Long Night of Storm is a powerful collection of short stories by acclaimed Nepali-language writer Indra Bahadur Rai, exploring the emotional terrain of identity, displacement, and transformation. Set primarily in the Darjeeling hills and surrounding regions, these stories capture the lives of ordinary people grappling with change—both personal and political. Rai’s sharp eye for psychological depth, combined with his modernist sensibility, results in stories that are layered, atmospheric, and often deeply haunting.

Each story offers a glimpse into the dilemmas of postcolonial life in the eastern Himalayas—where tradition and modernity, memory and uncertainty collide. The collection is marked by Rai's innovative narrative style, his ability to distill complex human experiences, and his nuanced depiction of Gorkha identity and cultural hybridity.

Why read this book:

• Discover the literary richness of Nepali-language fiction in translation

• Explore themes of identity, belonging, and postcolonial dislocation through masterful short stories

• Experience Rai’s unique modernist approach, which blends local reality with universal questions

• Ideal for readers interested in Himalayan culture, South Asian diaspora, and cross-cultural narratives

• A thoughtful introduction to one of the most important voices in Nepali literature

About the Author

Indra Bahadur Rai (1927–2018) was a pioneering writer, literary critic, and editor in Nepali literature. Born in Darjeeling, India, he is widely regarded as a transformative figure who introduced modernist sensibilities to Nepali fiction. His work spans novels, short stories, and critical essays, and he was instrumental in shaping the literary movement known as Tesro Aayam (The Third Dimension). His contributions have left a lasting legacy in both Indian and Nepali literary circles.