Nante Fante Collection I

Picked spontaneously from a bookfair, as I went through the pages, several nostalgic memories seemed to overwhelm me. Not only was Nante-Fante my first official storybook which I read but the pack of boarding school members including the wicked Keltu and the fearsome Superintendent had been my best of friends for a very long time. As I grew old, the comics gave way to more serious materials but the innocent frolicks penned by Narayan Debnath still lingered in the heart. So though these comic strips disappeared beneath the piles of papers addressed to the wastepaper bin their memories was etched deep down in me. This I felt, when I suddenly came across the collection consisting of chapters 1-3 in the bookfair and without thinking more, bought the 1st volume then and there. The naivity of the characters that came alive in the sketches of Shri Debnath still refreshed the minds and some of them produced peals of laughter even now.  Enjoying Nante-Fante playing tricks on Keltuda and, sometimes, even on themselves while trying to help the needy, I seemed to realize or better to say, prove for myself that age can never be a bar while enjoying humour devoid of malice.

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.

Natak Samagra Vol 2

The volume starts with Bishnu Dey's intrdocution titled Manoj Mitrer Biswaser Jagat that prepares the reader for the collage that awaits them in two sections - Purnanga Natak and Ekanka Natak, the later containing one-act plays while the former complete dramas.

It starts with the famous Sajano Bagan and Bancha its protagonist whose passion for his garden that he had designed from a small patch of land rejected by the owner of the land. But the garden under his loving care flourishes to such an extent that it becomes the matter of envy to the next owner who tries several ways to snatch it from Bancha. Several humourous sequences abound, but the drama carries an underlying message for the love of the land that will be remembered whosoever reads it or watches it. In the next Aswatthama, a mythological play based on the titular character of Mahabharata and set in the last chapters of the Kurukshetra war, it tries to sketch the events in a different light. The mood swings to a lighter note with Rajdarshan, where a materialistic man transforms to a rationale self, thanks to his adventure that Providence allowed him to experience. Then comes the eerie Nekre, the apparition that stalks the evil and fear of the werewolf permeates in the minds of the beholders until the climax that is even more engaging than the plot. In Darpane Saratshashi, the exploitation of women in drama has been narrated set on the day's of Girish Ghosh. Again this excellent compilation lightens the mood but touches on the plight of the poor in Siver Asadhyi, where the Almighty Siva and his family beholds the right and the wrong among the mortals during the festive season of DurgaPuja.

The one-act play section is even more engaging, starting with Sandhyatara, that deals with the everlasting disrespect to the parents by their children whose only interest in the elders remains focussed on the wealth they will be leaving and who doesn't care to give a damn for their sentiments. But the interesting twist in the final pages will no doubt make the reader enjoy this among the rest. Tapur Tupur deals with a more personal issue where a couple tries to evade disgrace in the face of their wretched finances. In the next the Chokhe Angul Dada is brought to trial in the Heaven where the Almighty shows his own faults to which this man was blind so long as he spent the days in Earth just by noting the shortcomings of others. Kaalbihanga is another social drama which seems too short for its completeness but no doubt can convey the message home. A humorous Two-in-One, is not so good as a plot but is only enjoyable due to its unique comedy. Next comes the perfectionist in the bachelor Madan whose humorous plight as he travels to seek fortune from his village leaving his ailing family to the city is narrated by his own lips in Aami Madan Bolchi is both enlightening and enjoyable. Prabhat Fire Esho is a wonderful drama that consists of several stunning twists that shows evolution of characters and the mask they possess.

The entire volume is enjoyble but for the content page that contains several gross mistypes which must be rectified as early as possible.

Samagra Kishore-Sahitya Vol. I

The content runs as

• Aamar Katha
• Stories

• Matsya-Puran
• Atha Nimantran Bhojan
• Dadheechi, Poka o Viswakarma
• Sabhapati
• Khattanga o Pallanna
• Bhuture
• Camouflage
• Policer Karbari Alaada
• Dhaus
• Romanchakar Banduk
• Kuttimamar Dantya-Kahini
• Thale Rahasya
• Daitya-Sangeet
• Sanghatik
• Peshawar ki Aameer
• Bhaloe-Bhaloe
• Banbhojoner Bepar
• Py(n)acha o Pa(n)chugopal
• Parer Upakar Korio Na
• Sei Boiti
• Charanamrita
• Ekti Football Match
• Duranta Nouka-Bhraman
• Durdharsha Motor-Cycle
• Kuttimamar Haater Kaaj
• Upanyas
• Andhakarer Agantuk
• Charmurti
• Charmurtir Abhijaan
• Kabita, Chora o Prabandha

