Ghari Rahasya

Syed Mustafa Siraj's detective story, once read in Anandamela and now preserved in digital form, brought some more nostalgic memories and along with it a thrill for the suspense that seemed promising at first. But it was too quick in the finale and doesn't do justice for a bit old readers. Infact the ridiculous coincidence seemed too much in the story but seemed to be kept just for the sake of justification which I think may have been very well crafted in a different manner. All the same the story will be an addition to my prize collection just for bringing with it the fortnightly that I was once fan of.

Guptadhaner Gujab

As Mitin starts to investigate the rumour of a hidden treasure, albeit Partha's doubt in it, she seems to get more and more interested as the investigations progressed in the semi-dilapidated mansions of the Bagchi's at Nurpur. Amidst the treasure seekers haunting the house quite often, ghostly sounds disturb the residents at night. But what actually is happening behind all these? Mitin is intrigued  by the case and asks Partha to do some research that reveals an ancient crime hidden in the dark chambers of the basement. But is it enough? Is the past crime threatening some revenge? Or is some sinister forces of the present trying to take hold of the mansions? All these the readers may find out once they accompanby Mitin, Tupur and sometimes Partha, in their adventure in the novel set at semi-rural Bengal.

Though Suchitra Bhattacharya's detective novels are quite appealing but for one very disturbing point that lies in the names of the characters. By choosing very unique and sometimes quite extraodrinary names for the characters, Mrs. Bhattacharya seems to make fiction more fictional that is quite undue. Prajnyaparamita (Mitin) is ok and it definitely sets her detective aside the others but starting from Anishchoy Majumdar, the recurring IG character, whose name she now cannot change but can definitely offer some good excuse as to exactly what uncertainty the officer's parents were thinking of while naming him, to the client, her naming standard seems very unreal and this, if not anything else, tries to focus on characters rather than the central mystery.

N or M?

The story of espionage and counter-espionage, Tommy and Tuppence with Albert in tow appears in yet another breath taking novel wrapped up in mystery with a thrilling culmination waiting for them and the readers alike. Always on the look out of an exciting adventure, in their middle ages, the couple seemed to get bored devoid of any action during the war times. But their friend, the ever mysterious Mr. Carter seems to have a surprise for them. When conspiracy of the enemy camp successfully generates corrupt Government officials, the duo are called on to find the rot and to get clues leading to the next attack. Camouflaged under false identities they are directed to a remote location and a apparently harmless habitat called Sans Souci where they are excepted to find two of the most daring spies for the enemy camps. There in the midst of the seemingly retired army personnels, inquisitive old ladies, refugees, harmless family persons, they must unmask the enemy. Exciting at every turn of the page, though this may not be the best spy story, but will be as exciting a story of detection as any other.

The Sicilian

The literary sequel to The Godfather, the tale is of romance and betrayal and treachery and bravery that depicts the true Sicily. Set in the years of his exile from America, the story at parts, is set from the perspective of Michael Corleone but the major share goes to the author's romantic narration of the legend of Turi Guiliano. Considered by many as the Sicilian Robinhood, Turi Guiliano's rise to infamy had been through a path of cruelty, deception, betrayal and love. Categorized in various volumes, the story narrates Guiliano life in the hills of Sicily with his band of bandits. Puzo brings the legend to life and narrates the story with his signature style that is devoid of emotions but filled with sentiments so Sicilian that the reader is always on the lookout of treachery within treachery whose final twist comes at the very last chapters. As history is brought to life with fiction mingling with it, the novel becomes unlike Godfather yet so like it in the same way as Guiliano was so unlike Mafiosi but became so like them.

Ayena

A short detective story by Ananda Bagchi, found from a digital collection of old Anandamela stories. The story serves as a short representation of classic detection that, in the short span was logically correct and complete. The added appeal was personal as it brought back the nostalgic moments that I used to derive from the pages of the old magazine that I was so fond of.

Partners in Crime

The happily married sleuths are back, now under the guise of what they really like to be - brilliant detectives, literally so as Blunt's Brillinat Detectives have been replaced by the Beresfords. While Tommy poses as the brilliant Mr. Blunt, Tuppence takes up the stance of the inconscupious secretary Ms. Robinson but in now way less inquisitive than him. As the pair tries to play the parts of master detectives of classics it is always that their super intelligence and sometimes few stroke of luck that they solve the problems posed to them while laying out the trap superbly for the ultimate villain for whom this elaborate hoax is played to the minutest detail. So the partners in crime or more correctly the partners in foiling the criminal activities takes us thru an exciting path strewn with intrguing plots solved by their master intelligence.

