Land of five rivers by Khushwant Singh

"Land of five rivers" by Khushwant Singh. This book is published by Orient paperbacks in 2006 and has 200 pages. This book is a collection of translated short stories.     

'Exchange of lunatics by Sadat Hasan Manto' is the story of what happens in an asylum when India and Pakistan decide to exchange lunatics of other's religion. The original story is titled 'Toba Tek Singh'. 

'Stench of kerosene by Amrita Pritam' is story of Manak who doesn't want his dear wife Guleri to make her annual trip to her parents this year. Why?

'Lajwanti by Rajinder Singh Bedi' is the story of rehabilitation of abducted Lajwanti, during partition, upon her return. 

'A hundred mile race by Balwant Gargi' is tale of Boota Sing who can run hundred miles and is hopeful of going to international sports meet. Will he?

'The night of the full moon by Kartar Singh Duggal' is a hair raising story of hidden desires of a mother. 

'Hunger by Krishen Singh Dhodi' is story of a teenager whose ambition is to eat a loaf of bread and a pat of butter. Can he?

'Gods on trial by Gulzar Singh Sandhu' is the story of conversion of Muslims to Sikhisam and they being slaughtered despite. Who's Gods are powerful?

'The death of Shaikh Burhanuddin by K A Abbas' is a touching story of a Sardar who protects his Sikh hating Muslim neighbour. Why? Original story was titled 'Sardarji'. 

'The Mahabharata retold by Satindra Singh' is the story of little boys who force their parents to take them to watch the play Mahabharata. Something strange happens. What?

'Tai eesree by Krishen Chander' is a word sketch of Aunt Eesree, a kind and benevolent lady. 

'The blind alley by Gurmukh Singh Jeet' is story of a clerk who wants to revolt. Can he?

In 'Sadaat by Yashpal' a man goes to meet extremely beautiful Sadaat, baby sitter of his sister. What does he find? Is Sadaat immortal?

'Soorma Singh by Balwant Singh' is the story of a blind man who sings in a Gurudwara. Could not understand what author wanted to say. 

In 'The nuptial bed by Upendra Nath Ashk' a man cannot consummate his marriage on his mother's bed. What will he do?

'Happy new year by Ajeet Caur' is the story of Mr. Kapoor, a clerk who suddenly became PA of a minister, and his new year celebration. How will his wife react?

'One passenger, Ho! by Santok Singh Dhir' is story of a Tongawalla and his efforts to take as many passengers as possible, always looking for one more.  

'Breaking point by Usha Mahajan' is the story of a liaison between a woman (with invalid husband) and a successful (and married) doctor and the truth. 

'Strange new world by Kulwant Singh Virk' is the tale of a thief who is not balked by danger or fear of law. What defeats him?

'A Punjab pastorale by Khushwant Singh' tells us about a missionary in Punjab and how he tries to 'improve' unclean locals. What fascinates him?

Only the last story was written originally in English. All others are translated. Majority of the stories are translated by Khushwant Singh, some are translated by others. 

As the title suggests most of the stories are from Punjab and all are written by writers from Punjab.  A number of stories are from the era of partition and talk about the pains of Partition. All of them depict the life in Punjab. 

The stories smell the earth of Punjab. The loud life, the big heart, human emotions and relationships are expertly captured. 

Of all the stories, I liked 'The night of the full moon' & 'Breaking point' most. The shock in first and realization in second stirs the reader.

Toba Tek Singh and Sardarji are well known and famous stories. 

Good book. Recommend reading.