A stunning new anthology, The Greatest Stories from the Northeast Ever Told, edited by acclaimed writer and academic Jobeth Ann Warjri, and published by Aleph Book Company is earning praise for its vivid portrayal of life, culture, and complexity in Northeast India. The collection features 27 compelling short stories that span across generations, styles, and states — a literary mosaic that is both grounded in local realities and resonant with universal themes.

Published recently, the book brings together an impressive lineup of contributors, from literary stalwarts like Saurav Kumar Chaliha, Temsula Ao, and Mamoni Raisom Goswami, to celebrated contemporary writers such as Janice Pariat, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Anjum Hasan, and Prajwal Parajuly. It also offers a platform for fresh and distinct voices including Gankhu Sumnyan, Shalim M Hussain, and Lede E Miki Pohshna, highlighting the region’s evolving storytelling traditions.

Each story explores a unique facet of life in the Northeast — from political unrest and personal trauma to mythology, mystery, and memory. In Nini Lungalang’s “Child of Fortune,” readers witness a mother’s heart-wrenching dilemma amidst conflict in a Naga village. “His Mother’s Pork and Why He is Not a Christian” by Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih uses biting humor and satire to critique religious orthodoxy. Stories like “Black Moon” by Aisu Minam Yirang and “The Smell of Bamboo Blossoms” by Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi blend folklore and foreboding in compelling ways.

Editor Jobeth Ann Warjri, originally from Laitkor, Meghalaya, brings deep literary insight and cultural sensitivity to the curation of this anthology. A winner of The Book Review Literary Trust short story competition (2020), Warjri is known for her evocative writing and commitment to highlighting voices from the margins. She currently teaches writing at Vidyashilp University in Bengaluru.

“At once tender and turbulent, political and personal, magical and real,” the stories promise to leave “an indelible imprint on all readers,” said the publisher in a statement.

The anthology not only showcases the literary richness of the Northeast but also challenges stereotypical narratives, presenting the region as a dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian literature, regional storytelling, and contemporary fiction.