Batukburoro Chashma

The story seemed Golmaal revisited but with more pace and more fun. The characters too seemed more amusing. The sudden appearance of green beings (literally and figuratively speaking), initially in village gossips and then in the real seemed to disturb the peaceful lives of many. Showing superior intelligence and strength, the sapient beings (remember Avatar by James Cameron!) seemed to condemn destruction of flora and fauna. Their technology, science, philosophy seemed to dwarf that of the globe, yet their requirements are simple. So why did they come here? What do they want? Is there an evil motive? Why are they so keen to communicate? To know all these you must go through the novel which sometimes jumps sequences but remains exciting throughout with its lovable characters, each showing a curious trait.

Robertsoner Ruby

This is supposed to be the final Feluda story that takes the trio to a tour that originates as a holiday but turns to an adventure protecting a ruby of historic importance and immense value. Though it was published posthumously in the book form, the appeal of Feluda lingered in the first few chapters. But disappointment will be in store near the climax which has been diluted by not so logical conclusions and an incompleteness not meant for a novel. The story follows the descendant of a British soldier in whose possession was a ruby looted during the suppression of the Sepoy Mutiny and who wanted his predecessors to return it to its place of origin. So Patrick Robertson brings the ruby back home with his friend Tom who seemed to have some ulterior motives of his own. Along came many traders willing to buy the gem at a high price and strangers eager to help the tourists. As tension grips in Tom is injured in a covert attack and the ruby is stolen. But the climax is not during recovery of the ruby but in the way Feluda solves the identity of the criminal which again seems not so rational.

Nayan Rahasya

Feluda had been introduced to fantasy from Sonar Kella but Nayan Rahasya is not at all the same classic. True it contains the sharp intelligence of Feluda but fantasy and unrealism dominates more than anything here. Another point that fades its appeal is that evidently the three musketeers have aged, not in years, but in their maturity. So the conversations and justifications seem to get the better of the novel rather than the novel itself. The story can be considered a rather ordinary one but for two instances - the first being the adventure in the caves of Mahabalipuram and the second being the way he solves a murder. Theft within theft had also been a feature of the story but quite unlike Ray novels, the fate of at least one of the characters has remained incomplete. So in all this may be an item to complete a collection but it may not be a favourite past time for several readers.

Tirandaj

Sankar narrates two most contrasting tales in his unique style that captivates the readers from the very first page. Based on the socio-economic crisis of the Bengali middle-class, the most surprising element is the amount of surprise itself that is woven in the two stories titled

•  Tirandaj

• Lakshyabhrashta

Never before there seemed a social drama filled with so much thrill as these two, the first being a novel based on the life of Nikhilesh Sensharma, once a humble government servant turned an aspiring corporate manager who finds himself at conflict with the company's policy more than once. But will he succumb to the pressure or will he maintain his head high? That is the answer sought not only by the characters of the story but also by most of the readers, I have no doubt about that. The second story is based on the same crisis but is a refreshing relief of the intense tension of the first but in no way a lesser thrill awaits. Though I'll put this as more of a creative approach than approximating reality but it will no doubt captivate the readers. The genius Nibaran Mukherjee seemed to stumble at each corner of his career for the extreme shyness that possessed him. Is it only his modesty or is the cause more deeprooted, the readers have been given a ride through the intricate pathways that the human mind possesses. The novellete is no doubt a journey to the unknown realms of psychology.

Doshti Kishore Upanyas

This compilation for the young contains

• Gourer Kaboch
• Harano Kakatua 
• Golmaal 
• Chakrapurer Chakkare
• Chhayamoe
• Sonar Medal
• Patalghar 
• Haripurer Harek Kando 
• Dudhsayarer Dweep
• Bipinbabur Bipod

As obvious of Shirshendu's works, the novels consists of a conglomeration of weird characters, human and others, all weaved into adventures that will bring smile to the faces. Fun and frolick galore, all the adventures underlines pleasant messages that freshens the heart and appeases the soul. I'd already commented on Gourer Kaboch in an earlier post so won't go into any detail. Infact all the novels contains the same proportion of adventure and mystery combined with laughter and humour that makes these a treasure item. Especially I must mention Patalghar that I'd watched but I'll say that the story surpasses the film version by miles. Personally I feel Harano Kakatua to be a bit stretched but all the others had been just too good. Golmaal can be considered as a sequel to Bhuture Ghori. The next Chakrapurer Chakkare is a wonderful anecdote of a young man coming to terms with his heritage while Chhayamoe complements this storyline. The next Sonar Medal reunites an estranged pair. A quest for secret treasure is the central plot is Haripurer Harek Kando and the same quest continues but culminates in the classic sacrifice in Dudhsayarer Dweep. But the best climax is of Bipinbabur Bipod that along with the preceding story seems to be ideal short story in the volume.

