Author: Bani Basu
Translator: Nandini Guha
Publisher: Niyogi Books
Genre: Fiction
Year: 2020
Rating: 5/5 stars
"What is the benefit in converting life into a chain of meaningless rituals?...Our strength is not only for ourselves but or our families alone. Even though little, if you reserve that small amount of strength and dedicate it to the sad, the hapless, the ill-fated, then from that one fountain, will flow for you a stream of joy, that which removes all sorrows." (Pg. 322)
These lines by the protagonist Bandana summarises author Bani Basu's dream for a society free of all kinds of evil and injustice, and she has done it through the weapon of her writing. Bani Basu is one of the prominent figures of the contemporary Bangla literature and through her works she has always tried to bring chance----in the society in general and in the mindset of the people in particular. Through the mastery of her writing she has shattered the ageold barriers of caste, creed, culture and rituals into million pieces.
To understand her work 'Swet Patharer Thala' first we have to understand the time period when she was writing this work. She grew up in the 19th century Bengali society where, in spite of the scientific and technological advancement, the mindset of the general public regarding women was very regressive. They were not only denied free speech and education, but also forced to take up the role as 'the angel in the house'. But gradually the situation changes and Basu witnessed this change around the country. Through her writing she ushered that change in bengal. 'Swet Patharer Thala' is unique as it raises some serious questions against the role played by the society in supressing the women. Basu's protagonist Bandana not only shows a path of liberation but it also provides the women a voice of their own.
The novel begins at a bengali joint family where the protagonist Bandana has recently lost her husband Abhimanyu and now she is forced to live a life of utter hardship and deprivation. But the situation changes when she felt the need to fight, if not for herself then for her son Abhiroop, who has lost his childhood and his mother in all these years. It is where the weak and helpless Bandana dies and like a pheonix a new Bandana raises from the ashes of ageold traditions and rituals to give not only his son a life he deserves but also the millions of women around the world who deserves a life of respect and recognition.
To know what happened next you have to go through this groundbreaking literary work. In a time when we are witnessing incidents where the women are deflowered and snatched off their dignity, I believe reading this work is necessary to change our mindset. I would request you to to go through the work and think over it and raise your voice against any form of injustice.
I have given the link to purchase the work down below.
Now, as far as this translated version is concerned, Prof. Nandini Guha has done a commendable job. I loved the way she has translated it with suitable words and phrases, keeping in mind the originality of the work. I have gone through the novel in Bangla and I can confidently say the translated version has evoked the same kind of emotions in me which I felt earlier in the original bangla version
The cover illustration and design done by Pinaki De is absolutely fantastic.
Overall, It was truly a fascinated experience revisiting this phenomenal work in english. I give this book full 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
Happy Reading
To purchase ' A Plate of White Marble' click here
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you have any doubts, let me know