Bitter Fruit:V Best of Manto

“अगर आप इन अफ़सानों को बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकते तो ये ज़माना नाक़ाबिल-ए-बर्दाश्त हैमैं तहज़ीब, तमद्दुन, और सोसाइटी की चोली क्या उतारुंगा, जो है ही नंगी। मैं उसे कपड़े पहनाने की कोशिश भी नहीं करता, क्योंकि यह मेरा काम नहीं, दर्ज़ियों का काम है।मैं अफ़साना नहीं लिखता, अफ़साना मुझे लिखता है, कभी-कभी हैरत होती है कि यह कौन है जिसने इतने अच्छे अफ़साने लिखे हैं?आप नेहरू हैं, मैं मंटो… कश्मीरी होने का दूसरा मतलब ख़ूबसूरती और ख़ूबसूरती का मतलब जो मैंने अभी तक नहीं देखा।मेरा कलम उठाना एक बहुत बड़ी घटना थी, जिससे ‘शिष्ट’ लेखकों को भी दुख हुआ और ‘शिष्ट’ पाठकों को भी”Bitter Fruit is an exciting collection of Manto’s work. Khalid Hasan has tried to include what he and others consider Manto’s best. The editor has been translating the writer for the last 20 years, with a desire to make available as much of Manto’s work to the maximum audience.Before I could begin writing the review for this book, let me inform all my reader that I have acted really partial to this one, Manto being my favorite writer. Manto was best known as a short story writer. In fact this was the genre which shaped his controversial literary reputation which has suffered intensive debate from both sides of the literary and moral divide. Born on May 11th, 1912 in British India Manto spent his initial years in Amritsar, Punjab. At the age of 24, he got his first collection of short stories published. After receiving the immense success he moved to Bombay where he worked as a scriptwriter for many well known movies. He also worked for the All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi, marking the beginning of the very productive period of his life. During the Partition in 1948, Manto moved to Lahore, Pakistan. Though he was in touch with many prominent intellectuals in Pakistan, his work was never appreciated. There was absolutely no one who dared to share their opinions on the subjects like military or the decision of partition. However, the trauma of partition had impacted Manto to an extent which was also shown in his stories.Manto had to face the legal action against his writings, both in India and Pakistan. For, (“Dhuan”, “Bu”, and “Kali Salwar”) before 1947, in India, and for (“Khol Do”, “Thanda Gosht”, and “Upar Neeche Darmiyan”) after 1947, in Pakistan, which in later years and recent times in also considered his best work. Manto in my opinion was a writer, whose work was read under the blankets of darkness and no one dared to read it in day light because people couldn’t face the dark reality of there society. Manto brings in light the men’s participation, in sex, violence, rape, misogyny and the pursuit of power.His stories are vivid and a honest accounts of people who often goes unseen, the prostitutes, the pimps and the criminals. Khalid, has brought Manto back to life through his works, his unique story telling and honest writings with no holds. The book has been translated beautifully, all the characters and themes are simple to understand and are highly communicative. Bitter Fruit is for all those who love reading the accounts of reality and want to experience the pain of partition.

Received the book without much delay. The packaging was great, and the book was delivered in perfect condition.About the contents, the book brings a comprehensive list of most of Manto's popular works. The writing style of Manto is so simple, yet is based in some of the most controversial and dreaded themes. This is surely one of the best short-story collections of all times. (I've just started with the stories and so far, have loved it. This review is not a conclusive one, which can only be given after covering a substantial part of the book.)

The real essence is somewhere lost in translation

I regret not buying early in my life. Manto knows how to inform the substance in a proper story structure. Amazing short story teller. Good to understand the Religious fanatism of Humans in a compelling story structure.

A classic worth buying .Each and every story is interesting .The book is unputdownable.

I really like this book.I bought this book from amazon with fare price.packing was good.but Amazon don't provide book mark with their products. Bitter Fruit is an extraordinary book for history lovers really like endings and harsh truths of pre and post independence era

Manto is definitely the best story writer in this subcontinent. But I curse myself for not knowing Urdu to enjoy his highest standards. But, the translations are very good too. His stories demands understanding of the situation in which that has been written. Like the the 'dog of tithwal' may appear humorous in the first sight but it reflects the deep hate for each other during the partition. Even a dog from the neighbour land is not welcomed to our territory and that dog is a martyr for the enemy.Take your time to read the book, hv an insightful reading, you will find your world changing.

superb and an annals of partition...give minute details of pathetic,tragic scar of our history...

Really captured both sides of the partition. Bone chilling stories.

The great Urdu craftsmen of short stories.A rare treat of understanding the profound effect the partition had on Indian psyche especially the ​People from the north of India

I bought this book out of curiosity not knowing anything about the author. I've completed about one fourth of the book and am entranced with every story. Manto's writing is highly descriptive; not wasting a single word. Some stories have made me feel sad, have made laugh, and the one I just read, "By The Roadside" left me speechless. This story - to me - is a poem. I will be looking for more of Manto's work and plan to do some research on this talented writer. We can all identify with Manto's characters as he writes a great deal about relationships, politics, religion and love. What a pleasure to read Manto and be caught up in his characters and settings.

Manto at his best.

Excellent