Author: Eminent Contributors
Translator(s): Sudipto Roy Choudhury
Publisher: Writers Workshop
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 432
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8175958308
Description
In this present context of an anthology of translations from Bengali short stories, this makes the selection of a finite number of stories an exceedingly difficult task. As is apparent, the number of such indispensable authors is even larger for the short story than for the novel.
Not only will every discerning critic or reader have her or his personal list of bet stories, but there are the other issues of different periods and movements which must be kept in mind. In addition, there is the perennial issue of leading writers who must be included by virtue of their reputation.
It is commonly said, and this is a widely held, though not uncontested, view, that it is in the realm of the short story that modern Bengali prose fiction has had its richest flowering. As proof of this, many critics cite the sociological realism, and socio-cultural and stylistic diversity and depth to be found within this genre.
Here, it is said, is a tree with innumerable branches, from any of which one may derive pleasure, edification, and insight into the human condition. Indeed, there have been numerous writers and movements, some of which are considered later, concerned with developing some, or all, of these very features.
As such, the common critical refrain about the world of the Bengali short story, both within the commercial mainstream media as well as the less-organized, and occasionally more experimental, circle of little magazines, harps on the embarrassment of riches to be found, and mined, here.
Contents
Introduction
The Arabian Nights of Calcutta
PREMENDRA MITRA
The Night of the Beginning
ASHIM ROY
The Big City
PREMENDRA MITRA
The Boromlag’s Field
TARASHONKOR BANDYOPADHYAY
Embers
PRABODH KUMAR SANYAL
The Crossing
SAMARESH BASU
Discovery
RAMESHCHANDRA SEN
The Litter
NARENDRANATH MITRA
The Gentleman
RANJAN
Flight and Pursuit
ANNADASHANKAR RAY
Jabali
RAJSEKHAR BOSE (PARASHURAM)
The Final Picture
BONOPHOOL
Mirabai
SANDIPAN CHATTOPADHYAY
Mother
BIMAL KAR
The Nightbird
SUNIL GANGOPADHYAY
The Public Servant
HASSAN AZIZUL HAQ
Sagina Mahato
GOURKISHORE GHOSH
Salt Water
SAYED MUJTABA ALI
Vision
PREMENDRA MITRA
The Solution
MANIK BANDYOPADHYAY
Swayambar Sabha
DIPENDRANATH BANDYOPADHYAY
Taj Mahal
BONOPHOOL
Transmigration
SHORODINDU BANDYOPADHYAY