8 new books to buy at Boi Mela this week

Nur (Nalanda, 2023) 
Latiful Islam Shibli

Shibli's book is a work of historical fiction. Based on the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey, the book follows the journey of the legendary Fakir Majnu Shah Burhan, who actively participated in the Fakir-Sannyasi Rebellion. While most people are aware of the Battle of Plassey as being the defining moment of the colonisation of the Indian subcontinent, many are not aware of the Fakir-Sannyasi Rebellion, making this book an ideal read for people interested in this uncharted part of history. 

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Sabiha Huq's 'The Aviary': History depicted by three Mughal princesses and a Kashmiri queen

Mosnod (Annesha Prokashon, 2023)
Mostak Sharif 

Also a work of historical fiction, the book dramatises the events in Shah Jahan's courtroom and can be said to be a sequel to the author's last book, Alampanah—a novel about the reign of the fourth Mughal emperor Jahangir. 

Mosnod describes events during the three decades of Shah Jahan's rule, and a large chunk of the book is also about the "mosnod" or tussle for power between Shah Jahan's four sons. While it does discuss real historical events, the author also incorporates fictional characters to make the story flow in an interesting manner for readers. 

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‘Rokte Aka Bhor’: Anisul Hoque’s epic novel commemorates 50 years of liberation

Parijater Jonno Bhalobasha (Prothoma, 2023)
Anisul Hoque

This book is a romantic novel by prominent author and journalist, Anisul Hoque, which was first published in Prothom Alo's Eid issue of 2022. However, the story has undergone changes through its publication in book form. The novel tells the story of a law student named Shahidul who falls in love with a girl he meets on the train. He finds out that the girl—whom he affectionately refers to as Parijat—is deaf and mute. The author has mentioned that the story is based on real events. 

Chiner Boisshik Obhilash (Behula Bangla, 2023)
Translated and edited by Mohsin Habib
 

With China's growing geopolitical dominance, this compilation of essays written by experts from various countries will help readers contextualise China's rapid rise to success in reference to different parts of the world. The anthology contains translations of 12 writers who discuss and comment on different issues related to China, such as China's economic growth and geopolitical aspirations. 

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Bleak realities in the shadow of China’s rise

Bondhu Ashrom (Agamee Prakashani, 2023)
Sheikh Bodiuzzaman

Written by the medical professional, Sheikh Bodiuzzaman, the book tells the story of five friends who live in the same room in the city's Aziz Super Market. The friends, who have just graduated with a medical degree, come across different aspects of life as they try to cling into the city's struggle for livelihood. The novel deals with themes which commonly occur in a young individual's life—struggle for employment, professional aspirations, love, separation. 

Kazi Nazrul Islamer Shongeet Bhabna (Agamee Prakashani, 2023)
Dr Leena Taposi Khan

Written by Dr Leena Taposi Khan—Associate Professor of the Department of Music at the University of Dhaka—the book is a compilation of essays which looks into the philosophy and thought-process behind the musical creations of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The anthology, which is biographic and academic in nature, consists of essays published in various prominent journals across the globe, including in the journal of SOAS, University of London. The essays explore the various themes found in his work, such as rebellion, and also discuss the technical aspects of his music, such as the ragas in his music. 

Bangladesher Shadhinota Andolon Dharabahikotar Itihas (Kothaprokash, 2023)
Afsan Chowdhury

Written by the prominent author and historian Afsan Chowdhury, the book discusses how the struggle for Bangladesh's independence is a culmination of efforts over the past 200 years. Stating that the struggle for independence was a continuous series of movements, and not a standalone incident, the author describes how the vision for an independent East Pakistan or East Bengal in the 1940s later transformed into the independence of Bangladesh with the collective efforts of politicians and peasants, who were the main driving force in this creation of history. 

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Taran Khan maps Kabul through memory in 'Shadow City'

Deshe Deshe Bhromon Sheshe (Oitijjo, 2023) 
Dewan Salauddin Babu
 

This travelogue is a compilation of the author's experiences travelling across different parts of Bangladesh and the world. Being an active traveller himself, Dewan Salauddin Babu shares his memories with candour, including personal anecdotes.