Srivalli because like she does, I could see adverbs popping up everywhere in this book. I don’t know whether to be happy or sad about this.
Some of my favourite stories from this collection were:
Kaleidoscope � 🌟🌟🌟🌟- Loved the twist at the end.
The Mysterious Globe - 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 � Ditto feedback. Loved the twist.
Killer - 🌟🌟🌟🌟 � Again, loved the twist.
The Holy Book - 🌟🌟🌟🌟 � An Egyptian era investigation. Nicely written.
The Blue Shoes - 🌟🌟🌟🌟 � Loved the whole setup and the end.
Forever and Always - 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 � My favourite story from the book. Touching and well structured.
Sunset or Sunrise - 🌟🌟🌟🌟 � An artist’s dilemma well depicted and concluded.
My Bucket List - 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 � Loved the bittersweet ending.
Two Down, Three To Go - 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 � Again, loved the ending.
I think my feedback shows that I am happy with a story if I am happy with its end. Even I didn’t know this fact about myself until just now! 😂
3.25 stars, based on the average of my ratings for all the stories.
The book is available on KU India.
***
Join me on the Facebook group, , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
January 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
People who know me know how much I love to read (and write) short stories. Imagine a book with a bunch of stories in different locations, with varying themes and a multitude of characters. And when friends publish their collection of short stories, it is always special.
Goya by Priya is one such book I’ve been eager to read for a while. We have been working closely for the past year, and I appreciate her determination, humor, and dedication even more.
Coming to the book, this is a delightful collection of 27 stories belonging to different genres. Most stories are short, crisp, and still manage to pack a whole lot of emotions. The biggest story happens to be my favorite, and why not? It’s detective fiction. Nothing like a crime waiting to be solved to make me happy.
I’ve already read a couple of stories online, and one of them has been my absolute favorite-
The Second-best Bed. I’m not going to list all my favorites (don’t worry) but will mention that there’s a story for every reader.
From science fiction to YA to family drama and historical fiction, Goya is an array of genres, colors, and emotions. The writing is lucid and flows like a gentle river. You can drift from one story to another and not feel any jerks, even though the stories are far from being connected to each other. There isn’t even a common theme in the book.
Still, it took me less than two hours to read from the first page to the last and remember the stories as well. Goya is a dreamy and delicious book (minus food, of course) for readers who enjoy short doses of interesting characters.
Grab your copy today and step into the world where words carry the readers to distant lands.
P.S: I have been lucky enough to get an author-signed copy of the book.
People who know me know how much I love to read (and write) short stories. Imagine a book with a bunch of stories in different locations, with varying themes and a multitude of characters. And when friends publish their collection of short stories, it is always special.
Goya by Priya is one such book I’ve been eager to read for a while. We have been working closely for the past year, and I appreciate her determination, humor, and dedication even more.
Coming to the book, this is a delightful collection of 27 stories belonging to different genres. Most stories are short, crisp, and still manage to pack a whole lot of emotions. The biggest story happens to be my favorite, and why not? It’s detective fiction. Nothing like a crime waiting to be solved to make me happy.
I’ve already read a couple of stories online, and one of them has been my absolute favorite-
The Second-best Bed. I’m not going to list all my favorites (don’t worry) but will mention that there’s a story for every reader.
From science fiction to YA to family drama and historical fiction, Goya is an array of genres, colors, and emotions. The writing is lucid and flows like a gentle river. You can drift from one story to another and not feel any jerks, even though the stories are far from being connected to each other. There isn’t even a common theme in the book.
Still, it took me less than two hours to read from the first page to the last and remember the stories as well. Goya is a dreamy and delicious book (minus food, of course) for readers who enjoy short doses of interesting characters.
Grab your copy today and step into the world where words carry the readers to distant lands.
P.S: I have been lucky enough to get an author-signed copy of the book.
March 29, 2021
The first time I had heard the name ‘Goya�, I had wondered about its meaning and wondered about the kind of stories it would have. It is an Urdu word, means suspension of disbelief.
It is incredible that one person can write with such variety, be it the story matter, the genre, the time periods or writing styles and that is the plus point about Goya. You never know who or what you will encounter as you turn the page.
