Gaurav Monga delves into the intricacies of the human psyche, exploring themes of complex family dynamics and personal identity. His prose is characterized by keen insight and a meticulous attention to detail, capturing the subtle nuances of interpersonal connections. Monga focuses on the internal landscapes of his characters, crafting narratives that are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. His work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships.
"Ruins that were marked as signs of moral degradation and occurred at the end of an epoch, now appear as our consistent present. In this city they are not merely the outcomes of natural disasters or man-made cataclysms, but it is an event which we anticipate and look forward to." --- Premjish Achari
My Father, the Watchmaker takes us on a metaphysical journey in which countries and cities merge and generations get drawn out longer than usual. Following the narrative of an uprooted home, we are constantly left wondering whether we are walking the streets of Lahore or New Delhi. At times we are spectators of a house, slowly disappearing or sitting at the back of the bicycle of a delivery boy meandering through the streets, delivering packages. Like the mythical Atlas, the watchmaker’s shop is condemned to carry the weight of the clocktower upon its shoulders. The ticking of time feels unsettling and it's erasure almost comes as a relief. The stories, the author says, are full of lies.
Exploring the intricate relationship between clothing and identity, Gaurav Monga's work presents a unique perspective on how garments embody emotional and social experiences. Through sketches and confessional monologues, the narrative blurs the lines between past and present, life and death, revealing clothing as more than mere fabric. Instead, garments act as extensions of the self, reflecting grief, desire, and transformation. This thought-provoking exploration invites readers to reconsider the role of fashion in shaping human experiences and connections.
Quirkily absurd and surreal miniatures from author Gaurav Monga that blur reality and the imagination. These are stories told with a minimalist palette and a highly original aesthetic. Contains Names, The Family Nose, Little Box, Stomach, Missing Gautam, The Trees, Yes/No, Running Away from Ranjan and Clown.