Book Review: They go to Sleep by Saugata Chakraborty

Title-They Go to Sleep

Author- Saugata Chakraborty

Publisher- Notion Press

Genre- Fiction

Format- Paperback

Pages- 102

Year- 2018

Rating- 4/5

Blurb-

A young widow of a drug overdose victim disappears from Goa. Three years later, a British National claims to know her whereabouts minutes before departing for Landon Heathrow.The Police of two states is pressed into a joint manhunt. 'They Go to Sleep' is a racy thriller on police procedure and criminal psychology.

In the year 2043, when nobody sends a letter anymore, an unlikely candidate decides to write about his springtime memories that are soon going to be erased.When his identity gets revealed, the impact on several individuals and the society at large assumes epic proportions. 'A Man of Letters' is a science fiction with humane emotions at its core.

A promising poet meets his muse on board a train. They share a captivating conversation but forget to ask each other's name. Will they be able to meet again in an Indian metro? 'What's In a Name?' is a humorous look at everything Bengali: gossip, fish, cutlets and the Kolkata Book Fair.

These three stories are joined by nine equally exhilarating tales of ordinary people and the choices that they make under extraordinary circumstances. The compilation will surely compel the readers to keep their midnight lamps burning.

Review-

'They Go to Sleep' by Saugata Chakraborty is a beautiful assemblage of 12 short stories on mixed genres. The very first thing that arrests the attention of the readers is its cover page which is very symbolic. The image of a dark alley with old tattered houses on both sides and a man sitting beside the road may suggestive of the dark, hidden corners of human psyche. It also suggests the past memories and the pathetic condition of human society at large with no hope for the upcoming future.

The title is very apt and it justifies the theme more on the psychological level than on the physical one.

As far as the writing style is concerned, it is very eloquent with excellent choice of words and expressions makes the reading experience very pleasing. The author has experimented with the plot with genres expanding form science-fiction to murder-mystery.I particularly like the way he has waved the characters and the climax of each of the stories.

The stories are unique with original ideas covering a range of modern issues.The stories are set in various locations from the romantic streets of Paris to the mysterious, dark lanes of Kolkata provides the readers an amazing experience.

Though I was partly disappointed by the paucity of the plots which fails to create any lasting impression on the readers.

It is a book that demands your undivided attention to enjoy the stories.Overall, it was a nice experience.

Recommendation-

I recommend this book to those who prefers a light read. This book is suitable for readers of all age-group.

Favourite Line-

"Riches of our home been plundered
Now is the time for our souls,
The dead will never walk again
Not here, it no more in the heaven."

About the Author-

Saugata Chakraborty is a Central Banker by profession and a writer by heart. His career with the Reserve bank of India has taken him literally to various parts of India.He loves to travel in his leisure and shares a deep penchant for wildlife photography and conservation of endangered species. You can catch him on Instagram @ saugatathechakraborty.