Har Har Byomkesh

Undeniably the best Byomkesh after a very long time. Cool and composed, this Byomkesh is more intellectual than active. His activity is centred around his investigations rather than intuitions and thus a logical course follows along the entire movie making the thriller an exciting entertainment.
Based on Saradindu's Bahni-Patanga, the original story has been relocated from Patna to Benaras. The place, the naming of the story and the final sequence seems to be a tribute to the master director who had made both renowned Bengali fictional detectives appear in cinemas.
Though there are several changes in the story which doesn't make the basic plot different from the original but two instances could have been kept unchanged. The first disappointment is at the climax whose prolonged run has taken away much of the suspense. The second mistake however could have been easily avoided. While solving the plot it is revealed that one person, except those who took part in the actual crime, knew the truth all along. The question therefore remains as to the cause of the silence but it remains unjustified throughout.
The acting of everybody in the film is superb devoid of any loquaciousness which really makes the whodunit  a classic hopefully. Special mention must be made of Ritwick who blends the character of Lalmohanbabu as well as Topshe with the characteristics of Ajit thus giving rise to novel yet pleasurable relief sequences.

The Complete Battles of Hastings Vol 2

Containing four of the gripping mysteries penned by Christie, this volume delves deep inside human psychology. When the wife wants her husband dead and Lord Edgware Dies, it remains upto Hercule Poirot to unravel the truth to save the innocent. Following the chilling revelation that shocks many comes the challenge of The ABC Murders where the villain seems to pick victims following alphabetical sequence. It again remains upto Poirot to find a logic behind the randomness to pinpoint the evil. Next is the case of the victim who appoints Poirot through a letter that arrives after her death. Clues are left for the wise along with a Dumb Witness. This is perhaps the most horrifying of the lot where the coldness of the murderer is terrifyingly sketched. The  finale is the Curtain: Poirot's Last Case which seemed more thrilling as I read it after a long time. Undoubtedly this is my favourite Poirot story with the sleuth confronts the ultimate villain as he sits dying from the ailments of the body. The psychology of murder, the identity of probable murderer, how a murder is designed and how it becomes an obsession has never been better analyzed. Thus as curtain comes down to the life of the master detective Arthur Hastings seems to learn more and more whose own character in the backdrop evolves that though markedly contrasts that of his partner but is so much familiar with the readers that they comfortably inside the events resonating with the mood of each tale.

Waiting for the Mahatma

This is one of those stories that started in the expected pace, grew rather boring slowly, seemed losing focus sometimes, but as it neared the finale the grand author again excelled himself. Never had been a fiction more wonderfully blended with the truth.

Sriram was a person yards away from politics yet a curious turn of events converted him to the path of freedom fighters. Was it the presence of Mahatma or was it due to his amorous feelings for Bharati that stimulated the inherent patriot in him might never be understood but the adventures of a confused man is sure to be enjoyed. Several times the protagonist has travelled outside Malgudi but that doesn't prevented another outstanding story to unfold. Mixing humour with sadness as the pages are turned the narrative revels in the spirit of optimism.

Scion of Ikshvaku

Scion of Ikshvaku is different from the Shiva trilogy in several respects. At least to me, whereas the Shiva trilogy had been a new revelation, a completely novel interpretation of mythological characters, but maybe the fact that the epic Ramayana is so much familiar that the surprise is suppressed but the interpretation becomes supreme. But there is one similarity rather a repetition of the central theme. Here too a much deeper plot involves two wise sages who orients the events in the way they want. There is conflict between the two whose origin keeps the suspense heightened.