"Di-La-Grandi Mefistofilis", on hearing this, a vast majortiy of Bengali readers will at once respond with the apt cry of "Yaak Yaak!" Yes I'm talking about Charmurti: the adorable quad comprising of Habul, Kyabla, Pyala the narrator and last but certainly not the least Tenida. The volume contains hilarious episodes centering them and several other characters that have come alive by the able penmanship of Narayan Gangopadhyay.The volume starts with the author narrating about his entry into the Bengali literary world - of his childhood passion for writing stories - of his enthusiastic fan who prompted him into writing novels based on the fantastic and romantic imaginations of the youth - all woven so beatifully that the reader will immediately be captivated by the enchanting storytelling of Shri Gangopadhyay.The comic sequences, the enjoyable embarrassments, the memorable misunderstandings and above all the fantastic adventures all combined will produce peals and peals of laughter from the readers. Nostalgic events, some serious articles and a thrilling novel comprises a part of the book but above all comedy prevails in its most extravagant way without a trace of malice that had made it a classic of all times. The hilarious adventures had at once made it a favourite and a cherished collection from my early childhood and even now when I go through, it ups the mood immensely. Spontaneous comedy of this sort had been so long absent from Bengali literature that its charm has been ever increasing and I always recommend this to any person who loves to smile. I'm certain this will make them laugh and those who loves to laugh let them find the true stimulant. The only parallel being Jerome K. Jerome and P.G. Wodehouse, the author, in my opinion will always remain a king of comedy stories. Even the little verses that has ornamented the book hints at the comic genius in the author.

Kangaal Maalsat

When Fyatarus teams up with Choktars - the experts in Black Magic ... and the ally is advised by the raven and a spirit ... and the Choktars unleashes a flock of UFOs then the government is paralyzed with panic and impending disaster. Add to this Nabarun Bhattacharyas style of narration and the reader enjoys another spell of guilty pleasure of the coarse and vulguar but hilarious and fun filled narrative where the beggers who are supposed to be not choosers utters the war cry that causes pandemonium in the city of joy.

Fyatarur Bombachak O Anyanya

I don’t know in which category I’ll classify this book dedicated on the exploits of people belonging to the order of Fyataru. Is it comedy? Is it satire? Is it a vulgar reminder to devulgarise (this is not proper grammar, but who cares when I’m describing Fyataru) our society? I really don’t know how I’ll categorize the magic realism created by Nabarun Bhattacharya but it's a real winner for the lonely souls. In the opening narrative Fyataru, a senior Fyataru Madan recruits a newcomer whom he designates DS, in honour of his favourite brand of alcohol. He teaches him to fly by chanting “Fyat Fyat Sai Sai” and teaches him the principle of the organization – to create chaos wherever possible. DS reunites with his estranged wife in Fyatarur Bombachak who had previously eloped with his client. In Boimelae Fyataru, the duo steals books from Bookfair taking advantage of the fire and creates panic among the security as they flies off with the loot. Quite contrastingly in Subhobibahe Fyataru, they stop a corrupt businessman to get his son wedded a second time after killing his first wife. In Biswacape Fyataru the pair enjoys relaxing moments watching the world cup final in the colour television snitched from a rich man's house for just a few hours and returned it after the match thus creating more confusion in the process. In the vulgarly humorous Rabindrajayanti (Aqua)-te Fyataru the revenge against insult on a Fyataru’s work of art is being taken one year after in the most comical fashion possible. Though Purandar Bhat (is Bhat an abbreviated edition of Bhattacharya) appears in the story but his induction in the Fyataru gang is depicted in the following tale Kavi Sammelane Fyataru. In Bangla Sahitye Fyatarur Abadan the Fyatarus save an author from denouncing alcoholism. The author reappears in Fasion Parade Fyataru where he seeks help of Fyataru who succeeds in avoiding possible elopement of his wife. Embarrassing situations continue in Sadhu Samagame Fyataru where they cause immense trouble at the country’s capital. The final is how Fyatarus create global terror in Global Terror O Fyataru where international panic is created by them.

Thus the Fyataru organization proves their mettle in all of their exploits and though vulgar and coarse languages abound but it provides guilty pleasure for sure. Its parallel can only be Tenida and Charmurti but the version is contrastingy vulgar.

