novel

Abdullah: The novel that pioneered a new era in Bengali literature

Kazi Imdadul Huq’s novel Abdullah, written nearly a century ago, is regarded as one of the first modern novels by a Bengali Muslim writer. Initially known for his poetry and children’s literature, Huq transitioned into a notable prose writer, offering profound insights into history, culture, and society. Abdullah was his only novel, published posthumously, and it has since become a milestone in Bengali literature, earning enduring acclaim from readers.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / 'Prophet Song': Full of sound, fury, and significance

The 309-page-long dystopian novel is an oppressive account of Eilish who tries to keep her family from falling apart as everything around her crumbles.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Unseen chains of consequences

When a few boys arrive at the couple’s flat to seek out their college-going daughter, Rekha, the parents are thrown into a whirlwind of adventure.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / The unanticipated consequences of caretaking

From the sensory delights of birdsong in the morning and sunset views from a lookout point to the less appealing realities of monitoring stagnant pond water and counting newts, we accompany Katie on her journey of discovery.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / A country coming to life

Weaving the grand themes of politics and history, the book is a revelation into how the ordinary lives within a country are buffeted by constant changes.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Tucked between moving trains and elegiac dead-ends

Some among us might have wondered what it feels like to hold a lit bomb between our palms. One that will go off inevitably yet its spark, heat, force, weight, and pulsating nature are so fascinating that we are unable to put it down or look away, all the while knowing at the end of the wick we too will be destroyed—a chosen death, a voluntary annihilation.

ESSAY / The progressive depiction of women in ‘Devdas’

In some ways, Sharatchandra places the blame for Devdas's ensuing sorrow on his lack of courage, made all the more noticeable in comparison to Parbati's courage in breaking social norms despite the dire consequences it could have for her.

Essay / The unclassifiable “monsters” of Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’

Guillermo Del Toro’s stop-motion animation, Pinocchio (2022) is loosely based on Carlo Collodi’s novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio (1883).

Journalist Rashel Mahmud publishes book after eight years

"The first book I had published comprised a short story. My second book of short stories came out 14 years after that", the writer said.

February 22, 2016
February 22, 2016

Five things to know about Harper Lee

Enrich yourself with five exciting facts about Nelle Harper Lee, the author who defined true grit, and moved readers with her persuasive style of storytelling.

March 27, 2015
March 27, 2015

Slumdog Millionaire novelist made India’s foreign office spokesperson

India names Vikas Swarup, whose novel turned into multiple Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”, as the new spokesman of the country’s Foreign Ministry

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