As Ayodhya is opressed by the trade rules imposed by the demon king Ravaan, people look for a saviour. Ram himself also looks to vanquish the Lankan king. As he gets an opportunity to do only that, it must be the daivi astras that he should use. The law maker in Ram thus uses the weapon for protecting the innocents but forces the punishment of being banned from the Sapt Sindhu for fourteen years as per the Vayuputra's laws.
The Malayputras follow him in their search for the Vishnu but they too seem divided in their ways. It seems that the Vayuputras have also interest in Ram and they send troupes to his side.
Ram and Sita hold their dream of carving an ideal way of life for the Sapt Sindhu.  But as they prepare themselves for the great battle there comes a cruel blow as they are faced with Ravaan's interference.
The text is superb but for the conversations that doesn't do justice to the serious research carried out by the author. But having said that it must also be acknowledged that the concept is fantastic as always. The rationale behind the epics have been so clearly explained, though it sometimes seem too simple, that it becomes a valued read. The composition is compact yet complete that makes the episodes gripping. The evenly paced book is thus an apt prelude to the series.

Operation Red Herring

An unique Colonel Niladri Sarkar mystery told from the perspectives of three different persons, the sleuth, Jayanta and the client.

A case of disappearance, dormant for years, seems suddenly to come to prominence with a flood of threats and a sudden murder of an acquaintance. Was the disappearance a case of kidnapping or was it murder? With that there also appears a Godman with a skeleton that smokes which not only causes a hue and cry but also attracts challenges from the scientific minded. As Colonel is approached to look into the former, Haldermoshai is drawn to the latter. Some very obvious clues make the sleuth skeptic and the title perfect. As it nears the climax, the suspense heightens modulating the mood to keep the excitement at the right scale.

Hatyakari ke?

Those who are avid followers of mystery stories and particularly of Bengali detective fictions have sometime or the other had surely heard of De and his classic of which this brief is about. In a fortunate turn of events, I had got hold of a copy of this narrative quite a long time ago though I studied it just recently. It had been an experience. The concise plot gave it just the right flavour. Added with this were the organized plot, an unique way of storytelling that actually contained the essence of mystery fiction, the superb touch of thrill, the simple yet uncanny trick of camouflaging the motive till the last and last but not the least the fretful albeit shrewd investigator. This must read gave me a deeper insight to the rich and deep rooted culture of analytical detective fictions that had glorified Bengali literatures through centuries.

The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories

The collection contains a bunch of Christie stories that are not all detective fiction but related to crime in one way or the other. The classic Christie touch is predominant in Song of Sixpence and The Second Gong, the last featuring the "irreproachably dressed" private eye Hercule Poirot. Each is a murder mystery which is solved by the pro and involves the obvious clue cleverly hidden by the masterly literature. The Mystery of the Blue Jar and The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl are fascinating narratives where humour and suspense intersperse to offer the timely reliefs among the short thrillers. The Fourth Man is a tale of the supernaturals and so are The Red Signal and S.O.S. though in the later two suspense and detection plays the upper hand. Where There's a Will is a thrilling revelation of exploitation of the human psychology but its apt climax assures no gain to the evil. But nothing compares to the spine- chilling Accident and the terrifying revelation of Philomel Cottage. The opening anecdote of The Witness for the Prosecution is a mix of mystery, thrill and suspense which combine to keep it different than the rest.

Bittabasana

A Sankar classic which I had read once long time back had been etched in the memory for its realistically ruthless plot that portrays how ambition can drive a human to deception and cruelty. It picturises the human character that adapts itself selfishly at the slightest cue to attain a future of prosperity. How the purity of social bonds are broken by the coldness of the heart, how misdirections are intentionally introduced to profit a few is revealed at the final twist. Its relevance seem to be eternally true as the camouflaged honesty of rich though had been a quite old plot but the characters had been so sincerely depicted that they seem real life.



The Mystery of the Talking Skull

An age old trunk left by a magician who had vanished "from the world of men" reveals more than a magician's items. A talking skull that sneezes and boo's leaves a trail for the investigators to follow. It seems that the trunk contains clue to some old crime that had remained unsolved. Thus the investigators are presented with more than a single mystery that seems to border the supernaturals. To solve they not only required to know the history but also about those who were related with the trunk and its contents. With this comes a curious threat that leaves no option but to solve the case no matter what. So again there is excitement in the menu but adventure takes a backseat while analysing clues keep the suspense alive.

