Upanyas Samagra 12 by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay [Hardcover]

"A leading critic of our time aptly wrote: ‘The river has no pretense— neither does the novelist persona of Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. A vivid childhood memory, a painful crisis of self-realization, and a calm, detached observation—above all, a supremely noble theism have shaped his writing career.’ One of the rare writers in Bengali fiction, Shirshendu's main strength lies in his theism. Amidst all life's doubts, he courageously speaks of ‘an unwavering transcendence.’ Standing in the middle of endless directionlessness, he remains brave. Here, he is a unique creator. In any of Shirshendu's stories, despite all the surrounding adversity, we see ‘the irrepressible human anxiety for humanity.’ At this moment, life is crossing through a troubled time. Yet, amidst this, he searches for the sacred essence of humanity with utmost care. He believes there is a refuge somewhere, a place to return. The sense of theism is entwined with this ‘romantic yet ascetic’ writer's entire creation, imbued with ‘an innocent, intense longing for love.’ In his own words, ‘I have tried to express this longing in various ways in my writing. Still, I feel my failure in conveying the love within me to everyone... Does this world, this Kolkata, this country understand my unspoken love? Can everything be expressed through language?’ Despite the author's personal doubts, his created characters carry ‘those waves of love.’ Shirshendu's composed yet detached style and observation in the crafting and form of the novel have added a different dimension to Bengali fiction. All his novels are being published in volumes. This twelfth volume includes nine memorable novels: Aneker Galpo, Monsamangal, Sandhi Prastab, Bhul Karar Por, Bondobi O Pachti Pairo, Madam O Mohashoy, Satyideho, Khelanapati, Ghotonakrame."