A sweet dilemma

Which one's better -- novels or poems?

The literary world may indeed get divided while trying to come up with an appropriate answer to the question.

While poetry can be “…the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”, a “novel is the one bright book of life”.

The above were just some of the arguments Roman, Sohel and Noor were having in front of the Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday afternoon before visiting this year's Amar Ekushey Granthamela.

The battle over which genre was superior went on even after the three college friends went inside the premises.

Roman Hossain argued that a novel is always better as it is much more detailed and reflective. While, Sohel Rana, not satisfied with the explanation, said poetry is more powerful and it soothes all.

Their friend, Noor Islam, could not say for sure who was right.

But one thing was for certain -- be it novels or poetry books, booklovers were thronging the stalls and buying books written by their favourite authors -- both old and new.

“I love to read novels as it is like going on a long journey…,” said Numaya, an IBA student of Dhaka University.

Meanwhile, her friend, Salman, replied, “… It depends on my mood mostly.”

Most of the publishers were showcasing novels and poetry books at their stalls.

Novels and poetry collections on the Liberation War, world literature, history and many more were much sought after. At the same time, romantic novels and poetry collections were the popular choice among the youths.

At some of the stalls, poetry books were the preferred choice.

“At times, poetry books sell more compared to novels…,” said Mahmudul Hasan of “Agami Prokashoni”. “Then again, a good novel is always in demand,” he added.

Other than poetry collections by famous authors, “Srestho Kobita” by Shamsul Arefin and “Kobita Samagra” by Kajal Shahnewaz were also catching readers' attention at their pavilion, he said.

At “Tamralipi Prokashon”, Gultekin Khan's poetry books remained a popular choice.

However, novels were the centre of attention at many of the stalls. “Kakoli Prokashoni” was abuzz with visitors buying Humayun Ahmed's novels.

Bookworms also thronged “Anya Prokash”, “Samay Prakashan”, “Charulipi Publication”, “Ittyadi Prokashon” and “Student Ways” for  their favourite novels.

Novels written by Shawkat Osman, Shahidullah Kaiser, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Anisul Hoque, Selina Hossain, Imdadul Haq Milon and many others were much sought after at the stalls.

On the other hand, poetry collections of Shamsur Rahman, Syed Shamsul Haq, Shahid Qadri, Al Mahmud and other stalwarts of Bangla literature were still cherished at the book fair.

On the 10th day of the fair yesterday, 225 new books arrived. Of them, 45 were novels and 49 poetry books.