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.

Sarbanashinee

The story handed over to me by one of my webfriends can be considered a collector's item just because it is written by none other than P(n)achkadi De, one of the pioneers of Bengali detective fiction. But strangely enough this was not a mystery story and as I was beginning to feel disappointed about it, soon the mood changed as it unfolded to a gripping horror narrative set in the hills of North Bengal. Little did I knew about Shri De but for this short story that introduced the author with his complete literary skill as fear unfolded silently as the story progressed. Designed in a series of letters a horrifying incident seem to repeat as the thirsty spirit craved for human sacrifices to redeem the sin committed long ago. Maybe this plot, not apparently such a novel one now, had been the inspiration for several authors down the line whose works are more popular to us and whose penmanship had metamorphosed the plot in various hues through the ages. It had been a revelation to me and I think I am starting to become a fan of the author.