Aparna Sanyal’s “Instruments of Torture” is a powerful, unsettling, and deeply reflective collection of eight chilling stories that descend straight into the labyrinths of the human mind. Each story begins with the name of a medieval torture device, which then evolves into a haunting philosophical and psychological metaphor. What starts as a symbol of pain or punishment transforms into a meditation on what trauma truly means—how it is inflicted, processed, and transcended.
I was genuinely surprised by how often this book made me pause and think. Sanyal’s writing is sharp, poetic, and evocative—her prose lingers, demanding contemplation. There are moments when the language feels almost too beautiful for the horrors it’s describing, creating a deliberate and effective contrast. The stories don’t merely dwell in darkness for the sake of it; they explore the layers of anguish, resilience, and moral conflict that define the human experience.
The collection’s presentation is as striking as its content. The cover design is hauntingly beautiful—something you’d want to display purely for its aesthetic power. Each story brings with it a new narrative texture; while at first, I suspected it might just be a series of grim endings, I was happily proven wrong. Every tale feels distinct, engaging, and quietly devastating, offering new moral or emotional insights by the final page.
What makes “Instruments of Torture” even more relevant is its connection to the world we live in—the reality of ongoing cruelty and social indifference mirrored through fiction. These stories, though historical and symbolic, resonate with modern shadows of violence and systemic suffering.
Considering that Aparna Sanyal’s next project is a full-length gothic novel, this anthology stands as undeniable proof that she has mastered the atmosphere, tone, and thematic sensitivity required for that genre. “Instruments of Torture” is not just a collection of stories; it is a mirror held to the human condition—dark, profound, and unforgettable.
