By Bharati Roy
As a reader who enjoys reading books from around the world where I could get an authentic taste of each unique culture and unique character development. And being a part of the Bengali bibliophile community I want to recommend 5 Bengali books which left a great impression on me. Whose English translations are easily available on Amazon and other e-commerce websites.
1. Pather Panchali
The First book I want to recommend is Thin, a small novel by the author of “Pather Panchali”. Written in a first-person perspective this book tells about various characters, very normal characters from rural Bihar. You will find characters whose dreams are just to eat twice a day, characters who love flowers and trees so much that have given their life to them. Reading this book is such a delightful and green experience and the title of the book justifies its content ” Aranyak”.
2. Those Days
The second book I want to recommend is ” Those Days”/ ” সেই সময়”, is for those who love history. Yes! As you guessed it’s a historical fiction on Bengal’s history. It starts with fictionalized real characters, very well-researched historical context with very good writing which makes reading history fun. It gives ample information on pre and early Bengal Renaissance. It’s the first part of the Time Trilogy by Sunil Gangopadhyay, one of my favourite authors of all time. So for anyone who wants to experience the history of Bengal, it’s the book for you.
3. The Home And The World
The third book I am recommending is a book I go for whenever I feel confused and troubled in my life. Written by the great Rabi Thakur you may better know him as Rabindranath Tagore, it’s a book full of philosophical deep conversations. A book that can guide you through life, can make you confident for just being the plain you. The book is written on one of the turmoils in the colonial past of India, the Swadeshi Andalon. Here this novel has three main Characters whose internal monologues you will be exploring and the complexity of their emotions and their relationships, their romantic thirst and greed. And I just love Nikhilesh, be careful you may fall for him too. A love triangle, great philosophy, a good zamindar and how exploitation of poor subjects lead to communal riots, you get your “The Home And The World”.
4. The Final Adventure of Professor Shonku
The fourth book is for those dreamy readers who enjoy the simplicity of children’s fiction. “The Final Adventure of Professor Shonku” is a book where Sci-fi meets our colourful imagination of childhood. Written by Satyajit Ray, yes our favourite director, Professor Shonku is the great Indian Scientist whose science adventures always have some supernatural and extraordinary turns. The perfect book to read with your kids.
5. Chowringhee
And finally, it is a book for those who love drama. “Chowringhee” by Sankar, is a book about a hotel, as we say home is nothing but people, the same goes for hotels, nothing but their stuff and the visitors. Set in modern India, in the 20th century, you get romance, passion, drama, and betrayal. It’s a perfect book for someone who loves tragedy. What I say is to go for it, it’s a famous Bengali classic, most likely not so well known outside, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore a new author.
No responses yet