Bagher Nakh

An ardent collector of Anandamela in my childhood days, I was enveloped in nostalgia when I came upon a short story by Adrish Bardhan from the pages of an old edition of Anadamela. It featured Indranath Rudra and his right hand Mriganka. Though this fast paced detective story is not so mind boggling but the charm of the old magazine freshened my spirit. A fine read it can be a good introduction to those not conversant with literary pieces of Bardhanbabu.

Nagchampa

A mystery story enveloped in a social drama introduced P.K. Basu, the lawyer sleuth of Narayan Sanyal. Also introduced in the same novel, were the Tommy & Tuppence of Bengali mystery story – Kaushik and Sujata. Infact, the story revolved more around Sujata than on anybody else with Kaushik playing a significant role in it. P.K. Basu entered the drama at a very later stage, that too in the capacity of an investigating lawyer with a client about whom the author remained curiously silent, though it can be logically concluded who it might be.

The story is about the civil engineer-cum-researcher Mr. Chatterjee, foster father to Sujata. Mr. Chatterjee made a breakthrough inventing a cheaper hollow block with a strength of the traditional blocks for construction. But a curious ailment took his life just on the very night he documented his research. It was the prudence of Sujata who could hide the documents from the clutches of the greedy industrialists and politicians but at a cost of being detained at her home. As she used all her wisdom to prevent the research papers from reaching the wrong hands a curious rush of events made all her calculations go awry. From then onwards the story takes a tremendous pace and the author’s magnificent way of story telling keeps the readers glued with climactic courtroom drama and a sensational revelation in an apparently social gathering.

But there are certain very disappointing aspects of the novel. The first is a very prolonged introduction of the story cluttered with poems that, though initially felt relevant but finally loses its implications. Second is among the several mysteries that remained unanswered, the most important one was the death of Mr. Chatterjee whose cause was not revealed at all. Thirdly was the extensive use of civil engineering terms that once again makes it shelved for its fullest enjoyment for a certain class of people.

Herbert

When you are going to read Herbert, it's better that you brace yourself with literatures like Fyataru, Masouleum, Kangal Maalshat, which I had fortunately gone thru earlier. So I was ready for Herbert and it indeed was a fine experience for me though at places the vagueness really keeps me at bay and eludes my humble wisdom, thus no doubt the novel gets all the accolades that it is due. Nabarun Bhattacharya's much acclaimed novel seemed a little less on the funnier side than the seriousness that it poses. It will be best for me not to elaborate lest the readers may be misled by my misjudgements but will always recommend the Bengali literature lovers to have a go at it.

The Guide

The Guide is the transformation of a corrupt and opportunist tour guide to a spiritual being. Starting his career without a heed to his father's business he gradually made a profit out of guiding excursionists to spots hitherto never hailed at all a place of sight seeing. Transforming places with only a trace of sceninc beauty just by the virtue of his story telling Raju had earned a regional fame around Malgudy. But unbeknownst to him, the Mempi Hills did really had a treasure of significant archaeology. Thus came Marco to explore the caves and with him came Rosie, his artist - the dancer of the Bharatnatyam genre. But it was not her dance that attracted Raju to her but something else made him lose his head completely. Then started the story of careful elopement that culminated in Marco and Rosie getting estranged. Raju, taking advantage of the situation gave Rosie a house but more importantly introduced her to the world of commerce. Rosie's dance, enthralling her audience wherever she went, soon catapulted them to a world of fame but not long before that Raju found himself thrown to jail due to a financial deal gone messy chiefly due to his ignorance in the legal and financial matters. But as he came out of jail, opportunities provided a remarkable transformation in him that, to me seemed to give him eternal peace.

An engrossing narrative that modifies the outlook of the reader as each page unfolds a new surprise this will hold you glued as long as it remains unfinished.

