Upanyas Samagra 2 by Ramapada Choudhuri [Hardcover]

“Your choice of subjects, the neat structure of your compositions, the craftsmanship of your writing, the clear and fluid rhythm of your language, and the respect and faith towards the values of life — you have woven all these elements together with remarkable finesse. I have read many of your works; indeed, I am among your devoted readers." — Niharranjan Ray, wrote this from New Delhi on April 22, 1977.

Another renowned elder, referring to Ramapada Chowdhury, humorously remarked, “A writer who doesn’t write.” If one overlooks Bankimchandra’s fourteen novels and Sarat Chandra’s twenty, it must be admitted that he truly is a “writer who doesn’t write.” Yet, astonishingly, not a single one of Ramapada Chowdhury’s novels can be disregarded. While one novel (Lalbai) reached the pinnacle of popularity, another (Banpalashir Padabali) earned the honor of classic literature. While one of his novels (Bij) found a revered place among readers of mature age, the dialogue of another (Ekhoni) echoed among the youth. In terms of diversity of themes, no other author’s work has achieved such depth or reach.

In this second volume, there are five of Ramapada Chowdhury’s popular novels. It includes Pratham Prahar, a story set in a third world between the city and the village, depicting an adolescent’s passage through puberty. There is Swajan, an anti-war story portraying the complex emotional turmoil surrounding an Italian prisoner of war. Albam-e Koyekti Chhobi captures the true reflections of human nature. Then there’s Picnic, adapted into a film, where the fleeting excitement of young love uncovers profound truths about life. Finally, Dweep-er Naam Tiyarang is a symbolic story of returning to the sea from the island and back again.