The Bag: A Novel

Book Details

• Author: Arup Kumar Dutta

• Publisher: Niyogi Books Private Limited

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789386473288

• Pages: 292

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches

About The Book

The Bag by Arup Kumar Dutta delves into the harrowing realities of life in the conflict zones of North-East India, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred and the impact of violence is deeply felt. Set against the backdrop of Assam's insurgency, the novel follows the journey of Hiren Bora, an insurgent with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), and his 12-year-old brother, Okon, who is caught in the web of circumstances beyond his control.

The novel explores Hiren’s transformation from a morally righteous village youth into a militant, and his complex relationship with his younger brother, whose innocence is gradually tainted by the violence around him. Senior Police Inspector Lahiri, a character marked by cynicism, provides a contrasting perspective, observing the human toll of the conflict.

Through its visceral and realistic portrayal, The Bag provides an unflinching look at the emotional, social, and psychological costs of insurgency. The novel’s slow, reflective pace, punctuated by moments of intense violence, leads to a dramatic and tragic climax that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. A deeply compelling and thought-provoking work, it is one of the most powerful insurgency-related novels to emerge from North-East India.