Book Review: Narach
Lately, Bengali literature has mostly focused on historical novels. Narach by Debarati Mukherji is a novel that specifically revolves around the rise of the New Generation of Bengal's reformers and liberal ideologies amidst the backward social structure and barbaric English rule.
One of the most celebrated figures in contemporary Bengali literature, Debarati Mukhopadhyay is a high-level Government officer whose literary works have been highly praised and awarded. Her works include vivid research and easy language that resonates with every reader.
Mini Synopsis
A widowed girl and her painful plight with the backdrop of 1880s Bengal and its various people, mixed with fictional characters and references of famous reformers and literary figures of that time, along with Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's life in Kolkata- this book has covered that era of Bengal and its polarizing striking parallel worlds that existed.
Review
Narach is one of the few recent reads that has made a lasting impact on me. No wonder this has been considered as one of the best Historical representations of Bengal of the 1880s in recent years. The mention of famous personalities like a young Rabindranath Tagore or Upendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury and the elaborate description of the extent of the kind of genuine work that the reformers were carrying out in those times are bound to garner interest in the readers. The parallel contrasting lives of the common people, the hidden slavery being carried out by the British rulers and the oppression of the rich on poor establish a strikingly polarizing society.
Overall, Narach is a must-read for those interested in the history of 19th-century Bengal.
Its English translation by Arunava Sinha is " Chronicles of the Lost Daughters".
I have heard great praise for this book's translation known as "Chronicles of the lost daughters" but unfortunately haven't read it. Your in depth review propels me to take the plunge now.
ReplyDeleteHope you will enjoy reading it.
DeleteThis sounds like such a powerful and immersive read! I love how historical fiction brings the past to life, and Narach seems to do just that. I would love to read it someday.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to know
DeleteI have always loved reading about Bengal, especially pre-independence Bengal. Your review of the book has truly piqued my curiosity. Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your review of Narach! The way you described the book’s depth and intensity makes it sound like a gripping read, especially with its historical and emotional layers. I love books that challenge perspectives and leave a lasting impact, and it seems like this one does exactly that. Your insights into the storytelling and themes were spot on and made me curious to pick it up. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful review! 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading
DeleteIt sounds like a good read, bookmarked this. Knowing the change catalysts is as important as the story.
ReplyDeleteYour review of Narach, is intriguing. It urges me to get my hands on the book. If there was polarisation then, it is there even now that is why the topic can be relatable to us even now, isnt it?
DeleteTrue, it's quite a landmark in modern Bengali literature
DeleteThis topic of polarization is always going to be relevant, I feel
DeleteSeems like an interesting book. Will look for the translated version. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome
DeleteHistorical fictions have caught my eye recently.... I have been reading a lot of them. This one sounds intersting. I am adding it (obviously the translated version as of now) to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to know
DeleteI just finished reading a book with a similar setting of a 'a widowed girl and her painful plight with the backdrop of 1880s Bengal' but it was in English. Would love to read another one in that sub-genre. Is this available in English?
ReplyDeleteYou might have read the English translation of this book.
DeleteI was fascinated by the title Narach and looked it up. It means arrow! Wow, the title seems so apt now that I know the premise, so crisply described in your review. I'm going to put the English translation into my TBR.
ReplyDeleteHope you will like
DeleteWow, Narach sound like a powerful and deeply researched book. The way it brings 19th-century Bengal to life, with real historical figures and the struggles of that time, sounds truly captivating. definitely adding this to my reading list.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
That's good to know
DeleteHey Reubena, Is this book available on Amazon or flipkart? do share me the link as I wish to buy it after reading your mesmerizing review of the book. Narach is apprearing to me as a book which I must read and understand.
ReplyDeleteHere is the Amazon link, Samata https://amzn.to/3DpcnCC
DeleteNarach sounds like an incredibly powerful and immersive read! I love how it brings to life the struggles and reforms of 19th-century Bengal while weaving in real historical figures. The contrast between the reformers' progressive ideologies and the harsh societal realities of that time must make for a compelling narrative. Historical fiction like this not only educates but also deeply resonates, making us reflect on how far society has come. Definitely adding this to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking
DeleteI'm glad there's an English translation since reading about 19th century Bengal would give amazing insights about our cultural landscape amidst the freedom struggle.
ReplyDeleteHope you will enjoy reading
DeleteI like to read historical fiction because they are able to make them alive. But I didn't read any Bengali translation book. Would like to check it out.
ReplyDeleteWill wait for your feedback
DeleteAlthough I can very well read and write Bengali, I am yet to fully immerse myself in its rich literature. This book sounds really interesting! Maybe will start reading from this one.!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will like this
DeleteThis does sound interesting. But so many on my TBR would keep this aside for the time being. But noted down the name and it sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking
DeleteI am on the look out for interesting Indian literature translations and I will consider reading this after your review. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHope you will like reading this
DeleteSounds interesting. I love reading books situated in history.
ReplyDeleteGreat knowing
DeleteThis is very intriguing. Off late I've been seeing a lot of Bengali literature posts and I'm thinking maybe I should start reading there
ReplyDeleteHope you will like reading them too
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