Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not: A Collection of Short Stories by Vasudha Sahgal

My Rating - 5 out of 5 stars

Publisher - Rupa

Genre - Short Story
Publishing year - 2025
Language - English
ISBN - 978-93-6156-785-8
Pages - 198

Book Review - 

Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not is the debut collection of fourteen short stories by Vasudha Sahgal, exploring themes of attachment, loss, vengeance, and longing. It had been a while since I read such captivating short stories, and these are sure to stay with me for a long time.

Instead of analyzing each story individually, I will discuss them collectively, but I must highlight a few that truly stood out.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Write a Novel resonated with me on a personal level. Like the character Lily, I have often thought about turning my life and love experiences into a story. 

Then, there is Six Feet of Separation, which beautifully illustrates how the love we desire and the love we receive can be worlds apart. The Life of Three serves as a powerful reminder that revenge only leads to self-destruction, reinforcing the wisdom of living and letting live. 

Meanwhile, Natasha's Nod to Her Normal had the potential to delve into the dark reality of our society, but the author’s masterful twist and the story’s acceptance were brilliantly executed.

While these are my personal favourites, the other stories also struck a chord with me in different ways. I will not give away any spoilers, but these emotional connections alone are reason enough to pick up this book. 

Just like the title suggests, the characters and narratives are almost perfect but mostly not—reflecting the beautifully imperfect nature of human experiences.

The author skillfully balances hard-hitting themes with moments of irony that make you smile, while still leaving you with thought-provoking reflections, making this collection a truly memorable read.

Vasudha Sahgal is undoubtedly a rising star in the literary world. I am confident that her work will touch many hearts, and I eagerly await a full-length novel from her—no pressure, Vasudha!

Whether you are a fan of short stories, experiencing a reading slump, or simply looking to explore more Indian authors, Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not is a delightful choice. 

It’s a comforting, emotional, and captivating collection that invites readers to get lost in its beautiful narrative. I highly recommend giving this book a chance—you won’t be disappointed.

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