Kaminir Kanthahar

Being a fan of detective fictions, I always try new detective whose name sprout among the numerous books in the stalls. Nirendranath Chakravarty's investigator Bhadurimoshai was one such revelation to me. Previously my acquintance with Nirendranath's works dates back to the days of my childhood when I eagerly waited for the periodical Anandamela whose editor was Shri Chakravarty. His rhyming editorial was sometimes the first thing that I would look into and from so young an age I'd considered him to be some sort of Dadumoni to young ones like us. In the first impression Bhadurimoshai also resembled the grand old man but as Kaminir Kanthahar proceeded tha fascination gave way to increasing irritation at the way Bhadurimoshai was conducting his investigation of a blakmail. Contradictory situations and conversations along with glaring mistakes seemed to dilute mystery but the story seemed to be enriched by the two realistic characters in the form of the sleuth's associates. The first was Kiranbabu the narrator, truly representing the poetic self of Nirendranath, whose description of events vividly portrayed the ambience and the other was Sadanandababu a slighter version of the legendary Jatayu who provided reliefs in the monotonous annoyance of the investigative procedure. The book contains another story Jaal-Bhejaal which is the better one. Though slight mistakes abound and the contradictory slow pace of action not suited for detective adventures, but the plot is more compact and the slight hint of unrealism that also been utilized cleverly to account for coincidences makes it a more enjoyable read. The literary style is also fantastic. But the disappointment includes projection of everybody except personnel of Charu Bhaduri Investigations as unrealistically stupid, superior authority of civilian over police force that is unbelievable. The character Sadanandababu has been the only character that makes the narratives refreshing and gives them much needed realistic touch. A few days after I went through I realized that the main thing it was lacking was mystery in its real sense of term. The criminals were already being hinted at and what remained was the action involving their capture. Thus real mystery solving never found a good stronghold. This will no doubt deter serious readers from becoming engaged to the character though the literary style and storytelling was quite nice.

Hemendrakumar Rachanabali Vol - XV

The Hemendrakumar Rachanabali starts with a collection of horror stories, the first being Mohanpurer Sashan. Besides the title story in contains several others which will give you the creeps as you go through them. But in Jeebanta Mreetadeha the details are more about one of the great floods at Contai where the plight of a family and their visitors are described. The collection ends with Abhishapta Murti that relates how a cursed statue found half-buried in Konark terrorizes a family. As the horror series ends begins the adventure Jakshapatir Ratnapuri as observed from the perspective of Bimal, in which a chance incident at Calcutta directs Bimal and Kumar on an exciting trail of ancient treasure whose clue is planted in a curious little riddle. Next comes the best Digvijayee Napoleon, that is nothing short of a magnificent ode written in prose for one of the greatest emperors of all times. Not only was the emperor in Napoleon has been detailed but his astute war tactics, his intellect, his erudite soul and his passionate patriotism blended with his misfortunes and fortunes – all have been narrated with a passionate zeal in this prose. The next again brought back cherished memory of my childhood as Firoza-Mukut Rahasya was a whodunit that I had earlier read in a book of collection of mystery stories. The best part of the story was that the evidence against the supposed criminal was so strong it was left upon Jayanta’s sharp intellect to look beneath the strata of the apparently straightforward events and unearth the real culprit and the stolen fragment of the seemingly priceless Firoza crown. The detective’s adventure continues in the collection Jayantar Adventure that contains a handful of short stories with Jayanta-Manik and Sundarbabu in action solving curious crimes as narrated by Manik. It starts with the murder mystery in Bansai Rahasya that the sleuth solves humoring the police force. In Kamrar Mamla, the intriguing plot is shrewdly solved by Jayanta but the escape of the murderer after the crime was not very convincing. The next Double Mamlar Hamla was a plot where an apparent suicide turned into a cruel murder mystery. It is followed by the short but stylish Aprilasya Pratham Dibase whose title itself provides the clue to the entire story. The making of a sleuth is Jayanta at his younger days is depicted in the next, Revolver whose title and the opening few lines are sufficient to provide the main plot of the tale.

