It’s Friday finally, time to tuck away the laptop and dive into the comforting world of books. Classics, autobiographies, thrillers, detective stories — the genres are aplenty. And if you are looking for Bengali literature recommendations and haven’t zeroed in on your #weekendreads yet, Anupam Roy, who often shares his current reads on social media, might have a few suggestions for you…
‘Pather Panchali’ by Bibhutibhishan Bandyopadhyay
Apu, Durga, Harihar, Sarbajaya, Indir Thakurun – a tale that documents human lives like no other, Pather Panchali usually comes early in the life of a Bengali reader and becomes a constant companion to go back to and re-read uncountable times. No wonder it’s on Anupam’s reading musts too!
‘Aparajito’ by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
For the love of Apu, Aparajito is a priceless addition to any bibliophile’s collection.
‘Fyataru, Bombachak o Onyanyo’ by Nabarun Bhattacharya
Are you a Nabarun Bhattacharya fan? Be it Kangal Malshat, Herbert or the Fyataru, Bombachak o Onyanyo collection, reading every Nabarun piece is like a reality-check, an introspective journey.
‘Innocent Erendira And Other Stories’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The importance of translated literature and how it lifts the cons of language barrier is immense. How about a trip to Marquez-verse over the weekend?
‘No One Writes to the Colonel’ by Gabriel Garquez Marquez
Another Marquez marvel, translated by Manabendra Bandyopadhyay. And a must for your reading list.
‘Jagari’ by Satinath Bhaduri
Satinath Bhaduri’s debut novel, Jagari or Jagori received the Rabindra Puraskar from the West Bengal government in 1950. In the backdrop of the Quit India Movement, Jagari entwines society, politics and human lives.
‘Taranath Tantrik’ by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Taradas Bandyopadhyay
Mysticism, occult, paranormal and the right amount of bhoy, Taranath Tantrik tales are a must-read. Did you know Bibhutibhushan only wrote two stories and the remaining six were written by his son Taradas Bandyopadhyay?
‘Misir Ali Samagra’ by Humayun Ahmed
By Humayun Ahmed, the legendary author from Bangladesh, Misir Ali is one of the most popular fictional characters in Bengali literature and has a series of unputdownable tales to dive deep into. If you haven’t been on a Misir Ali adventure ride yet, now is the time!