Dashti Upanyas 1 by Ashapurna Debi [Hardcover]

In the history of Bengali fiction, Asha Purna Devi established herself with distinction as the century drew to a close and continued to do so until her death. According to many, Asha Purna is a marvel not only in Bengali literature but also in the life of Bengalis. Despite working quietly away from the limelight in a very domestic setting, her immense body of work in fiction has not been fully appreciated yet. It was only after receiving the Jnanpith Award that the spotlight fell on her life struggle and literary achievements. Bengali readers were astonished to learn how this remarkable woman, despite having no formal education, had achieved greatness in literature through her sheer personal strength.

Asha Purna was unparalleled in her exceptional skill in creating female characters, establishing middle-class values, and the art of narrative. Her created women are not exceptional but traditional, though this tradition flows like a vast river due to her creative excellence. She never displayed a one-sided view in depicting female characters. Her women, like men, are often shown as victims of oppression and cruelty but are also depicted as ruthless, selfish, and in many cases, incredibly cruel. With a remarkable impartial analysis and sometimes sharp irony, Asha Purna created her female characters. Moreover, she was equally empathetic towards men as well.

In essence, the focus of all her creations is the human being, male or female. She once said, “In my... capacity, I only deal with people, middle-class domestic people, whom I know intimately. I never try to reach beyond my known world.” Asha Purna delved into the complex and profound forest of human character, observing both good and bad with an open mind and eyes. For her, the task of observing people was a wonder. She wrote: “Suddenly, it feels as if a window opens somewhere, and I sense—what I see of people is not all there is, much of what I don't see is also significant... People themselves don't know that what they don't know constitutes the perpetual conflict of life and its inquiry.”

Overall, her stories and novels center around middle-class Bengali people. Her entire creation revolves around them. The values of the middle-class Bengali family, which have endured through many upheavals, are eternally preserved in her literature. This collection features ten novels chosen from Asha Purna's vast treasure trove: Gachher Patta Neel, Doulna, Raat-er Pakhi, Shei Raatri Eei Din, Samayer Sthan, Darshoker Bhumikay, Chaader Janala, Lohaar Goraar Chhaya, Ei To Sedin, and Nittfal."