Unmasked: Stories From The Pandemic

Unmasked: Stories From The Pandemic is a collection of eighteen intimate short stories that reveal the human side of lockdown and the year 2020. Written by award-winning Paro Anand, this literary collection explores fear, resilience, and connection through relatable characters, making it ideal for adult readers and older teens seeking comfort, insight, and warmth during challenging times. Structured as standalone yet thematically linked pieces, the book unfolds through the voices of neighbors, families, and friends who navigate uncertainty with courage. Paro Anand's performance storytelling background shines as each story reads with immediacy, rhythm, and humanity—characters feel familiar, struggles feel real, and moments of quiet hope arrive with tenderness. Among them are a mother and son trying to make ends meet, and a woman battling domestic abuse. The collection balances heartache with resilience and invites readers to pause, reflect, and find courage in shared experience. Written in accessible, lyrical prose, the stories unfold with warmth and pace that keep you turning pages. From intimate domestic moments to larger reflections on community and hope, Unmasked: Stories From The Pandemic offers a compassionate lens on how people cope, adapt, and support one another when the world changes overnight. Eighteen intimate short stories set during the pandemic Relatable, character-driven portraits that feel instantly familiar Performance-inspired storytelling with immediate, conversational rhythm Accessible, lyrical prose that balances hardship with hope Explores family ties, domestic challenges, community, and courage From award-winning author Paro Anand, a voice resonant across ages After finishing Unmasked: Stories From The Pandemic, readers will feel understood, steadier, and more connected to their own resilience. The collection invites contemplation of our shared humanity and leaves a lasting sense of hope that stays with you long after you turn the last page.