A Street with 57 Lanes

Author: Kamleshwar
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): Jai Ratan
Publisher: Star Publications
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 144
ISBN/UPC (if available): 817650162X

Description

First published in Hindi in 1957, this novel created a furore, for it was the first of its kind to discuss 'homosexuality', a subject kept under the wraps so far…. This is a novel which tells the story 57 lanes joined to a road, like ribs to the backbone. Written in the back waters of Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state of Indian Republic, it describes characters that are fearless, and yet command a lot of respect from friends and acquaintances.

When this novel first appeared in Hindi in 1957 it created a furore, for it was the first work to discuss an old taboo - homosexuality. Unjustly accused of resorting to sensuality and sensationalism, it tells the story of fifty-seven lanes joined to a road like ribs to the backbone. Of people fearsome and feared; of a dacoit, a music master, atruck driver, a nautchgirl; of nameless people who lost in the back-waters of Uttar Pradesh.

Contents

NOVEL
1. A Street With Fifty-seven Lanes

STORIES
2. The Blue Lake
3. Not by Flesh Alone
4. Lost Directions