About The Book
Silhouettes of Time
Poet and short story writer Maya Mitra Das was born in India and came to the U.S. in 1973. She studied internal medicine and pediatrics in India, England and the United States, earning her M.D. and Ph.D. She received her training at Downstate Medical Center and State University Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
She completed two fellowships-one for the department of hematology on oncology at U.C.L.A. Medical Center and the second at University of California San Francisco for radiation oncology. She currently serves on the medical staff at Children’s hospital on Oakland, California working with sickle cell anemia in children. Among her many hobbies, Maya performs ‘Bharatanatyam’ Indian classical dance.
Her poetry has appeared in her book Rhythms Primeval, the anthology Tuesday’s Poetry, and two narrative poems have been anthologized in What’s in a Name. Her fiction has appeared her full-length collection of short stories Silhouettes of Time, and in the anthologies Tremors: Short Fiction by California Writers and Insight, Hindsight & Flights of Fancy. She has also authored several scientific publications.
Maya Mitra Das is really a person of many talents. When I read the book’s foreword and learned how multi-talented the writer is, I instantly realized I was in for a treat. This has been my common observation that writers with many skills, talents, or experiences have a different kind of observation. The way such multi-talented writers observe and pen their thoughts is just different from others.
This collection of short stories is very visual and rich, with many new ways of looking at the world, almost magical. The images of India are especially vivid. A relaxing read.
Silhouettes in Time by Maya Mitra Das is a short read that is made up of several short stories. All of the stories are easy to read and understand. Each of them can be read in one sitting, making the book perfect for vacations or for sitting on a nightstand. There is a nice moral that can be learned from each of the stories, making them classics that can be used with younger readers as well. The writing style allows the reader to visualize everything that is taking place and feel that he has a connection to the characters as they go on their journeys. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a short read that they can get lost in and enjoy all the way to the end.
The author writes with her heart as if she is narrating her life while living in India and all the political problems that were there, but at the same time she is telling the history of India in those days, they are intermingled and in a way that is what makes this book an excellent collection of short stories, some of them are enlightening, others are pleasant and others are shocking but when you read them all together you end with food for thoughts; that is something I always like of a book.
Silhouettes in Time written by Maya Mitra Das is a book consisting of several short-stories. Maya’s style of writing is extremely appealing and easy to read. The stories are captivating, each character is lovely, and the writing flows so gracefully that it’s easy to read through and difficult to put down. This book can easily be completed in one sitting due to its page count and the fact that the reader will want to know what happens next in each story. Every story has a lesson attached to it making the book all the more appealing to me. It’s difficult to find books like that these days. Maya does a fantastic job when it comes to descriptions allowing you to feel as if you are present in the story. The characters are engaging, the storylines are well thought out and executed and each story is entertaining. I am not typically a fan of short-stories believing that there aren’t enough pages in a short-story to make for a satisfying ending, but Maya manages to do so. The creativity shown in her writing and stories makes me excited to read other work written by her. Surely they will be equally enjoyable. I would suggest this book to others. Five out of five stars. Well done!
Silhouettes of Time by Maya Mitra Das is a wonderful collection of poetry as inspired by the author from both her personal life and the world around her. This collection truly is unlike anything you have read before in terms of poetic value, and it really is a collection that anyone will quickly find themselves immersed within. Mitra Das writes with such a peaceful and beautiful sense of conviction that it will truly take you on an incredibly beautiful journey of the mind, body, and spirit.
Silhouettes of Time provides a wide range of short stories. Maya Das must either have a marvelous imagination or has traveled extensively, as she is able to provide distinct descriptions of not only various locations in India, but other countries as well. Her precise descriptions of places and people in Italy, as described in "The Daring Escape" shows a keen attention to detail. She shows a huge amount of creativity, as in the dream in "A Tale Before Halloween." Maya weaves many fun-to-read tales.
I was given this book as a gift. It is a collection of short stories. As a short story writer myself I can say without reservation how well crafted and investigated these stories are. Maya Mitra Das takes you on a voyage with each story, weaves fact into fiction. People and places come to life and each story makes you want to read the next. I enjoyed each page. Well done!
Silhouettes of Time is an exceptional, creative, and delightful collection of short tales that will transport you to a mystical world. Written by Maya Mitra Das, this splendidly written book features impressive descriptions and unique stories. The short tales are captivating, the characters are all charming, and Maya's writing style is so smooth that it becomes tough to stop reading. Books become unattractive to me if they involve no lesson at the end. But in this book, Maya ensures that each tale has a moral to it, which made the book much more enticing to me. Overall, Silhouettes of Time is a superb and impressive read. I loved it, and I am sure you would as well!
