Fifty wonderful stories and countless funny, sweet little illustrations, that’s what i-genius A Twist in the Tale contains. Launched by Max Life Insurance and published by Red Turtle, Rupa, the book is a culmination of the year-long search for young, talented writers.
The Max Life i-genius Young Authors Hunt brought in over 5000 entries, and 50 aspiring writers were published in the book that becomes a prime example of how much earnest talent exists in the country today.
Wide variety The stories were chosen by a jury that comprised Ruskin Bond, Chetan Bhagat and the editorial team at Red Turtle, and the book begins with two short but charming notes from the two authors. Bond’s reminiscent account of his journey from a writer to an author is a little like his stories, simply worded but infinitely captivating.
It’s a fitting start to a book that brings together children with the same dream. Bhagat in his note underlines the importance of this book, for giving the winning stories much more than a certificate or prize money; of providing them with a chance to be published.
The stories themselves are overwhelming in their sheer range and variety. There are monsters and aliens, mythological twists and magic lamps, school friends and dysfunctional families.
Though edited, the publishers have taken pains to preserve the slightly raw soul of each story, reflecting not just the author’s talent, but also his or her innocent, childlike imagination that has created the story.
Children aged nine to 16 years, from across the nation, have found a voice in this book, The stories are original and interestingly crafted, in such varying styles that the book becomes a sort of example of both reading and writing in English by children in the country today. You read about a girl whose mad scientist uncle turns the world upside down for a day, and you encounter a new twist to the Mahabharata, complete with aliens and futuristic technology.
There’s a lost little boy and a missing mobile phone, a battle between aliens and monsters and a thoughtful, emotive piece on a Champa tree.
From fast paced adventures to scary ghost stories, this is a collection that will be worth reading if you love children’s literature, and want a glimpse into the secret world of what they read, and more importantly, what they write.
i-genius A Twist in The Tale , Red Turtle Rupa, Rs. 250
