Here’s what the editors had to say about ‘The Salesman’
Hema did an excellent job of showing, rather than telling in this piece. She demonstrated the age of the salesman and gave us a snapshot of his life in the few short words it took to describe his hand, by his use of the honorific didi when he spoke, and again when the narrator put her sunglasses back on, dismissing the salesman with that simple move. And she showed us the salesman’s skill and cheekiness through the twinkling diamonds in his eyes.
The piece was also well paced and structured, and gave us a complete story in just 50 words. This was a lovely example of what makes an Editor’s Pick.
“Ten rupees for this bouquet, Didi. Just as pretty as you.” A little hand, grimy and callused, knocked on the car window.
“I know you get flowers from the cemetery.” I put my sunglasses back on.
“But what will the dead do with flowers?” The diamonds in his eyes twinkled.
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