Phulman Bal’s anthology of short stories, Kajol Khatun, was launched at the Moods Banquet in Thapathali, on November 26. 

Speaking during the event, author Bal said, “The stories in this anthology were written 13 years ago, during the Maoist insurgency. Most stories have female protagonists who narrate the tales of the bitter effect that the insurgency had on people.” 

He added, “Along with the insurgency and its repercussions, the book also features stories of heartbreak and miserable conditions of Nepalis working in the middle-east.” 

The book includes 25 short stories, with most of them set in Bhairahawa. Journalist Mohan Mainali, who was in the attendance, said, “The stories are very well-written and the motifs they evoke are so poignant and touching that when one tries to move on to the next story; the images continue to linger. With female protagonists, the stories carry more weight.”

Conversing with the Post, one of the audiences said, “I have only read the first two chapters and I already like it very much. I have high expectations for the commercial success of this book. 

The writer has presented a very neutral perspective about the war which is seldom done.”