Priya has written these stories with so much ease and expertise that it feels as if different writers have written the stories. For surely each writer has a favorite genre or time period that they are comfortable with. But here you will find historical fiction sharing pages with science fiction, humor and horror right alongside thriller and paranormal, all trying to grab your attention.
This book is a perfect read for when you want something that takes you away from your daily life. Or when you have sometime in a day to spare and you don’t want to read novels. You can read it in one go or you can savor each story and work up an appetite for the next flavor. There are twenty-seven to choose from.
All in all this is a great book, like being at a buffet, where you get to sample twenty-seven different dishes. Each is unique and will leave you feeling happy, sad, angry, horrified, or spooked. The stories and the characters will remain with you long after you have finished reading the book.
It is incredible that one person can write with such variety, be it the story matter, the genre, the time periods or writing styles and that is the plus point about Goya. You never know who or what you will encounter as you turn the page.
Priya has written these stories with so much ease and expertise that it feels as if different writers have written the stories. For surely each writer has a favorite genre or time period that they are comfortable with. But here you will find historical fiction sharing pages with science fiction, humor and horror right alongside thriller and paranormal, all trying to grab your attention.
This book is a perfect read for when you want something that takes you away from your daily life. Or when you have sometime in a day to spare and you don’t want to read novels. You can read it in one go or you can savor each story and work up an appetite for the next flavor. There are twenty-seven to choose from.
All in all this is a great book, like being at a buffet, where you get to sample twenty-seven different dishes. Each is unique and will leave you feeling happy, sad, angry, horrified, or spooked. The stories and the characters will remain with you long after you have finished reading the book.
December 16, 2020
The best part about Goya is that all 27 stories are different, written on different themes. That Priya is a versatile writer comes across strongly from the way she has written stories on myriad topics and pulled it off brilliantly too.Ìý
The one I liked the most is Murder in the Palace. Not only because murder mystery is my favourite genre, but also because it's written so well. Ahana Roy is beautiful, smart and witty, a very rare combination, and she cracks the mystery alright.Ìý
Another one of my favourites is the Bucket List. Maybe because it's Paris and maybe because the end is so unexpected.ÌýI liked the witty ending of Two Down, Three To Go. Then there is Neil's Shoes. It is one story that I would definitely like to read the sequel of.Ìý
The one I liked the most is Murder in the Palace. Not only because murder mystery is my favourite genre, but also because it's written so well. Ahana Roy is beautiful, smart and witty, a very rare combination, and she cracks the mystery alright.Ìý
Another one of my favourites is the Bucket List. Maybe because it's Paris and maybe because the end is so unexpected.ÌýI liked the witty ending of Two Down, Three To Go. Then there is Neil's Shoes. It is one story that I would definitely like to read the sequel of.Ìý
April 15, 2021
Goya by Priya Bajpai is a kaleidoscope of 27 stories. Set across different locales, there is something for every reader in this book.
Goya is an Urdu word to convey the suspension of disbelief. The title is apt to the collection. The author takes the reader to a different world, and the experience is one of total disbelief. Bajpai’s narration is flawless and sure to stir every reader’s emotions.
On her magic blanket, one can visit the past and the future. And irrespective of where you find yourself, the experience would be memorable. There is no common theme tying the stories together. There’s science fiction, drama, YA, historical fiction, and even fantasy!
Forever and Always is my favorite story. The heart-wrenching Horrific Holocaust brought tears to my eyes. Neil’s shoes, Killer, Murder in the Palace and Archaic world are quite memorable.
I couldn’t connect much with a few stories, but overall, I would say it’s a satisfying read.
I received this book as a prize for winning a story competition.
Rating - 3.5/5
Goya is an Urdu word to convey the suspension of disbelief. The title is apt to the collection. The author takes the reader to a different world, and the experience is one of total disbelief. Bajpai’s narration is flawless and sure to stir every reader’s emotions.
On her magic blanket, one can visit the past and the future. And irrespective of where you find yourself, the experience would be memorable. There is no common theme tying the stories together. There’s science fiction, drama, YA, historical fiction, and even fantasy!
Forever and Always is my favorite story. The heart-wrenching Horrific Holocaust brought tears to my eyes. Neil’s shoes, Killer, Murder in the Palace and Archaic world are quite memorable.