Fools Die

Set in the backdrop of the Las Vegas and Hollywood ambience the narrative becomes monotonous after a suspenseful beginning. Corruption rules supreme among every social strata. Infidelity becomes the order of the day. Casino manager, corporate chiefs as well as writers live a life of bluffs and lust camouflaged by their wealth and cunning. But with materials like these the story spends much time in exploring the characters and so the excitement is only at the final chapters. The piece is thus more of a study of how corruption plays the pivotal role of shaping the character and the future which, looked from another perspective seems so much predictive. This strange yet convincing philosophy is the crux of the prose though it seemed to have lesser effect.

Punascha Professor Shonku

The collection contains

• Ascharjantu
• Shonku o Adim Manush
• Shonkur Parolokcharcha
• Professor Rondir Time Machine

The range of the stories span from the prehistorics to the future. Quite interestingly one of the stories actually starts with a failure of Shonku in devising a new instrument but the adventure remains supreme. Another contains an inkling of today's X-Men, maybe the visionary in Ray could also imagine the extended realms of imagination too. The shadow of a Conan Doyle theme and the afterlife becomes the theme of another exciting adventure. There is the prehistoric man and human evolution that is also investigated. A further appeal is the coloured photographs that had been a rarity in Ray classics. But altogether these are not so exciting as the older adventure. So for completing the collection this is a necessity but may not be satisfying to many.

The Secret of Skeleton Island

The legend of a pirate treasure, frequent theft from a movie location, ghost in a merry go round, chance to act in a movie, the investigators could not have wished for more. But as they are stranded the first day in a deserted island at the mercy of nature by a seemingly normal fellow it seemed that somebody did not want detectives on the Skeleton Island. So though the detectives start their acting stunts and their investigations of the thefts there seems to be something very fishy going on. A young Greek boy seemed to be the common suspect of all though this particular kid appears at all the odd hours to help these three. The local police don't seem to bother much about the thefts but the investigators sense something more serious. But the secret seems fathoms deep as the investigators tries to hunt for clues in vain.

This childhood favourite among the series seemed still to hold the same appeal as always. As the story closes, the revelations are both thrilling and satisfying.

The Mystery of the Vanishing Treasure

A baffling theft in a museum and an inexplicable case of gnome sighting, the investigators were presented with a double mystery though the former was not officially handed over to them until quite some time. But even then, Jupe could not have been so easily put off from nosing but for the second case that sounded ominous and intriguing enough. So though Hans, one of the two Bavarian brothers and helping hands of the Jones Salvage Yard, advised otherwise, Jupe and slightly reluctant Pete and Bob ultimately agreed for solving these mysterious gnome sightings. However they never realized that underneath the sightings of these creatures of the fairy tales, a sinister plot was unfolding. Also they never knew that a very important clue to the jewel robbery of the museum also was coming their way. So the investigators were set for yet another exciting ride of detection and thrill with clues that were all there but wisely hidden by their simplicity. The narrative is fast paced, intelligent and sure to bring hours of enjoyment to readers of any age.

Nyayanistha Nyashnashir K(n)aata

What started as a very complex plot turned out to be a fantastic mystery novel. From its very title I was way too much confused with the meaning and the plot. It is true that I did not consult a thesaurus due to my characteristic idle nature and though the meaning was already clear by the back cover note of Sanyal but still the novel was way too complex as clues were few and the apparent motive was never convincing. So as the story progressed the mind was more and more confused. The usual style of digression in the form of incessant dialogues befitting a movie script only increased the monotonicity. But all was converged with a brilliant twist that made the novel a classic. It is really one of the P.K. Basu novel that I will cherish forever because of its novelty. The apparent lack of motive with a hint so subtle could not have been handled in a cleverer way in a mystery thriller. Another very interesting part is the front cover photograph which will seem a printing mistake but its explanation inside will also make the book a collector's item. I purchased it among a collection of old stocks, at a price that will make others jealous, which proved to be one of the most fortunate choices.

