Shibram Omnibus Vol VIII

A hilarious volume containin a slightly adult novel and rest short stories - each bringing more and more laughter for the young and the old. Blending the signature style of puns with ready wit Shibram Chakrabarty has created a world of his own. Starting from title of the omnibus that confuses the reader about the real spelling of his name the style followed is just unique. Some hilarious episodes bordering nonsensicality but never becoming too much irritating the stories are mostly just fun filled. The content of this fantastically humourous volume runs as

• Upanyas
• Ke Hatyakari
• Galpo
• Aamar Sampadak Shikar
• Haradhaner Dukhsha
• Tiktikir Lyajer Dik
•  Prakriti-Rasiker Rasik Prakriti
• Kalantak Laal Fita
• Bhut aar Bhuto!
• Lakshan ebong Durlakshan
• Ashrampeera
• Na, Bhuter Galpo Noe
• Goldighir Bhut!
• Ghumer Bahor
• Bikramadityer Dasham Ratna
• Bustuto Bhai
• First Boy
• Rupantar
• Banamaleer Chikitsa
• Teko Rajar Taka
• Baagh-Shikar
• Aamar Pujar Upahar
• Aamader Gramer Bokchaitan
• Naam o Naamee
• Hatir sange Hatahati
• Peethasthan
• Ghorar sange Ghoraghuri

The volume not only contains some of the funniest episodes but also contains one of the interesting novels by Shibram. Albeit a bit forced at places but the novel is enjoyable still though it never comes close to the appeal of the stories. Can be readily utilized to counter boredom, I personally felt it a wonderful companion in the long bus journey promising an even longer day (!) at the workplace. Also the tiring mind found it as another pleasant companion in bed (!) right before stealing into the land of dreams. Recommended for both young and old it may be enjoyed by a slightly mature mind.

The Immortals of Meluha

Can be considered as an alternative mythology, the novel tries to define the mythological and divine characters in the light of logic and philosophy with slight defects being in choice of curses like ‘Goddammit’ etc. and adjectives like ‘electrifying’ and the likes which is not proper when the backdrop is a civilization, maybe the most ancient in Indian history. Referring to dates in BC and using the names like India (?) seems also poor choice in the novel.

But besides these I will say that Indian readers will find an appealing anecdote of the philosophy of evil and the good in the beginner of the Shiva trilogy. On the verge when evil seems to engulf the souls of the tribes a saviour is hoped to rise to deliver the people to the righteous path. As the Suryavanshis try to protect their river Saraswati from being encroached by Chandravanshis, it seems all depends on Shiva, leader of the Guna tribe, hailing from the northern mountains of Tibet. The Nagas too seems to be involved in the plot. The deformed but skilled warriors in the Nagas are more worrisome due to their shadowy tactics. But curiously the apparently cursed Vikarmas of Meluha proves to be another strong force for whom Shiva restore reverence and from these people he curbs out a robust force for the Suryavanshis on their battle against their enemies. But tragedy strikes more than once as the secret of the Nagas are never revealed. A raging war cannot be prevented but the aftermath does not seem what It was hoped to be. The author has excelled not only in the description of the battles or the elaboration of the perspectives of the Good and Evil, but in explaining the Indus Valley civilization whose architectural rationale seemed only to be contained in books of history and archaeology so far. The narrative ends with the Pandits of the Vasudeva tribe whispering wisdom to Shiva and telling him of Lord Rudra, the first Mahadev while evil lurks just a short distance ahead thus continuing with the excitement till the next part.