Reimaya Muinao
Fathers and Daughters is not just another short stories collection, but a book to be reckoned with!
Barkweaver Publications has done it again this time with Lhutu Keyho's second book.
Far insights into the lives of the community infused with vernacular slangs and cants bring out the originality in the stories. The stories are held steadfast by the writer’s way of narration and it takes the reader away from reality into a different realm; a first hand spectator to the actual stories being told. You will find yourself in one of the stories of the 129 pages and will have no trouble re-connecting with your past. Some of the scenes will tickle you in the most uncanny manner.
Keyho has a sombre way of watching things from an altogether different angle and bringing out the things people usually ignore or neglect. His storytelling amuses the readers by pointing out that there are stories to be told even in the most ordinary affairs. Even the most mundane activity, if seen from his perspective is a joy to unravel and therein lays the beauty of his penmanship.
The past, the present and the future are all captured, recaptured and foretold in his ten short stories collection.
Besides the pleasant parts of the book, some things the non-tenyidie speaking readers might find unpleasant are some of the recurring use of local jargons. And again some stories are far too short and leave the readers wanting for more. Either, the writer's humour ignites different from us or it is an ingenious deliberate attempt from his side to let the readers catch up to his style of writing.
Nevertheless, Lhutu Keyho is a contemporary writer who needs to be appreciated more in our little literary world.
The writer is Assistant Professor in Department of History, St Joseph's College, Jakhama (Autonomous)