Sadhu Kalach(n)ad Samagra

 Some innocent mischiefs, a little bit of good fortune and a huge lot of imagination - this seems to be the apt description of the adventures of Sadhu Kalach(n)ad. With a slightly long prelude Sadhu Kalach(n)ad Katha by Kinnar Ray, the volume contains pages of fun, entertainment and humour without a trace of malice. With his acute common sense, an honest heart and an eye for opportunity, this precursor of Tenida and with slightly behavioural resemblance to Pagla Dashu, Kalach(n)ad is yet another classic addition to the hall of fame of Bengali literature. I distinctly remember reading one of his exploits at a very young age, that was contained in a collection of several short stories including Satyajit Ray's Khagam but after that this character had disappeared into the oblivion. infact i did not remember the story also very well but when I chanced across the title in the booklist at the Book Fair, I did not loose an instant but to get hold of it after a bit of searching among the stock. This wonderful collection contains

• Sadhu Kalach(n)ad
• Sadhu Kalach(n)ader Palakeertan
• Sadhu Kalach(n)ader Natun Kaaj
• Sadhu Kalach(n)ader Future
• Sadhu Kalach(n)ader Falao Karbar
• Sadhu Kalach(n)ader Medineepuran
• Jungle Liner Nanasahe
• Cashier Kalach(n)ad
• Tutor Kalach(n)ad
• Spy Guy
• Babar Badshar Ghash
• Mahakasher Dhulo

The uniqueness of Kalach(n)ad is that he mixes himself in not only his village episodes that contains his encouter with the supernaturals, but his exploits also spans over the country and serves in the wars. Though the stories are chronologically arranged, but each story contains a summary of the previous episodes which though seems a bit monotonous as each chapter proceeds but is apt if the reader tries to enjoy the stories at random without feeling out of context. This charming compilation is sure to etch pleasant memories in the minds of its readers.

The Dark Room

As the back cover so succinctly puts it, the poignant tale of the housewife tormented by the indifferent husband could not have been better told. The pathos of an Indian lady, single-handedly caring for the house and its inhabitants with a husband who feels that being the earning member justifies in his every action, is etched in a steady pace along the chapters. With his characteristic humour and the keen eye to the social structure, Narayan seems to excel himself in this anecdote as he brings out the reality with which the opposite sex is so often treated so easily. Mothering three children and keeping a sound belief in her husband, the lady of the house is stunned when she finds herself betrayed of her faith. As frustration piles up, she is forced to leave the house but the love and affection for her children seemed to get the better of her. The author sketches the sorrow of the housewife and the hollow pride of the upper caste and highlights it by the stark contrast of the lower strata of the society that reveals a more human nature. The tale is another reminiscent of the day to day events that is pictured perfectly with the realistic touch.

Goenda Gargi Samagra (1)

As far as my understanding goes from the short introduction at the back cover of the book it tries to draw parallel with the likes of Byomkesh and Feluda and apparently infers that the sleuth in Gargi had attracted the inquisitive attention of the Bengali readers.

True, it surely attracts attention, but not for its appeal as a mystery story but for the lack of it. I've read Gargi for the young readers and had been inspired by it to buy this one. But it had been a serious mistake. The three stories, viz. Irshar Sabuj Chokh, Bohe Bish Batash and Holud Khamer Rahasya may be ranked as good in the reverse order. This ranking may summarise why the stories could not be as gripping. The concluding one of the volume is the shortest and just by virtue of its length, the gripping tension will keep the readers focussed on the plot. The other two have used a host of characters and several interlacing themes but the way these are introduced just make the story lengthy and takes out any juice in the mystery. The pace have always been fast, infact too fast for the suspense to gather the right momentum and thus the climax is always so unrealistic, borrowing the good old Feluda theme of a meeting will all the characters but without the life in it. Each story had the content of a suspense drama and the characters so similar to those of a Sankar novel but again what is missing, is the reality!

