Life's Handicap By: Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
In Life's Handicap, Rudyard Kipling masterfully weaves together a collection of short stories that delve deep into the human experience of those living on the fringes of society. Through his richly textured narratives, Kipling offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals battling physical disabilities, social prejudices, and the relentless pressures of life. One of the standout aspects of this collection is Kipling's ability to vividly depict the diverse array of characters that inhabit his stories. From the resilient cripple desperate for a second chance to the street performer hiding a dark secret, each protagonist is beautifully fleshed out, allowing the reader to intimately connect with their struggles and triumphs. Kipling's writing style is both poetic and evocative, painting a nuanced picture of the settings and emotions that surround his characters. Whether it's the bustling streets of India or the somber English countryside, the author transports readers effortlessly into these different landscapes, immersing them in a world rich with both beauty and harsh realities. Furthermore, Life's Handicap explores themes of societal discrimination, resilience, and personal growth with great sensitivity and depth. Through the eyes of his characters, Kipling exposes the inherent prejudice faced by those who are different, shining a light on the uncompromising barriers they must overcome. Yet, amidst these struggles, he also emphasizes the strength and determination that can emerge, ultimately giving hope to his readers. While some stories in this collection may seem bleak or even overwhelming, Kipling expertly injects moments of hope and unexpected humor. These moments serve as a reminder that, despite life's challenges, there is always room for laughter, joy, and the possibility of redemption. Life's Handicap is a profoundly moving collection that explores the complexities of the human condition. Kipling's skillful storytelling, rich character development, and insightful exploration of societal prejudice make this a timeless work of literature. It is a book that not only challenges our understanding and compassion for others but also forces us to question our own biases and preconceptions. In its pages, readers will find a profound examination of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, life's inherent value remains. First Page: LIFE'S HANDICAP Being Stories of Mine Own People By Rudyard Kipling 1915 TO E.K.R. FROM R.K. 1887 89 C.M.G. PREFACE In Northern India stood a monastery called The Chubara of Dhunni Bhagat. No one remembered who or what Dhunni Bhagat had been. He had lived his life, made a little money and spent it all, as every good Hindu should do, on a work of piety the Chubara. That was full of brick cells, gaily painted with the figures of Gods and kings and elephants, where worn out priests could sit and meditate on the latter end of things; the paths were brick paved, and the naked feet of thousands had worn them into gutters. Clumps of mangoes sprouted from between the bricks; great pipal trees overhung the well windlass that whined all day; and hosts of parrots tore through the trees. Crows and squirrels were tame in that place, for they knew that never a priest would touch them. The wandering mendicants, charm sellers, and holy vagabonds for a hundred miles round used to make the Chubara their place of call and rest. Mahomedan, Sikh, and Hindu mixed equally under the trees. They were old men, and when man has come to the turnstiles of Night all the creeds in the world seem to him wonderfully alike and colourless. Gobind the one eyed told me this. He was a holy man who lived on an island in the middle of a river and fed the fishes with little bread pellets twice a day... Continue reading book >>

Life's Handicap By: Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

In Life's Handicap, Rudyard Kipling masterfully weaves together a collection of short stories that delve deep into the human experience of those living on the fringes of society. Through his richly textured narratives, Kipling offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals battling physical disabilities, social prejudices, and the relentless pressures of life.

One of the standout aspects of this collection is Kipling's ability to vividly depict the diverse array of characters that inhabit his stories. From the resilient cripple desperate for a second chance to the street performer hiding a dark secret, each protagonist is beautifully fleshed out, allowing the reader to intimately connect with their struggles and triumphs.

Kipling's writing style is both poetic and evocative, painting a nuanced picture of the settings and emotions that surround his characters. Whether it's the bustling streets of India or the somber English countryside, the author transports readers effortlessly into these different landscapes, immersing them in a world rich with both beauty and harsh realities.

Furthermore, Life's Handicap explores themes of societal discrimination, resilience, and personal growth with great sensitivity and depth. Through the eyes of his characters, Kipling exposes the inherent prejudice faced by those who are different, shining a light on the uncompromising barriers they must overcome. Yet, amidst these struggles, he also emphasizes the strength and determination that can emerge, ultimately giving hope to his readers.

While some stories in this collection may seem bleak or even overwhelming, Kipling expertly injects moments of hope and unexpected humor. These moments serve as a reminder that, despite life's challenges, there is always room for laughter, joy, and the possibility of redemption.

Life's Handicap is a profoundly moving collection that explores the complexities of the human condition. Kipling's skillful storytelling, rich character development, and insightful exploration of societal prejudice make this a timeless work of literature. It is a book that not only challenges our understanding and compassion for others but also forces us to question our own biases and preconceptions. In its pages, readers will find a profound examination of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, life's inherent value remains.

First Page:

LIFE'S HANDICAP

Being Stories of Mine Own People

By Rudyard Kipling

1915

TO E.K.R. FROM R.K. 1887 89 C.M.G.

PREFACE

In Northern India stood a monastery called The Chubara of Dhunni Bhagat. No one remembered who or what Dhunni Bhagat had been. He had lived his life, made a little money and spent it all, as every good Hindu should do, on a work of piety the Chubara. That was full of brick cells, gaily painted with the figures of Gods and kings and elephants, where worn out priests could sit and meditate on the latter end of things; the paths were brick paved, and the naked feet of thousands had worn them into gutters. Clumps of mangoes sprouted from between the bricks; great pipal trees overhung the well windlass that whined all day; and hosts of parrots tore through the trees. Crows and squirrels were tame in that place, for they knew that never a priest would touch them.

The wandering mendicants, charm sellers, and holy vagabonds for a hundred miles round used to make the Chubara their place of call and rest. Mahomedan, Sikh, and Hindu mixed equally under the trees. They were old men, and when man has come to the turnstiles of Night all the creeds in the world seem to him wonderfully alike and colourless.

Gobind the one eyed told me this. He was a holy man who lived on an island in the middle of a river and fed the fishes with little bread pellets twice a day... Continue reading book >>

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