Rajar Chithi 1942

 http://calcuttatube.com/rajar-chithi-1942-bengali-drama-review/159169/

Pagla Saheber Kabar

The seemingly good-for-nothing Haribandhu was admitted much against his wish to a reformatory school at Motiganja so as to improve on his academic skills that seem to be limited to only Bengali poetry. As he started his days on the new school, from the very first day onwards, he seemed to be on the wrath of several of the older students whose ragging continued even after school hours and outside the school premises. Only one of his classmates, Gopal befriended him and protected him from the rest. Haribandhu also was offerred wisdom from Patal, apparently a common thief, but possessed wondrous martial arts' skills. Above all these was the mysterious mad Englishman - a legend - nobody knew whether he was living or dead - who appeared on his galloping white horse whenever somebody at Motiganja needed help. Infact he saved Haribandhu on several occassions. The presence of this apparition not only intrigued Haribandhu but also his legend haunted him likewise. Queer people seemed to protect the legend from sinister forces at Motiganja. Several attempts were made on the life of Haribandu and his well wishers. As Hari tried hard to cope with these along with the snags in his studies suddenly he finds himself central to everybody's attentions. Can he understand the reason for these and will he manage to do the undoable? As the plot gradually unfolds, the author presents an enjoyable adventure for both the old and the young!

K(n)aatae K(n)aatae - VI

The collection contains

·        Dress Rehearsaler K(n)aata

·        Monalisar K(n)aata

·        Ishkabon-Bibir K(n)aata

·        Haripada Keranir K(n)aata

of which the last couple are undoubtedly adapted Christie pieces, which I’ve read and so can’t give any credit to the originality. But the other two are really good though it seemed a bit complicated. But as I am continuously reading the author’s detective creations it is becoming increasingly like a school teacher’s talk rather than a narration. Also the use of quotations and references from famous literary pieces is sometimes too much for an ordinary reader like me. The main thing that is very much disheartening in these pieces is unlike Holmes, Marple, Byomkesh, Poirot, Father Brown or for that matter Feluda stories, the crux of analysis and detection seems diluted by uncalled for humour and incessant use of metaphors. The stillness of the analytical mind, unperturbed by the disquiet ambience is never felt rather forced into believing by the author, so uncharacteristic of mystery novels that I am used to.

K(n)aatae K(n)aatae - V

P.K. Basu’s four exploits are compiled in this volume starting with Bisher K(n)aata, whose naming itself is a pointer to the clue of a murder that takes place in the very heart of Calcutta. Two vengeful ladies, an irritating lover, a doctor with a revolver all seems to have a reason for murder. But who had dealt the fateful blow – it is for the detective to uncover! The next in the series Darpane Pratibimbita K(n)aata was an old one for me and so won’t bore with its summary that I’d earlier depicted. It is followed by Sakal K(n)aata Dhanya Kore, which could have been easily be said to be the best creation of the author in this collection, but for the fact that it is just a straight adaptation of a foreign novel. So, no credit for the author for the plot but for the way of adaptation with the ambience shifted from European backdrop to an Asian one without harming the mood of the story. The story actually gets its name as the Basus become granddad and grandmom when Sujata gives birth to a daughter. The next one Ch(n)aparanger Murshidabadi Sareer K(n)aata also could have been a classic but for its abrupt ending and some over simplified rationale. The father of the murdered victim seemed so less emotional and Basu’s inferences seemed bordering clairvoyance sometimes. This said, it is again very much irritating to find not only Basu but his clients and associates are also so much happy to dress like Europeans. Sanyal’s characters in his Basu novels are all so alike one another that each lacks any kind of individuality. The intelligence level of the important characters, barring Basu who can be considered no less than a living encyclopedia, is almost always the same, all are so adapt in engineering idioms, everybody loves to speak in riddles and metaphors. These may seem appealing at the beginning but the limitation is very much apparent for this style as it automatically restricts variation in the manner of storytelling. Also, a detective story, according to me, must focus mainly on the mystery and detection with only subtle touch to emotions and the rest. But Sanyal’s way of getting carried off at the emotional moments very often squeezes the very essence of suspense and intrigue. Finally a complain to the compilation as, contrary to the belief, I suddenly discovered that the compilations are not at all chronological and reference to previously unread chronicles may act spoilers and also change the otherwise fast paced tempo of the primary story.

The Complete Professor Challenger

I don’t know what attracted me most during ’97, the title that I came across for the 1^st time or the appealing price tag so much encouraging as to coax my parents easily into buying this for me. At that point of time Conan Doyle, to me, was the creator of Sherlock Holmes and a few spine chilling terrifying anecdotes. What I didn’t know was that he was equally brilliant in the realms of science fiction and when it comes to merge the limitless imagination that science offers in literature, none other than Sir Arthur will come as one of the greatest in the British literature.

