Dashti Upanyas by Sunil Gangopadhyay [Hardcover]

When discussing his own writing, Sunil Gangopadhyay described the reaction of his time as "indescribable restlessness." This remark is significant. The "restlessness" here is not just youthful restlessness, nor is it the urgency of self-expression. It can be seen as the pain of searching for identity. In the 1960s, when Sunil Gangopadhyay, already a poet, was casually writing his first novel Jubok Jubotira (Young Men and Women), without the pressure to publish, notable novelists had already transformed Bengali literature. These changes led to a more introspective and self-absorbed style, where the characters in these stories were seen searching for liberation. Young men and women were looking for the meaning of life in their own way, yet the connections in life had broken, and words had lost their definitions. However, readers recognized the depth of their pain.

With his debut novel, Sunil crossed the vast geography of Bengali fiction, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that still hasn't ended. In his latest novels, Sunil continues to shine with his mastery of narrative, his skillful portrayal of characters, the creation of torn human figures, his awareness of time, values, the art of selecting diverse stories, the search for truth, and his profound questioning of life. These qualities, unique and brilliant, are treasures of Bengali literature. From his first novel to those written at the end of the 20th century, Sunil has remained lively and vibrant. His prose reflects a unique blend of poet and storyteller, elevating the art form of the novel.

This extraordinary collection presents ten of Sunil Gangopadhyay's novels, showcasing his diverse range: Jubok Jubotira (Young Men and Women), Sorol Sotto (Simple Truth), Songsare Ek Sannyasi (A Monk in the World), Kalo Rasta Sada Bari (Black Road, White House), Kobi o Nartaki (The Poet and the Dancer), Tumi Ke (Who Are You?), Chobir Manush (The Man of the Picture), Nabajatak (The Newborn), Jol-Jongoler Kabyo (Poetry of Water and Forest), and Sworger Nichey Manush (Humans Beneath Heaven).