I couldn’t connect much with a few stories, but overall, I would say it’s a satisfying read.
I received this book as a prize for winning a story competition.
Rating - 3.5/5
September 30, 2021
When I had picked this one up, I did not set any expectations. I just knew it’s a collection of short stories and there’s no specific genre as well, which was interesting. As I flipped the pages, I was left both impressed and with a question of why. Priya has done a fab job with most of the stories and touching topics considered unusual or taboo in a subtle manner. However there were a few, especially half way down the book where the theme of stories was repetitive and some of them left me disappointed.
In spite of the troughs I could see in my reading journey of this book, I would recommend this one for a lazy Sunday afternoon. For this one has a handful of really good stories that shouldn’t be missed.
In spite of the troughs I could see in my reading journey of this book, I would recommend this one for a lazy Sunday afternoon. For this one has a handful of really good stories that shouldn’t be missed.
January 14, 2021
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The word ‘Goya� is an Urdu word that refers to a suspension of disbelief particularly through stories. And, is that not exactly what short stories are meant to be � an immersive experience of reading which transports a reader to the make believe world created by the author? Are not stories meant to be escapes and glimpses into a world that offers entertainment? In my opinion stories are meant to be addictive therapy but of the good, doctor prescribed kind.
The book Goya is that and much, much more. It is a quick, brief read and the perfect book to pick up for some light, late night or weekend reading. It is a compilation of 27 short stories that take you on a kaleidoscopic journey brimming with drama, thrill, scientific enquiry and engagement.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking how a 100 odd page book can have 27 stories and still manage to leave a reader with a sense of fulfilment. I agree that when we read short stories, we do so mostly to while away time. We read and forget them as soon as their contribution in alleviating our ennui is over. Rarely does a 500-word story linger in our minds, at least not the way a 3000 or a 5000-word story would. But, that is where you would be surprised with Goya. The stories in Goya may be short but they pack an emotional punch. They leave you with a lingering feeling of satisfaction, the kind that comes from reading good text written by a talented author. The foreword by Dr Shivani Salil is straight from the heart.
The language of the book is taut and direct. Priya has not wasted words on unnecessary figures of speech or verbosity. Her style of writing is much more succinct and lucid. She manages to convey emotions through an admixture of lengthy and short sentences drafted keeping the emotional quotient of the text in mind. And, that is no mean task considering that her stories delve into a plethora of topics and genres. We have Science fiction, time travel, a murder mystery, ancient history, horror and what not! I absolutely loved the story � Murder in the palace. It is the main story of the book but it was actually the presentation and also the research that went into it that wowed me. The story is complex and yet under Priya’s deft handling, it is an easy, engaging read.
If you haven’t already read the book, do pick it up today.
The word ‘Goya� is an Urdu word that refers to a suspension of disbelief particularly through stories. And, is that not exactly what short stories are meant to be � an immersive experience of reading which transports a reader to the make believe world created by the author? Are not stories meant to be escapes and glimpses into a world that offers entertainment? In my opinion stories are meant to be addictive therapy but of the good, doctor prescribed kind.
The book Goya is that and much, much more. It is a quick, brief read and the perfect book to pick up for some light, late night or weekend reading. It is a compilation of 27 short stories that take you on a kaleidoscopic journey brimming with drama, thrill, scientific enquiry and engagement.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking how a 100 odd page book can have 27 stories and still manage to leave a reader with a sense of fulfilment. I agree that when we read short stories, we do so mostly to while away time. We read and forget them as soon as their contribution in alleviating our ennui is over. Rarely does a 500-word story linger in our minds, at least not the way a 3000 or a 5000-word story would. But, that is where you would be surprised with Goya. The stories in Goya may be short but they pack an emotional punch. They leave you with a lingering feeling of satisfaction, the kind that comes from reading good text written by a talented author. The foreword by Dr Shivani Salil is straight from the heart.
The language of the book is taut and direct. Priya has not wasted words on unnecessary figures of speech or verbosity. Her style of writing is much more succinct and lucid. She manages to convey emotions through an admixture of lengthy and short sentences drafted keeping the emotional quotient of the text in mind. And, that is no mean task considering that her stories delve into a plethora of topics and genres. We have Science fiction, time travel, a murder mystery, ancient history, horror and what not! I absolutely loved the story � Murder in the palace. It is the main story of the book but it was actually the presentation and also the research that went into it that wowed me. The story is complex and yet under Priya’s deft handling, it is an easy, engaging read.
