Alik Manush by Syed Mustafa Siraj [Hardcover]

This is an extraordinary tale that will captivate readers, keeping them spellbound as they turn the pages. The simple, fluid descriptions of nature effortlessly transport us to the village, to the roots, and the scent of the soil. The psychological aspects make us reflect on life. While the pace of the story is fast in the beginning, it slows down a bit towards the end. This is the only minor weakness.

The novel spans the social history of a hundred years, set during the late 19th century and the early 20th century. It narrates the extensive saga of a noble Pir family. The story revolves around Badiuzzaman, or Badi Pir, and his family. He is a highly revered Pir, famous all around. His eldest son, Nuruzzaman, follows in his father's footsteps and becomes a great Maulana, having graduated from Deoband. The middle son, Moniruzzaman, is disabled, while the youngest, Shafiuazzaman, adds another dimension to the family narrative.