Often the author has mentioned the sharp intellect of Gargi, her acute sense of observations, her skill in identifying the rationale, her ingenuity in analysis but this could have been more subtly highlighted rather mentioned. Emotions run high at certain parts but these dry up the next instant. Criminals are unmasked but only limited words are used to describe their reactions. The spouse of a  murdered victim gets married within a short while. The MD of a busy company finds time to do sleuthing equally efficiently as the business. Add to this is the unique spellings that the print use. With an overabundance of illicit relationships, the stories seem to repeat motives over and over again. Thus each story could have been made more compact without elaborations in parts.

My recommendation is read at its own risk!

Rusty Goes to London

After going through the Vagrants in the Valley, it was an automatic choice that I follow Rusty to London and back. The book which sketches the making of a writer in the young Rusty is filled with the easy paced humour laced anecdotes that not only refreshes the spirits but lifts it too. As the young Rusty tries to earn a living as a writer he is faced with a myriad of adventures including meeting the ghost of Kipling and Sherlock Holmes in person! He is first given shelter by his relatives but curiously he feels more at home with persons coming from India and other parts of Asia. But this does not keep him facing strange incidents, once in a Chinese restaurant and another time at his residence celebrating a Calypso Christmas with a strange bunch of friends and friends of friends. But it was only obvious that he return to the hills of Dehra and tries his fortune at the place where he actually belong. So Rusty severed his ties with the land he thinks is foreign and traces his path back. Once in Dehra he is again drawn to the magical beauty not only of the town but also of the people. The town also never fails to delight him with its assortments of 'nuts', a circus from which a tiger escapes, visions of his loving father, a princess and her incredible mother. The narratives here contain some mature contents but believe me the way it has been presented not only shows the ingenuity of the author but also will bring nothing short of a smile to your lips. The sheer enjoyment of reading the chapters will enthral the readers and once it is finished they will long for more. It is very noble of Puffin that the series has been chronologically ordered for the very first time but I feel that a reader does not need to start from the first to enjoy the appeal. Another notable aspect of the book is illustrations by Kallol Majumder which makes reading more and more appealing.

Spider's Web

Based on the play of Christie, Spider's Web is an interesting murder mystery novelised by Charles Osborne. Owing to its source, the settings of the narrative makes it less a novel than a multi act play. But with that too, the story is full of suspense interspersed with humour - the original being categorized aptly in the tailpiece as a comedy-thriller - with a signature Christie twist at the climax. It all starts when the wife of a Government official, stumbles upon a body, clearly the victim of a murder, in their library. The man is found to be a sleazy drug dealer and an womanizer, intenseley loathed by her step daughter. To protect the immediate suspect, the daughter of her husband, she tries to take the help of three of her visitors in dumping off the body and concocts a story to support their alibi. But before being able to carry out the part, a mysterious caller informs the police about the murder. As the police arrives and holds an inquest, the situation becomes more confused as each tries to make a story of their own. It becomes more complicated as the body seems to vanish as the medical officer arrives. The house itself, filled with camouflaged passages and furnitures with secret recesses, makes the investigation still more complex. Added to this is the absence of any apparent motive. The backdrop thus set the suspense is heightened and it remains upon the innocents to prove what is wrong and which is right. A very enthralling mystery where the web is woven with care it remains a refreshing read by virtue of its unique style of storytelling.

Lubdhak

Of all the Nabarun Bhattacharya's works that I've read this is by far the best. This is just poetry phrased as a narrative. Depicting the magic realism where dogs are being butchered by men, it just mirrors the suffering of the oppressed class by the whims of the oppressors. In this when hopes seem to be vanish, the sufferers always find someone who guides them from misery.

