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Reviewed by Barbara Oliverio for Readers' Favorite
Duck For Cover & Other Tales by Barbara Venkataraman is a compilation of short stories that can best be summed up in one word: poignant. Each vignette stands easily on its own, and together they offer the reader snapshots of the lives of ordinary people living their ordinary lives. The book is made up of a cast of characters that is inclusive and embodies a wide representation of humanity. In addition, the narratives add an extra, sometimes even unexpected, detail. It is these details that have the quiet ability to enhance the stories, which in turn make this book an even more well-rounded read. These occasional twists turn a story on its head, thus giving depth to the narrator of the tale. Each story is compact, and the collection itself is as well, allowing the reader the option of enjoying the book in one setting if desired.
I enjoyed Duck For Cover & Other Tales and found myself pausing occasionally after having read a chapter to ponder it and savor the insightful style that Barbara Venkataraman brings to all her books. All her characters are well-developed, which is no small feat for an author crafting a tale in so few words. I also appreciated the subtlety in her unique ability to weave a consistent thematic thread throughout the book, which takes a perceptive observer of the human condition. Stories such as these could risk turning too maudlin and possibly render a reader impatient with the characters within. I did not feel this, however, and empathized with each protagonist. Overall, the book was a genuinely absorbing and satisfying read.