Silhouettes of Time is a treasure trove of emotions waiting to be explored. Each poem has the power to evoke different feelings depending on the reader's own experiences and perspective. It's a book that can be revisited time and again, offering solace, inspiration, and a moment of connection with the profound beauty of human emotions. Maya Mitra Das's writing style is a delicate balance of simplicity and depth. The rhythm of the verses flows effortlessly, creating a melodic cadence that enhances the reading experience. The brevity of some poems delivers impactful messages with just a few carefully chosen words, leaving room for interpretation and introspection.
The stories are basically woven around the Indian independence theme abd touches a number of elements like showing the prominent Indian leaders in their daily lives, shedding light on the countless Indians who risked their lives for nationalism, the terror of partition and others. The violence are toned down to make it suitable for young readers.
Silhouettes of Time is a collection of short stories containing a variety of subject matters, making it ideal for anyone to enjoy.
Silhouettes of Time" by Maya Mitra Das is a breathtaking collection of poetry that sweeps readers away on an emotional journey through life's myriad experiences. In this enchanting compilation, the author's words resonate like a melody, touching the heart with their depth, beauty, and universal truths. From the very first poem, it's evident that Maya Mitra Das possesses a remarkable gift for language. The poetry is a symphony of emotions, a blend of delicate imagery and profound insights that reach into the reader's very soul. Each poem is a masterpiece, a canvas painted with words that evoke feelings, memories, and contemplation.
Silhouettes of Time by Dr. Maya Mitra Das is a touching exploration of interconnected lives spanning across generations. Drawn in by the promise of a poignant tale, I embarked on this literary journey and found myself immersed in a beautifully woven narrative. The book's themes of love, loss, family, and the passage of time are universal and resonate deeply. However, the intricate narrative structure, while engaging, occasionally required careful attention to keep track of the characters and time periods. There were moments when the transitions felt slightly abrupt, and I needed to pause to reorient myself within the story's timeline.
Silhouettes of Time by Maya Mitra Das is a remarkable and deeply moving exploration of life, love, and the profound impact of time on our experiences. This collection of poetry resonates with a level of emotional depth that touches the soul and lingers long after the last page has been turned. From the very first poem, it's evident that Maya Mitra Das possesses a profound understanding of human emotions and an exquisite command of language. The poems are a delicate interplay of words that evoke feelings of nostalgia, longing, joy, and introspection. Each piece is a carefully crafted snapshot of moments, thoughts, and emotions that transcend the boundaries of time and space.
‘Silhouettes of Time’ is a short exciting book that you read whenever you want to unwind or forget the real world for a minute. The stories in the book are well crafted, with the author showing her literary prowess with every new tale. The short stories in ‘Silhouettes of Time’ are all exciting to read. Maya Mitra Das’s style of writing is appealing and would attract even nonreaders. She writes like her life depends on her writing. Reading ‘Silhouettes of Time’ will have you appreciate literature and especially short stories. I enjoyed every story in the book and wished that the author could make the book longer. One of the most outstanding elements in ‘Silhouettes of Time’ is Maya Mitra Das’s description. Maya is one person you would want to have as your narrator. She captures every moment, she defines every feeling and sensation as it should be, she gets the reader to experience whatever event is in the book. Maya will have you appreciate nature and wish you traveled more. Her stories are impactful. Every story has a lesson attached to it, gets one to laugh a little or simply entertains the reader. ‘Silhouettes of Time’ will have you love short story writing as a genre.
This book is an exquisite collection of poetry that takes readers on a profound and introspective journey through the tapestry of emotions, experiences, and the passage of time. This compilation resonates on a deeply personal level, offering a glimpse into the author's soul and inviting readers to explore their own feelings and memories. The themes explored in "Silhouettes of Time" are universal and relatable, touching upon the beauty of nature, the complexities of love, the passage of time, and the introspective journey of self-discovery. The author's observations are sharp and insightful, inviting readers to pause and reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
This collection of short stories by Maya Mitri Das ranges through history, but centres around the early-to-mid 1900s and takes a deep, human look at religious strife, racism, family legacies, class struggles, and more. The stories range from very short to long enough to divide into small chapters, but are all quick and very much easy-reading. If there’s a weakness, it’s that the dialogue can sometimes seem a little stilted, but a lot of that is likely era-appropriate, and simply comes across that way to the modern reader.