Open Season is Canada-based author Shaukat Ajmeri’s second book, coming four years after the publication of his first novel Keepers of the Faith. From a full-length novel format, Ajmeri transitions into writing short stories which has caught many by surprise… of course, a pleasing surprise! It is not easy to switch between different styles so easily. But Open Season has explored the genre of short-story writing with an elan and a flair bringing out the author’s versatility in handling his narrative on varied platforms with ease. 

Twelve stories in all - each replete with plots and characters that quickly capture the interest and imagination of the reader. The simplicity of narration, the detailed characterisations and the ability to tug at the curiosity within… these are the qualities of a sensitive writer who looks to not only satisfy the queries within himself but also satiate the hungers of the reader.

The stories have the ability to fire up your imagination and transport you into the world of the characters the author sketches. Whether it is the grouchy Sunil in The Republik of Sputnik, the mean mother-in-law in All Cut Up, the cleaning lady Sughra Bi, (who looks at the world with dry, weary eyes) in Saving Grace, or the spunky, yet reticent Ruchika in Joint Venture…all the characters are attention grabbers.

Ajmeri is like the writer with his ear to the ground. All-knowing, empathetic and compassionate.

The plots of most of his stories revolve upon topics which are either currently sensitive - like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/khatna) or communal riots (All Cut Up, Open Season) - else they tug at the heartstrings with tales of social injustices or simply the emotional perspective like in The Reading Ritual, Brother’s Keeper and Saving Grace.

I would like to share some sections from different stories that particularly drew me for their wit, their ethos or their smart writing:

“The day my school principal caned me, because my hair was not cut short enough, my grandmother died.” - The Passing Spring

 “Large and stocky, he tended to suck the air and attention around him and at the same time radiated an aura that repelled people.” - The Republik of Sputnik

“His mother had sharp features and her thin lips did not admit an easy smile. She bore herself with exaggerated dignity….and behaved as though the world owed her respect.” - All Cut Up

“Think of words as animals and birds. When writers write them down, words become trapped, caged as if they were in a zoo. The only way to free them is by reading them. That is their only salvation. Words want to be read, they long to be rescued by us….by reading them I set them free.” - The Reading Ritual

I have not read anything like this before…enticing you to the reading ritual. If this does not draw you to reading then nothing else will!

The wit in these lines cracked me up: “The driver was big and burly and his belly stuck out like a pregnant woman’s. On seeing us, he frowned. Perhaps, he was equally disappointed.” - The Republik of Sputnik

“I pulled out each volume with my forefinger. Their covers, stuck together, were reluctant to be pried away after decades of intimate proximity. Dust, humidity and imprisoned words had forged what seemed an unbreakable bond.” - The Reading Ritual

Generally, short stories have limited narrative, unlike a novel. And within this restricted storyline, the author attempts to weave in an entire novel. Ajmeri’s understated yet persistent style of writing tells you to merely follow him closely on this short trek to get the fulfilment of a complete journey.

Smaller casts…and fewer words, but Open Season succeeds in providing that sharper, emotional impact.

I wish though that the author had elaborated just a wee bit more. The endings, I mean. Many say short stories keep the endings open…you decide what you want to do with it. Whether it is a subjective or a blanket rule…I do not know but I did find some of the stories end quite abruptly. In such a case, having to suddenly stop your train of thoughts can get hard.

I personally like closures. But Open Season does not always provide that.

• Open Season ebook is available at: https://www.amazon.in/Open-Season-Stories-Shaukat-Ajmeri-ebook/dp/B0D1VWZ4HT