Short story writing is an art. In few words, the writer has to skilfully build the story in a way that it captures the reader’s attention and bring the plot to a neat conclusion without any loose ends. Zeenat Iqbal Hussain is one such storyteller who has mastered this craft and written numerous short stories, mostly for children, and for this magazine.

The Damaged Horseshoe and Other Stories is a collection of eight short stories, and this slim volume can easily be read in a few sittings by children.

In easy, yet vivid, language, the stories very nicely depict scenes and situations. Most of the stories involve children and young people, which make it suitable for a young readership, for whom the tales are intended.

I found the first story, The Damaged Horseshoe, the most interesting since the details in it very clearly transported one to the scene of the horse race, making those who have no clue about horses and their races easily picture the action in the story.

The next story, Not Guilty, is a mishap unintentionally committed by a school girl and the resulting damaging consequence.

The Final Plunge has a very different setting from a typical children’s tale, thus with more appeal to an adult readership than school children.

However, its descriptive style is on point, instantly connecting the reader to the mind of the inmate who has been wrongly imprisoned and has a chance to win his freedom.

In My Friend the Tree the focus shifts to conservation of nature, but not in a preachy way. In fact, it seems like a personal essay that is impactful in its message.

The Missing Jewel is set in an imaginary land, where the message of paying the price of disunity is conveyed.

My Teacher is about the impact a good teacher can have in turning around the life of her students and From Bad to Good is about two young lads whose fate brings them together.

The final story in the collection, Going After the Trucks, is the most adventurous, with young boys as the main characters and a climax that turns a bit violent.

The collection gives the glimpse of Zeenat Iqbal Hussain as a storyteller who knows how to write for young readers who need a story wrapped up in just a few pages to cater to their short attention span.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 21st, 2023