Upanyas Samagra 2 by Bimal Kar [Hardcover]

In the first volume of Bimal Kar’s Novel Anthology, six works from the early phase of his literary career were collected. This second volume also includes six pieces, most of which are from a later period, except for one or two earlier works such as Swargakhelna and Khoai. Throughout his career, Bimal Kar has emphasized his unique approach to writing novels, whether at the beginning or towards the end of his journey. While he acknowledges that a well-constructed, cohesive plot is a valuable quality in a novel, he does not consider it the primary or only essential trait. Consequently, we see that Swargakhelna relies more on character and atmosphere than on a plot-driven narrative. Khoai, on the other hand, does not fit the conventional definition of a novel. Although inspired by the concept of a foreign writer’s work, as Bimal Kar himself admitted, it is neither an imitation nor a direct adaptation. In his case, Khoai was entirely experimental—subtle in expression and suggestive in tone, almost like poetry.

The other four novels—Eka Eka, Nirastro, Sahabhumikka, and Purna Apurna—are works from Kar’s mature literary years. Eka Eka is not a love story in the conventional sense. Can every mistake in life be corrected? Perhaps a failed romance continues to bring pain and frustration to two older individuals even today. Nirastro and Sahabhumikka present straightforward, unembellished narratives of contemporary society, written with frank and unreserved truthfulness. Though Sahabhumikka cannot be classified strictly as a political novel, it subtly addresses personal resentments and debates intertwined with political thought, which cannot be overlooked.

Purna Apurna is considered one of Bimal Kar’s finest and most widely read novels. More importantly, the author has repeatedly acknowledged that if there is any value in searching for meaning and significance in life, then this novel represents his own introspective journey. He regards it as his personal source of comfort and assurance, and many consider it his greatest work in terms of personal life philosophy and introspection. The distinctive qualities of Bimal Kar’s writing can be found throughout the works in this volume.