Book Review: Teaching a Horse to Sing by Delshad Karanjia

Teaching a Horse to Sing
Author: Delshad Karanjia
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Rating: 5/5

Characters like Akbar-Birbal, Vikram-Vetal, Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Raman have always had enough occasions to teach strong morals using their witty instinct and humour. Their stories hold a special place in our heart even now as an adult. Hence, when I got ‘Teaching ahorse to Sing’ for review, I was overwhelmed at the opportunity of walking down the memory lane and relishing the old gems once again.

The book is a compilation of 150 stories that have been divided into three sections: The Misadventures of Mullah Nasruddin, An Emperor and His Wise Wazir and The Lore of Common Sense. Each story has an element of subtle suspense and an element of humour too. At the same time, each story teaches a life lesson. Most of the stories are the ones that we already know but it is an exhilarating experience reading them once again. Important lessons about life, friends, love and compassion, empathy and kindness and loyalty are advocated throughout the book. Using the metaphor ‘teaching a horse to sing’ as the title, the author deftly weaves the beads of hope with every word in each story. Even the titular story advocates the importance of trying than giving up.

The last section is a mixed bag, for it surprises you with the unanticipated. Stories like A Black Dot, The Shrinking Forest, A Helping Hand, Brain versus Brawn and Gold for the Afterlife pique the interest and the writing style is laudable. This collection is a joy to read and the children will definitely enjoy it. Moreover, it is a good way to bring those lost characters back to life even if it is through words.

Best wishes to the author!

Buying link: Amazon