The Blaft Anthology of Gujarati Pulp Fiction

A rollicking, rip-roaring ride through the world of Gujarati pulp, The Blaft Anthology of Gujarati Pulp Fiction is a collection of short stories and novellas from Gujarat's bestselling adventure, horror, and mystery writers was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign in Jan-Feb 2024.

The anthology includes Kaal Kundali by H.N. "Atom" Golibar, known for his supernatural-tinged crime thrillers; Varunlokma by Bansidhar Shukla, which features genetically-altered mermen in a secret undersea empire; two stories by Ekta Nirav Doshi, famous for her folk horror about khavis and haunted forts; Bar Dancer by Vibhavari Verma, a revenge fantasy set in the Mumbai underworld; and a story by Kanu Baghdev, one of the most prolific Gujarati writers of all time. 

In addition, the book features a section of colour plates with a gallery of cover art, as well as original black-and-white art for Kaal Kundali by prolific Gujarati magazine illustrator G. Sandhwani.

"...Blaft does it again! Gujarati Pulp Fiction is a showstopper, full of thrills and chills... as well as startling feats of science, enchantment, and feminine wiles. Vishwambhari S. Parmar's translations are hip and fun and bring alive the pulpy goodness of the original tales. There are also many not-to-be-missed extras, such as fascinating author bios, original illustrations, and 'jokelates' from original editions. I was riveted, astonished, mesmerized!" —Daisy Rockwell, Booker-award-winning translator of Tomb of Sand

"The inclusion of illustrations and old-school cover art adds so much nostalgic charm. It’s like holding a piece of hidden literary history in your hands. Whether you’re a fan of horror, fantasy, crime, or just something completely different, this anthology is a rare gem. Loud, proud, and pulpy to the core" —Mahi Aggarwal

Selected and translated by Vishwambhari S. Parmar
Edited by Rakesh Khanna
400 pages. 8.25" x 5.5". 600 g
Paperback ISBN:  9789380636696

Vishwambhari S. Parmar is based in Gujarat. She recently completed her M.A. in English and Cultural Studies from CHRIST University, Bangalore. Her academic journey has been marked by a keen interest in body politics, and this was the focus of much of her graduate work. She is currently working as a nature educator under the Bhoomi Fellowship. She loves reading fantasy fiction, and collects retellings of Pride and Prejudice.

Rakesh Khanna is a co-founder of Blaft and the editor of The Blaft Anthology of Tamil Pulp Fiction, Vol. 1 and 2. He is also the co-author of Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India, an encyclopædia of folkloric fiends from all over the country, recently published in an international edition by Watkins Books.

Published by Blaft