Book Review : The Mysterious Creepers of Pinewoods and Other Stories

29th May 2024

"The Mysterious Creepers of Pinewood and Other Stories" by Amita Samant is a collection of 5 stories that go well for adults equally, I would say. Because, as adults, we need to keep relearning things we learnt in our childhood, I firmly believe that!

The first story, Mysterious Creepers of Pinewood is a story of two, the one who is fearless and always ready to explore versus the other who is exactly the opposite, but does not have any other option but to accompany the former one! The picturesque description of places successfully helps you visualize the scenes. I also appreciate the effort put into research as an adult about the unicorn. I am sure even Amita would not have heard of this concept as a child and therefore I can relate to the struggle that went behind.

The second story, "Magic At the Circus" is an excellent example of how we are unhappy with ourselves, how we keep expecting and desiring more, how self-love and gratitude is clearly missing from our lives, with a subtle garnishing of friendship throughout. This was easily my most favourite story out of the 5.



A Fishy Encounter, the third one, is the story of determination and passion, of a human to build a robot and a cat to savour a delicious fish curry! I don't like to be the spoiler, so I will leave that here, you gotta read the story to find more!

"One Saturday at Marina Resto" is way better than the popular coffee show our country talks so much about! I love the terms used to describe coral life.

"The Talented Trio" is a short and sweet tale of how nature helps us solve our problems once we open up! Another story that has vivid descriptions of the plot, easily helps visually fantasize the place.

Amita, as a debut author, you have hit a masterstroke my friend. Language is simple, lucid and enjoyable. Your handmade illustrations are a bonus, a special mention about that too. The cover looks splendid as well. I hope you write more and enrich the children's literature world with your words!