Kaler Putul Ebong by Bipul Das [Hardcover]

"Is North Bengal a separate colony? Where are its borders subtly crumbling from within? On one side, there is Upen’s dotara (a traditional string instrument), and on the other, Ramkishan’s drum accompanying the screenplay of a documentary. Simultaneously unfolds the real story of Bogar from this era, imprisoned by the banks of the Dhobla River. In the background still lingers the presence of ‘Bhuban Joter Bagh.’

The story ‘Kaler Putul’ (The Puppet of Time) narrates the desires and yearnings of three generations of an aristocratic family in North Kolkata. One full moon night, a song by Vrindabati left a single tune incomplete. That incompleteness transforms into clouds, into stories, and finally into rain, descending upon our earthly courtyards.

Crossing the tangible blood and flesh of reality, the tale ‘Body’ explores an otherworldly beauty. Such beauty cannot be confined to a bed, for it has neither flesh nor blood."