An impressive feat of research and background reading As a form of literature, the short story is both cruel and generous. It allows the very best to shine, to conjure entire worlds in the space of a few dozen pages, as in a Maugham or a Dahl. In the hands of less gifted writers, it can show up glaring technical limitations and a surfeit of cliché. The Rock Babas and Other Stories by Ameya Prabhu is hence a risky undertaking, an author making a debut through a short story collection. (Stay up to date on new book releases, reviews, and more with The Hindu On Books newsletter. Subscribe here.)