Monday, January 31, 2011
Hemendrakumar Roy Rachanabali Vol – III
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Colonel Samagra Vol II
The next Bigraha Rahasya starts with a hallucinating elder, a strange mystery and a gentle pace but quickly paces up from the middle onwards. Danielkuthir Hatyarahasya is on the other hand a straight forward case and the interesting point in this story is the style of narration which, in the absence of Jayanta throughout, is narrated by one of the individuals in the case for the first half and from a third person's perspective in the later chapters. The final, Kakcharitra is probably the most praiseworthy which, though seemed a bit quick near the end, but the ingenuity of the author is felt at the smartly crafted episodes. Friday, January 21, 2011
The Red Thumb Mark
I’d read about Dr. Thorndyke in one of the Bengali translations - most probably by Hemendra Kumar Roy, at an very early age, but had remembered the distinct class of the style which was a kind of reverse detection and Richard Austin Freeman, the creator seemed to have pioneered it. Though I love mystery stories of the straight type but as I aged, this had still lingered in my memories as was evident when I came across one of his collections from the cyber world. Soon after this, I also found this novel. I’m glad that this was a type of straight detective novels where the perpetrator of crime was unveiled at the very last. Slightly monotonous at places but gradually racing to its climax, the criminal was obvious from the middle. Infact it was so obvious that I started to doubt the innocent persons as to be the evils. But having said that it must also be said that this obviousness to the villain does not, in any way, diminish the beauty of the story as the technique of the crime, when explained, as well as certain other technical aspects gives much food for thought and the mystery evolves not in the actual crime but the way it was committed. Finally, it must also be said that the old Victorian touch to the story offers a relief from the current mystery stories that are more adventurous than brainstorming.Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Gorosthane Sabdhan!
Feluda returns this year with a hint of nostalgia as the mystery he is about to solve is in the city of joy. Alas, the year is advanced to 2010 and with hi tech gadgets like the mobile and the www, Feluda’s research work seems easier enough. Also at times the Feluda like observations apparently lacks in edge but truly speaking, this seems to be Sandip Ray’s best venture with the trio as the calm and composed Sabysachi apparently strikes the best impression in this adventure. He is accompanied by the new Topshe in Saheb Bhatacharya whose age and looks are by far the best and most noticeably offers the more apt chemistry with Bivu Bhattacharya’s characterization of Lalmohanbabu. But having said these, it must also be mentioned that Bhattacharya is gradually becoming unbearable since appearing as Lalmohanbabu for the fourth time in a row he should have improved more. This adventure, in search of Perigal Repeater - don’t ask me what it is, as it’s part of the mystery – takes Feluda to the Gorosthan (the Park Street cemetery). Or shall we say that his hunts in the Gorosthan led him to the deep rooted mystery. Yes, the mystery was surely deep rooted as it dates back to eighteenth century when a British named Thomas Godwin settled in Calcutta. With him came the precious Perigal Repeater. Now it seems, evil collectors were after it and it’s up to Feluda to save the day. But most mysteriously it was not the primary motivation. Feluda, on his own, had started investigating the cause of a reported accident in Gorosthan when his instincts drove him to further his searches.
The viewers are next led through a maze of complex characters and a thrilling ride through the Victorian remains of the city. Starting from séances and old chests the mystery spreads its knotty hues among academicians, gamblers, antique collectors and of course the private investigator Pradosh C. Mitter.