If you haven’t already read the book, do pick it up today.
February 17, 2021
Book: Goya
Author: Priya Bajpai
Rating: 5/5
I have always enjoyed a collection of short stories, somehow, by the same author. Despite each story being different in plot/genre/theme, there is a consistency to the voice and style that I find comforting.
Having said that, Goya with its twists and turns and unexpected endings, flummoxed me at the cleverness with which Priya has woven the tales.
Goya is an eclectic collection of 27 short stories that I breezed through in a matter of hours. Although that doesn't count the breaks I took between the stories. Especially, two down and the to go and the end, because I did not want the book to end.
Despite the short tales, Priya works her magic in fleshing the characters out and clever plotlines. And I have no words to describe her beautiful prose.
Couple of my favorites (ofcourse if I have to be honest, I enjoyed every one of them, but there's still a few tales that I would go back to) are Neil's shoes and two down, three to go.
Disclaimer: The rating has nothing to with the fact that the author mentions my name in the acknowledgements. 😋 That page is getting framed and going to my wall of fame.
Author: Priya Bajpai
Rating: 5/5
I have always enjoyed a collection of short stories, somehow, by the same author. Despite each story being different in plot/genre/theme, there is a consistency to the voice and style that I find comforting.
Having said that, Goya with its twists and turns and unexpected endings, flummoxed me at the cleverness with which Priya has woven the tales.
Goya is an eclectic collection of 27 short stories that I breezed through in a matter of hours. Although that doesn't count the breaks I took between the stories. Especially, two down and the to go and the end, because I did not want the book to end.
Despite the short tales, Priya works her magic in fleshing the characters out and clever plotlines. And I have no words to describe her beautiful prose.
Couple of my favorites (ofcourse if I have to be honest, I enjoyed every one of them, but there's still a few tales that I would go back to) are Neil's shoes and two down, three to go.
Disclaimer: The rating has nothing to with the fact that the author mentions my name in the acknowledgements. 😋 That page is getting framed and going to my wall of fame.
January 12, 2021
Goya is an anthology of stories in multiple genres like romance, sci-fi, time-travel, mystery, psychology, thriller etc.
Each one of them is beautifully written which appears as if someone is narrating some anecdotes or stories from their vivid imagination.
When you are in the mood of exploring something new, fresh and exciting to read, all at the same time, you might want to pick this one up as it offers everything needed to make it a perfect read for times when all you want to do is relax and enjoy, just like holding your favourite drink on a cozy evening.
Some of the stories were so interesting that they are potential plots for a great novel. If that happens sometime, I would definitely pick that up!
The writing style is what keeps the reader's attention hooked till the end. Every story flows smoothly from the start and drops a twist bomb at the end which changes the whole perspective of the story giving it a deeper meaning.
Unique, fresh and engrossing set of stories. You must try it out once!
Each one of them is beautifully written which appears as if someone is narrating some anecdotes or stories from their vivid imagination.
When you are in the mood of exploring something new, fresh and exciting to read, all at the same time, you might want to pick this one up as it offers everything needed to make it a perfect read for times when all you want to do is relax and enjoy, just like holding your favourite drink on a cozy evening.
Some of the stories were so interesting that they are potential plots for a great novel. If that happens sometime, I would definitely pick that up!
The writing style is what keeps the reader's attention hooked till the end. Every story flows smoothly from the start and drops a twist bomb at the end which changes the whole perspective of the story giving it a deeper meaning.
Unique, fresh and engrossing set of stories. You must try it out once!
December 30, 2020
Such varied 27 stories in Goya. A must read. From murder mysteries to love stories. This book has it all. It’s amazing how the author Priya Bajpai can weave such engaging stories in various genres.
My favourites from the book are � The time traveller� , ‘The second beat bed�, ‘Two down three to go�.
My favourites from the book are � The time traveller� , ‘The second beat bed�, ‘Two down three to go�.
March 6, 2025
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 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!
January 23, 2021
An average book .
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