The Way You Want To Be Loved by Aruni Kashyap

Credit: Gaudy Boy LLC

In this episode of Narrative Edge, hosts Peter Biello and Orlando Montoya dive into The Way You Want to Be Loved, a collection of short stories by Aruni Kashyap. Kashyap, who directs the creative writing program at the University of Georgia, writes stories that center on characters navigating life in the shadow of powerful societal, cultural and institutional forces. Many of his protagonists are outsiders, whether immigrants, minorities in academic spaces, or queer individuals in conservative societies, struggling to retain their identity while seeking acceptance.

The hosts highlight stories like "Skylark Girl," which intertwines Assamese folklore with themes of cultural misunderstanding, and "Before the Bullet," a brutal tale set in conflict-ridden Assam that examines military violence and the cost of ignorance. Kashyap, who grew up in Assam during a time of political unrest, explains how his firsthand experiences shape the emotional intensity and realism in his work. Though his stories are fictional, they are deeply rooted in personal and regional truths, including reflections on liberal hypocrisy, colonial legacies and the challenges of belonging.

The collection’s title story, a tender gay romance, offers a rare glimpse into love and resistance in a country where same-sex relationships were illegal until 2018. Throughout the conversation, Kashyap emphasizes the need for literature to make readers uncomfortable, prompting deeper thought and emotional engagement. With richly crafted sentences, complex characters, and an undercurrent of tension, his stories bring a distinct and necessary voice to the literary world. The Way You Want to Be Loved stands out for its emotional resonance and intellectual depth, qualities that give it a clear narrative edge.