Bhooter Bhabishyat

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Aabar Byomkesh

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Brain

Robin Cook’s medical thriller again revolves around computers like the previous one and echoes Asimov’s concern about the power of machine that clouds the human mind leading them to a horrific extreme. Based on artificial intelligence, Philips Martin of Neuroradiology has conceived of an intelligent medical diagnostics but the machine seems to spell out too many details putting sinister forces at jeopardy. So as the enthusiastic researcher tries to corroborate the results the patients seem curiously to vanish or dead. Trying to cope up with the frustration in medicine and also in his personal life he stumbles upon a startling discovery all of a sudden. It seems that the patients’ disappearance is not a coincident but is a result of an obsessive secret research project. Filled with suspense the novel is again a gory reminder of the ultimate obsession of the researchers where human sacrifice is nothing but a routine procedure.

Whose Body?

A damn good detective story it was, maybe a very old one but a golden one no doubt! Dorothy Sayer’s 1^st novel of the Lord Peter Wimsey series had all the ingredients of a suspenseful mystery with the nobility taking interest in sleuthing, for a change. When a naked corpse with a pince-nez turns up in a humble architect’s bath it naturally arouses a curiosity. Add with it the curious disappearance of a famous financier just before an all important meeting on the next day. The motive being untraceable as was the corpse and all evidence carefully erased and those left leading haywire, Lord Peter tackles one of the shrewdest criminal brains with the help of Inspector Parker and Mervyn Brunnet, a butler and a photographer. The minute research of the criminal mind has been reflected in the works which adds a truly realistic touch to the narrative. A little stretched midway in the plot it revives the pace as Wimsey sees light in the mist of mystery. The narrative completes with a clearly composed explanation detailing every aspect of the crime that never feels boring. The only slight disappointment is the offender being unmasked at an early stage of the final chapters but it seems to be the right place as the way the novel has been developed.

Flight 714

Now it’s time Tintin gets touched by extraterrestrial intelligence. On their way to the Astronautical Congress at Sydney, Tintin and Snowy along with Calculus, Haddock and their old associate Skut, gets kidnapped along with a millionaire by none other than the scheming Rastapopoulas and Alan. And the next thing that happens is, they are taken down to a remote island and stranded with all the intentions of leaving them dead. But the real adventure begins with their escape and as the villains hunt them on one side, curious telepathy connection helps them to get out of the situation on the other. Thus begins one of the memorable adventures of the series whose each and every page is filled with funny excitements.

Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield

Asterix and Obelix accompany Vitalstatistix on a journey to cure the chief of ailment. But the holiday turned to a race with the Romans for obtaining an ancient Gaulish shield, lost from the Roman loot very long ago. In a village famous for amphora, clues flowed as wine but whether Asterix can outsmart the Romans in the chase remains to be seen. An amusing twist at the end awaits as Caesar seems on the verge of once more being humbled by the tiny but wise Gaul.

The Mansions of the Gods

Caesar plans a new mode of attack on the Gauls and send the architect, Squareonthehypotenuse (mark the name) who have never tasted the Gaulish tricks to build modern flats, boastfully dubbed by Caesar as the Mansions of the Gods, near the Gaulish village of Asterix. As the forest is being cleared of the trees, much to the anxiety of Dogmatix, Getafix soon uses his magic to get new trees to go rapidly in the places of the old ones. As the Roman slaves uproot the trees at night, the druid frustrates their effort at daybreak. This continues for a while along with more other tricks on the Romans but an overconfident Getafix soon seems to bring an unwanted threat to the unity of the Gauls. Then it remains to our little friend and his chubby buddy to set the things right only at the cost of the suffering of the Roman legionaries.

The Cigars of the Pharaohs

The adventures of Tintin had been one of those few collections that had started its career with the same popularity as it is now, if not greater. The young reporter unmasking criminals all over the world had held the fascination of every comic book lover and to me it had promoted its status to that of classics. So when I again got my hands on The Cigars of the Pharaohs, I once more voraciously went thru it to feel the same excitement that had filled me when I read it first. Maybe I am exaggerating a bit as the sequences had been etched to my memory from the day I had first read it but even then the amusement and the thrill remained the same. As Tintin gets involved accidentally in a case of smuggled drugs while excavating the tomb of a great Pharaoh in Egypt it takes more than his ready wit to catch the criminals. As he gives the slip to the murderous smugglers and the police who wrongly suspects him of criminal activities it is the readers who enjoy a good laugh. The 62 page compilation of Herge still fascinates Tintin fans throughout the world and remains a cherished collection till today. Generally I have a feeling that translated works do not produce the same impression as the original. So continuing with my conjecture I am at a loss as I wonder what the French speaking readers feel as they go through the real one!

