Creating And Recording (Press, 14 March 1981)
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Summary: Creating And Recording (Press, 14 March 1981)
The review focuses on two short story collections published by Victor Gollancz in 1980: "Poona Company" by Farrukh Dhondy and "Birds of Prey" by Terence de Vere White. "Poona Company" consists of nine stories set in a bazaar in Poona, India, capturing the diverse life observed through the eyes of boyhood. Central characters include Kolmi, a bookmaker, and Samson, a Parsee who carries corpses to be eaten by vultures, reflecting on the enduring British influence in India. The narratives explore nostalgic feelings towards the British Raj, showcasing an eagerness for government positions and the necessity of passing examinations, emphasising a blend of tradition and change. In contrast, "Birds of Prey," White's third collection, features twelve stories that delve into human vulnerabilities through sophisticated and elegant prose. One notable story, "Talking in a Train," portrays a homosexual man grappling with loss as he meets another man who shows him kindness during a train journey. Another story, "Lily Coe," narrates the struggles of an Irish servant vying for her young master's affection, illustrating the intensity of personal relationships. The collection is marked by its satirical approach, particularly in examining the pretensions of a couple who unknowingly undermine themselves. While both Dhondy and White focus on character-driven narratives, their methods differ significantly. Dhondy presents character reactions to various situations, while White explores thoughts and emotions through nuanced dialogue, providing a deeper development of characters. This results in a rich atmospheric texture in White's stories, contrasting with Dhondy's more straightforward approach to storytelling. Ultimately, both collections are hailed as fine works, each showcasing distinct styles and thematic explorations of human experience.
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