Yambunera (Nepali: याम्बुनेर) is a 2020 short stories collection by Bina Theeng.[1] It was published on August 26, 2020 by Phoenix Books.[2] It is the third book of the author. The book consists of 13 stories.[3]
Synopsis
Yambu is the name of Kathmandu in Tamang language. Yambunera means the area around Kathmandu valley.[4] The stories in the book are centered in and around Kathmandu valley. The stories are about people who have been marginalized and been neglected by the state.[5]
Aani Pema (Nun Pema) depicts the life of a nun named Aani in a Buddhist monastery (Gompa). The struggle between desire and celibacy of Pema forms the main theme of the story.
2.
Seiko-5
Seiko-5 is the story of a girl is who assaualted in exchange of a Seiko-5 watch. The story depicts the helplessness of a girl in a patriarchal society.
3.
Yambunera
Yambunera is the story of a woman who business of home-made liquor (raksi) is affected by the ban from the local authority.
4.
Bhagwan Nivas
Bhagwan Nivas (Shelter of god) depicts the dreams of a youth who has gone abroad for employment to build a house.
5.
Aayam
Aayam is the story of a young widow.
6.
Ghadi Phool
Ghadi Phool (Watch-flower) is the story depicting challenges of an inter-caste marriage in Nepali society.
7.
Driver Ka Aankha
Driver ka Aankha (The eyes of a driver) depicts the story of an ordinary truck driver.
8.
Ganga Ram ko Cycle
Ganga Ram ko Cycle (Ganga Ram's cycle) is the story of a Madhesi guy called Ganga Ram. The story show how Madhesi people are treated as a second-rate citizen in Nepal.
9.
Gande Jhar
Gande Jhar (Smelly Grass) is the story of a student turned Maoist rebel Dipesh Thapa.
10.
Aaiti Maya
Aaiti Maya is an ordinary rural housewife. The story depicts the story of Aaiti Maya and her suscpision on her husband.
11.
Junedo
Junedo is a story of a girl from Hindu Brahmin family who elopes with a Muslim guy.
12.
Bad Bhale
Bad Bhale (Bad Cockrel) is a feminist story of rebel against the system of men marrying multiple women if his previous wife is unable to provide him with a son. The story shows the hypocrisy of Nepalese patriarchal society.
13.
Sifal Ko Phero
Siphal ko Phero deals with the story of girl trafficking.
Theme
The grief, suffering, suffering and struggle of the marginalized Tamang community is the main theme of this book. The book also shows various cultural evils of Nepalese society such as caste system, discrimination based on religion and class and patriarchy.
Reception
The book received positive responses from the critics. Gyanu Adhikari of Shilapatra magazine praised the stories for being "grounded in social realism".[7] Gauri Tamu praised the book as "breaking the so-called standard of Nepalese literature".[8] Prakash Thamsuhang of Naya Patrika Daily called it as a "solid masterpiece".[9]
