CHASING THE FLAMES

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝘇𝗶
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗶 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟏𝟕𝟔
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲:  𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓





“Chasing the Flames” is a collection of ten short stories that explore the emotional voids within marriages and the choices husbands make when seeking the warmth they feel is missing at home.  The introductory quote, “A wife’s ignorance can lead a husband to a new love story”,—sets the tone for narratives centred around men who step outside their marriages in search of companionship, desire, or simply a momentary escape. Yet, in most stories, they ultimately find their way back to their partners.
Across these stories, the reasons for their diversions vary—some seek love, others lust, a few long for emotional companionship, while others are tempted by fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, interestingly, many of them ultimately return to their partners, suggesting a complex interplay between desire, guilt, and the comfort of familiarity.
Many characters appear in the novel, including Sumeet, who has a love-hate relationship with two women; Roy, whose infatuation with his housekeeper will not fade; Wilson, who embraces his whims at forty; and Ashraf, chasing affection, maybe lust. These men are layered, flawed, and undeniably human—guided by yearning and memories, and unafraid to chase the shadows of what could have been.

Coming to the craft of the book: the language is simple, the narration smooth, and the pace brisk—making it an easy read, especially for novice readers or those looking for something light. The stories are short, digestible, and ideal for readers who enjoy quick, bite-sized fiction.
While every plot offers a different scenario, the overarching theme remains consistent—husbands searching for the missing spark outside their marriage and eventually finding their way back. Around the sixth or seventh story, the pattern becomes predictable, and I felt slightly disconnected because the central idea becomes repetitive. However, the distinct plotlines and varied emotional shades kept me reading till the end.

In summary, readers who enjoy short story collections or prefer simple, easy-to-digest narratives may appreciate this book. It also works well for novice readers looking for quick, engaging reads.

My Rating: 3/5

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