At that point a strange bond unites them that washes away differences and there arises a silent revolution whose might is feared by the powerful. As Doomsday approaches in its steady steps, it is only the ruthless that is punished. The author has painted the reality with his signature style of analogies that is unique indeed. Interestingly this will inspire hope in the hearts of the confused and the lonely. Though the mind may be numbed but the conscience will be clearer as the readers reach the closing pages.

Kolkatar Shaitan

Himanish Goswami's sleuth stories featuring Kittu in the forefront and the actual brains Baghakaka, in the shadows had been my favourite in my younger days. So when I found this relic among the bright covers in the Bookfair I lost no time but bought it at a price that also was reminiscent of slightly older days. But it was a bit disappointing to find that these stories, meant not for young, could not come up to the mark. The first story bearing the title of the book Kolkatar Shaitan was more of an adventure than a proper mystery while the other Khaturiar Jibanabasan had the ingredients and really fooled me with an obvious clue but lacked enthusiasm and it was only Supriyapishi's refreshing snippets that proved to be the highlights in both the narratives.

Goenda Gayeb

The justification of the title is apparent only slightly as the reader goes thru the 1st but the climax in the 2nd really bears a link to the same. That the book contains a couple story is in itself a surprise and the later one is really more interesting than the other. Unforutunately, there is no new title to the later story and thus we have to refer to them as first and second only!

In the first Sunanda, with his band of young adventurers solves the crime somewhat stumbling on the clues, but in the second, his deductions are more like professionals. Also the second one contains a very interesting episode, where it explains the events following one of the earlier stories, whose conclusion posed to the readers several questions as to the fate of the young detective. Infact as I read the story, I started to remember the same from the pages of Anandamela which first introduced me to the young sleuth.

Coming back to the main storylines, the first introduces the plot but finally the motives of the murders remains unexplained. Contrastingly, the other one is more interesting and though the band of detectives is not present, but Sunanda cleverly directs his own investigations with his unsuspecting companion in the correct path.

In both, help comes from the officials during unexpected yet welcome moments and the emotions of the boy detective in distress is very realistically revealed in the final story. Devoid of cell phones and other modern modes of communications, these charming old world scenario make these adventures more exciting.

Jabar Baro

This particular collection of Ray's dozen stories seems a bit disappointing as though it contains one of the most varied collections ranging from some of his short stories, punched with some of Tarineekhuro's narratives, culminating in the traditional style with a Feluda story and also containing, for the first time, a play and a couple of vernacular translations of Ray's english stories, but it lacks the regular Ray charm. Though Tarineekhuro returns in style with Mahim Sanyaler Ghatana, Ganatkat Tarineekhuro and Galpabolie Tarineekhuro, the twists progressing more unpredictably and enjoyably more than before but curiously Sakuntalar Kantahar lacks the characteristic Feluda wit and the Ray humour. The translations, courtesy Sreemati Bijaya Ray, titled Puraskar and Barnandha, matching in their theme and another very interesting aspect that the characters are nameless, but they are contrastingly enjoyable and gloomy respectively. Haaui is a refreshing play and as far as I can place it, this is an adaptation of one of the author's own short stories. Shilpi and Pratikriti are again thematically similar but while the first has a delightful twist the later is abrupt and disappointing. Abhiram begins with a promise of suspense augmented by its illustrations but the climax is almost totally predictable. But the best of the collection is Mrigankababur Ghatana which borders sci-fi and will be remembered by the readers for its classic blend of psychology, suspense and the signature twist which again reminds us of the master story teller. Brajaburo reflects another socio-psychological aspect which is enjoyable as a story and reveals the stark truth of loneliness.

So though it is a collector's item for completing the Ray works but some of the narratives are far from the average as far as the author is concerned. So readers may shop for it but might as well keep their expectations a few octaves low. The illustrations are though not all by the author but the others has done justice to the stories. These are at par will the original style of the author.