Professor Challenger had been a creation of Conan Doyle whose brain matched Holmes (both Sherlock and Mycroft) and whose curiosity in the field of science seemed to match none than his own enterprising soul. On one hand his pride prevented him from mixing with the common man on the other hand a logical brain was all welcome for him. All these combined, we start with this brilliant professor as he guides an apparently odd crew of the adventurous and ever cool Lord John Roxton (very much reflecting in appearance and mannerism to Sherlock Holmes), the apprehensive professor of Comparative Anatomy, Summerlee and the young and daring Edward D. Malone of the Daily Gazette in their epic exploration of The Lost World near the perilous seclusion of the Amazon that seemed to crawl in the Jurassic Age with the pre-historic dinosaurs and the missing links abound. The plateau built on the remains of a dormant volcano offered adventure of the highest degree that gives the readers a glimpse to the age so remote that we can only imagine in our dreams. The narration was so vividly exciting and the descriptions of the flora and fauna so realistically done that one can only crave for more once the narrative ends. Mixed with the usual humour of Conan Doyle’s, the novel uses Edward Malone’s views of the adventure. This bold young man’s exploits as he discovers the new land and also his true self is most enjoyable in the sense that the readers – the new beholders in the strange land – discovers the uniqueness right with him and thus the surprises and awes that is felt by Malone transmits well to the readers. Though this had been a second read by me but still surprises blossom once more as if I was reading it anew.

The next in the series is one of the peaks of imagination in which the author so easily dwells that exposes the Earth in a shroud of The Poison Belt which pervades the world and all that is living causing apparent death to the entire living race except amoebas which though promises life in a future million year. The ingenuity of Challenger seems to delay the onset to his friends but that too for a few hours before which their living self seemed sure to perish. But the ultimate revelation of the story is sure to bring relief from a sheer tension that gradually builds to its maximum by the classic penmanship of the writer. Another important aspect of the narrative is the introduction of Mrs. Challenger in the proper sense that her personality had come to fore. Mixed with the same feeling of awe and wander the narrative once more promises an adventure of a different type that though is curious but surely enjoyable.

Following these two adventures is another most curious and more convincing in The Land of Mist where spiritualism challenges the erudite Challenger. The adventures begin with Malone as he delves as the representative of the press into the realms of various spiritual circles, both at home and abroad. Challenger, obviously is irritated at this but Malone, after being convinced of the truthfulness of the afterlife tries to persuade the professor on the path of spiritualism. Lord Roxton, a sympathizer to the cause, also joins in. Romance also is a part of the novel that goes hand in hand with the adventure. Conan Doyle has added some significant incidents in the Appendices that, along with the story itself, will no doubt, convert many a non-believer to a believer. The patient but firm way is which several of the supernatural events have been established bears the fact that the author was not only a believer but also participant in several of the rescue circles, séances and experiments concerning spiritualism. It is also noted that his wife was a medium and along with her, he had joined in several sessions of séances that helped clearing out any doubts that he may have felt. Some very remarkable experiences and evidences are being shared that will also help in establishing the truth that lies behind the misty land where the traditional scientific brain hesitates to traverse.

The fourth in the series is The Disintegration Machine, where we find Professor Challenger less as a scientist than a dutiful citizen. Requested to investigate a seemingly fantastic yet dangerous scientific invention, prudence prevails till the climax and a classic twist reflects a part of his character yet unknown to the beholders of his exploits.

But the best, at least my favourite, is When The World Screamed that at once tells us the height of fascinating imagination that the author was capable of. Truly a marvelous work of fiction this piece alters the perspective of the reader about the nature of our very own earth. The rationale seemed a little simplified and a bit less elaborate to convince the critical reader but its style of presentation is quite wonderful. Narrated from the perspective of an artesian boring expert, Peerless Jones with Malone enjoying the show as the genius’s sidekick, the adventure is aimed to find out the true nature beneath the earth’s crust. Scattered with humour the piece is a classic that I cherish fondly though I’ve read it more than once.

The entire compilation is a revelation of Conan Doyle’s versatility as several, including me before going through it, of the readers always associate him with Sherlock Holmes only. In fact, after reading Holmes I was a fan of the detective but reading this I became a fan of the author.