Mandrake and the Black Wizard : In the Phantom's Domain Voodoo won't do!

It had been years since I read an Indrajal comics, the comics in which many tasted the first flavours of adventure. The phantoms’ heroics, mandrake’s strategies and many others that held our fascinations for ages are again back in soft copies. So as I went through Mandrake and the Black Magic and Voodoo Won’t Do, though it seemed childish enough but the same sense of contentment returned, which I seemed to have lost decades ago. In the fictional forests of Denkali, as the Phantom fights off the evil witches, Mandrake takes care of the sophisticated illusionists of the city. But the wizadry that predominates in the pages is that of Lee Falk's whose enchanting narration accompanied by the vibrant images magically transforms the surrounding to the land we left in our youth.

Maran Batas

The only thing that is not appropriate is its title. Suchitra Bhattacharya’s sleuth Mitin once more gets involved in an apparently simple case where the murderer seems to be already apprehended. With piles of evidence against her, Mitin seems confused as to the motive though DC DD Anischoy Majumar is quite certain about it. But there seems to be no better rationale than that proposed by the police against the murderer – the wife of the victim who is again handicapped! But something seems fishy and Mitin launches an investigation of her own. A startling twist awaits the readers as the mystery deepens with new findings. Written within the span of only a few pages the author once again plots a psychological thriller that will no doubt stimulate the grey cells.

The English Teacher

A tragedy like never before, Narayan unfolds love, life and death in the last of his trilogy that started with Swami, continued with the BA graduate and culminated in The English Teacher, a remarkable adventure reflecting the social evolution of man. Dedicated to his wife, Rajam, the novel is emotional and enchanting as it speaks of the inner self and philosophises on the afterlife but remains so much rational. Pain and bereavement have been etched out in its pages but never for once they seek sympathy but remains calm and composed in its flowing narration. The simple joys of the simple people and life's own surprises and griefs had been compiled in this beatifully versed literary creation that will remain a classic for ages to come. The only thing that remains a mystery, rather a query to me, is whether the great Ray had ever come across Narayan's works and considered it to make it a film as only a great director like him could have made a visual masterpiece of the story.

Nobel Chor: A study of the stolen wealth!

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Kahaani

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Mausoleum

Marshal Vodi and his band of choktars along with the fyatarus hatches up another of his extra-ordinary plots with the help of Daarkaak, Begum Johnson and a new senior advisor, Banabiral. Initially they tries starting a weekly magazine but the venture fails miserably. Then came the grand twist as Vodi feigns death and his body is displayed as mummy. Unsurprisingly this causes a stir among every class of people and as some supports this new feather in the Bengali cap others oppose it vehemently. This only fuels up the much needed publicity and ultimately the mnetary profits piles up. Written in the signature style of Bhattacharya, the boorish language adds to the appeal but the attractiveness of "Fyatarur Bombachak" is missing surely. Well this type of literature has a charm of its own but enthusiast readers must bear in mind that this may not be recommended for all.

A Difficult Problem

Little did I knew of Anna Katharine Green and her writing when I stumbled upon her name among the list of some of the greatest writers of crime fictions. Infact knowing her and while searching among my possessions of ebooks, I was surprised to find that I had, with me, some of her works but had never went through them. So with the help of Project Gutenberg, I collected several of them and picked up this short story to sample her creation.

A Difficult Problem is less of detection but more of a story where the truth seaker lay down trap to convict the guilt on the perpetrator. Narrated in first person by the detective whose name remains unknown throughout, the story follows him as he tries to convict a person of a murder that on the first, seemed not to be recongnized by the authority. The touch of classic added to the story of revenge, the plot follows a nice pace which never lacks in excitement, thanks to the unique style of the authoress. Reading this, my interest grows more as I look forward to enjoy some more of Green's works.

Nante Fante Collection II

In sheer enthusiasm I'd bought this collection too containing volumes IV to VI but some disappointments were in store for me. One of the strips were surely incomplete and certain stories were quite lacking in the fun. But the first few chapters were very much entertaining and though the plots were repeating, the excellent graphics more than compensated the monotone. The amusing misunderstandings, several of them at the cost of Keltu's misadventures, the innocent pranks on the unsuspecting superintendents were hilariously depicted by the cartoon while the underlying message of the bond of friendship and the spirit of camaraderie were conveyed all along.

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.