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The author Inakali Assumi with Dr S Elika Assumi, Vishü Rita Krocha and other associates at the book release of ‘The Yellow Dress’ held at Muffet’s Pantry, Dimapur on February 29.
PenThrill Publication House launches 30th book
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 29
'The Yellow Dress' is a collection of short stories, ranging from simple innocent childhood stories to others that dwell on the agonies and bleakness that surround old age and death.
PenThrill Publication House launched Inakali Assumi’s second book today at Muffet’s Pantry, Dimapur. The Yellow Dress begins with narratives of little children subjected to life’s cruelties but triumphs with the beauty of their ingeniousness, the innocent reasoning towards something as wild as envy or malice.
Dr Kevizonuo Kuolie, HoD, Department of English, ICFAI University Nagaland in her book review said the title of the book “immediately attracted me to this book, its simplicity stands out and I was intrigued.”
The writer prepares the mind of the reader to the next story in a “very simple and subtle way,” where a systematic pattern has been used in sequencing the stories, noted Dr Kuolie.
“From childhood to old age, from comic to tragic plots, from light to darker themes, from innocence to experiencing issues like physical and mental abuse, internal conflicts, unhealthy relationships, societal constraints and pressure, consequences of bad decisions etc which explores different parts of the person’s psyche are evidently seen.”
The first four stories highlight the simple truth and the seemingly silly fears of children. Their simplicity and localized setting renders originality to it. However, as you read, you will realize that they cannot be dismissed as mere humorous entertaining stories, said Dr Kuolie.
Inspite of the brevity in some stories, the strength of her writing lies in her ability to implement the element of surprise in her stories, whether it is stereotypical turnings or drastic reversals, be it comic or tragic.
To sum the overall, what this collections has achieved is that it is the human tendency to yearn for the free childhood stage, though it might have been rough, we still long for the joy of having our parents around or being free of the cares and worries, “but grow up, we must,” said Dr Kuolie.
The universal message of a better life after death is also conveyed without religious overtone, she added.
Ghunato Neho, Assistant Professor, department of English, St John College, Dimapur, briefing on a critical perspective, said the book “recounts a transitional period of the Naga society in a nostalgic setting by juxtaposing the innocent experience of a child with the atrocious traits of human behavior.”
Neho also urged the readers’ community to make our place a mainstream of “our work.”
“Finally the people in the books will be set free. They are very dear to me,” said the author to a small gathering of family and friends.
The story behind the book’s title comes from her childhood where Assumi’s father bought her a “beautiful yellow dress,” which made her “very happy.”
Dr S Elika Assumi, Dean, Tetso College Dimapur, while releasing the book said ours is a society where we need more thinkers, but also doers. Congratulating the author, Dr Assumi added, “We need more roots. May our society be enriched through this book.”
Tsase Anar chaired the programme, while Mary Swu presented a rendition of Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of many Colours.’
The book, priced at Rs 250 will be available at Fusion Store, OM books in Dimapur and at Crossword, Bible House and Gutouch in Kohima. One can also get it online at ilandlo.com.
