A Short History of Short Story: Western and Asian Tradition

I felt an irresistible urge to write something about A Short History of Short Story: Western and

Asian Tradition by Gulnaz Fatma even though I was leaving within weeks for a literary tour to

India, experiencing the delight of two titles by scholars on my works, as well as, the delight of

fathering two more titles of my own. The taxing situation could not curb my urge to write

because of the admirable attempt of Gulnaz Fatma to trace the seeds of short fiction to its present

flowering in India and overseas. Her writings and Master’s degrees in English Literature and

business administration speak highly of her skills and knowledge to achieve the Holy Grail of

her journey.

A Short History of Short Story: Western and Asian Tradition evaluates the ingredients of

Short Story, the reasons for its growth in India, Europe and the USA, and some of its leading

proponents. Whenever there are comparisons, there are serious challenges to the scholarship of

the author. These become more challenging when national trends are compared with non-

national trends. It is obvious from this book that the author has accepted these challenges. She

supports her views with the views of prominent writers wherever and whenever she finds it

necessary. The author concludes her evaluations properly in the last chapter.

A Short History of Short Story: Western and Asian Tradition is informative, concise and

is based on the sincere efforts of Gulnaz Fatma to help those who need help. The book provides

a bibliography, and index that make this study authentic for the deserving reader. A Short History

of Short Story: Western and Asian Tradition is an honest attempt to dissect the development of

Short Story under the lenses of a careful examination.

Stephen Gill, Dr. (stephengill.ca; stephengillcriticism.info)

Stephen Gill, Dr. (stephengill.ca; stephengillcriticism.info)