Upokonthe by Gajendra Kumar Mitra [Hardcover]

Gajendrakumar has maintained his fluid writing style in this book as well. This is why the vast book does not feel tiring to read at all. The author's skill in analyzing human character is enviable.

When Shyama hears that her older brother's son, Govind, has got a job but isn't receiving any salary, her feelings are expressed in the thought, "It would be difficult to bear both news together—Govind has a job and yet isn't getting paid."

Descriptions of extreme poverty are presented with profound despondency. While sitting down to eat at Kamala's house, Shyama messily handles her rice and tells Kamala to save that rice for her children, because she simply cannot bear to waste any of it! Her voice does not tremble as she speaks; hunger is indeed the greatest of all!