#Review: The Memory of Shadows by Mijing Gwra Basumatary

As someone who enjoys folklore, I found The Memory of Shadows to be a refreshing journey into a part of India that is often overlooked in mainstream literature. What struck me most was how naturally Mijing Gwra Basumatary blends the mystical with the everyday. These stories are filled with spirits, curses, talking landscapes, and ancient beliefs, yet they never feel distant or fantastical for the sake of it. Instead, they emerge from the lives, fears, and values of the communities that shaped them.

The title story, The Memory of Shadows, stayed with me long after I finished reading it. The tale of the elephant, the two brothers, and the enduring consequences of human actions is both haunting and deeply moving. Throughout the collection, nature is not merely a backdrop—it is a living presence, watching, remembering, and sometimes judging.

I also appreciated the author’s lyrical style. The descriptions of rivers, bamboo groves, forests, and villages create a vivid sense of place without slowing down the storytelling. Some stories are sombre, others whimsical, but all carry a quiet wisdom that feels timeless.

For readers interested in folklore, indigenous traditions, and stories rooted in cultural memory, this collection is a rewarding and memorable read. It reminded me that some of the most powerful stories are those passed down in whispers across generations.

Find this book here.