Master storyteller Win Pe uses the framework of everyday life in
Barafi and Other Stories, by Win Pe, Khit Pyaing Publishing House, 2006. P434. |
The “barafi” in the title of Win Pe’s popular collection of short stories refers to an Indian cake made with sweet milk. Indeed, most of these stories address subject matter that, on the surface, appears rather mundane—like cake or a new pair of eyeglasses. Careful readers, though, will discover a rich subtext at work that requires considerable reflection to appreciate the subtleties of Win Pe’s stories.
This collection, published in Burmese in 2006, brings together 39 of Win Pe’s best-known short stories written between 1989 and 2006. Several have appeared previously in Burmese language journals. Three of the stories (“The Day the Weather Broke,” “A Pair of Specs” and “The Middle of May”) were translated into English and published in Inked Over, Ripped Out (1994) by Anna J Allot.
Win Pe writes about much more than daily life in contemporary
The title story “Barafi” tells of a man who cherishes the traditional Indian snack—popular in upper
In “Booze for Chetkyi,” a man receives a visit from a much-respected village teacher, who asks for an alcoholic beverage. Chetkyi can only offer him water from an empty liquor bottle.
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