Romanthan Athaba Bhimratipraptar Paracharitcharcha by Tapan Ray Choudhuri [Hardcover]

"This book introduces a fresh taste to contemporary Bengali literature. Set in the Barisal district of East Bengal during the 1930s and 1940s and student life in Kolkata, its content is neither mere memoir nor social portrait, let alone autobiography. At the center of the writing is a unique sense of humor, masterfully expressed through anecdotes, events, rhymes, songs, and character depictions. The book also provides a robust account of 'Barisali culture,' often in the region's distinctive 'Devagandharv-criticized' language. The author has given 'West Bengal translations' of some of this language, but not everywhere, because, in his words, 'censors would object.' The witty writer has created a new and distinctly individual writing style by mixing Sanskrit-leaning, serious words with Barisali language. His delightful style resonates with Hutomi on one hand and Syed Mujtaba Ali's unique echo on the other. This timeless book, bright with educated, refined, and intelligent humor, also subtly addresses some of our society's calamities—such as famine, communal riots, and the partition—in a way that becomes relevant from the perspective of today's national crisis. Parts of this work were published in the 1992 Puja edition of 'Desh.' Upon publication, it received immense appreciation and recognition from readers of all strata. The current book is a revised and expanded version of that work. A completely new chapter has been added here. In this second edition, additional writings of the author have been included as appendices, which the author refers to as the 'comprehensive collection of anti-culture.'"