Bringing alive the sights and sounds of India and its many different communities, each one no less vibrant than the rest, rich in culture and diversity, holding the stories of millions of people,  Notion Press, India’s leading self-publishing platform, presents Mehbub Gulley by Thanksy Francis, a collection of short stories that reflect the colourful nature of India inherent in each one of us.

In the title story Mehbub Gulley, Stefan, an art collector hailing from Vienna is engrossed in his search for a meaning in life. He soon stumbles upon a treasure under the shadows of the Charminar in  Hyderabad, in the shape of a brown nymph with a small round face, wearing large glasses and sporting a severe look. The delicate flavour of Nusrat Begum’s  Biryani overwhelms him and he resolves to reorder his life.

Somewhere in New Ashokapur, Deputy Secretary Shiva Shambo is faced with the challenge of launching the Stink Bum, an ultimate smelly weapon of aggression against the foe across the border in Humptidumptistan – MP (Muchaad Panwala) whose incessant heel clicking annoys the PM.

The stories revolve around ordinary people and how they deal with  the googlies that life throws at them – the protagonists learn that even though there is no perfect life, with courage and endurance you can shape your own destiny.

“There is a delicate humour here that will have you laughing out loud.” – Rohini Nair, Asian Age (Mumbai & Pune)

“(Her) style is simple yet she keeps one absorbed in the fate of her characters through observation, insight and a sense of humour.” – Eunice De Souza, Mumbai Mirror

Thanksy Francis lives in Mumbai. A retired civil servant from the Indian Administrative Service, she has worked in the Microfinance sector for many years, for the financial inclusion of poor women in Maharashtra through Self Help Groups. An avid votary of pluralism, she delights in the potpourri of cultures that is India.

Mehbub Gulley is available in print and e-book format at the Notion Press bookstore and several other e-commerce portals including Amazon and Flipkart.