Upanyas Samagra 5 by Bimal Kar [Hardcover]

In the fifth volume of Upanyas Samagra, six novels are included. The first novel, Asomoy (The Wrong Time), was published nearly thirty years ago and is one of the author’s major works. This novel, with its brilliant craftsmanship, captivating prose, and sharp dialogue, continues to be quite popular. Awarded the Academy Prize, Asomoy has been translated into several Indian languages as well as English.

Prachchhanna (Hidden) is primarily a psychological novel. It explores human relationships—whether old or fading—and delves into why certain people are suddenly disturbed and made miserable by an unexpected turmoil. Why do some people have to face pain again? Is this world truly heartless, or is it overly cautious? After falling ill, the protagonist of Sannidhya (Companionship) spends some time in a healing retreat and, after recovering, returns to her household. However, she finds that her old sense of authority and place in the family seems to have been taken away. While her husband’s empathy and the affection of the family are not lacking, she feels that she may never regain her former position. It is a story of the different forms of love. What is even more complex is that people often fail to see the simple and close things around them, missing out on a gentle beauty and grace that remains unnoticed.

Nim Phuler Gondho (The Fragrance of the Neem Flower) is a love story, though somewhat complicated. Despite this, it is no less poignant in its subtle exploration of emotions.

The profession of acting, like any other, can certainly be treated as a profession. However, the personal life behind the profession—the story of the person, their joys, sorrows, conflicts, frustrations, and mental attributes—who takes a real interest in it? The story of an actor’s life, far more painful than the rumors or fictional stories in the papers, is revealed in Ek Abhinetar Mrityu (The Death of an Actor).

Notun Tara (The New Star) is not just a story of the mental conflicts between children and their parents in modern times. It is a family portrait of conflicting ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. Perhaps there is some truth on both sides, and some falsehood as well—who knows!