Fulbou

• Author: Abul Bashar
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170663010
• Pages: 216
• Weight: 231 grams

Book Overview:

• Themes: Explores Muslim marriage, sexual reform, the conflict between love and indifference, and the dynamics of relationships.
• Modern challenges: Analyzes issues like divorce, polygamy, and how modern values impact these traditional practices.
• Critical and bold narrative: The novel boldly addresses the issue of divorce and polygamy in the Muslim community, questioning the social structure and gender roles.
• Narrative style: Uses “Khalaas”, a unique blend of both earthly and spiritual problems, to symbolize the impact of women’s liberation and male domination.
• Social critique: Highlights how modern complexities affect traditional practices and questions the possibility of reconciling these contradictions.
• Cultural explosion: Upon release in Sharodiya Desh magazine, the novel stirred significant debate and made a major impact.

About the Author - Abul Bashar:

• Born: 1951
• Early life: Moved with his family from his village at the age of six, settled in Teka village, Murshidabad.
• Education: Graduated in Commerce from Calcutta University and holds a diploma in Hindi literature.
• Career:
  • Worked at a village school for 10-12 years.
  • Currently works at the weekly magazine Desh.
• Literary beginnings:
  • Wrote his first poetry collection at age 20 titled “Jor Uporano Dalpala Bhanga Ar Ek Ritu” in 1971.
  • Took a break from writing to become active in politics but returned to writing later.
  • After a decade, began writing short stories with his first story “Mati Chhere Jai”.
  • Has been involved in literature with the Raurab magazine from Bahrampur.
• Awards: Received the Ananda Award in 1394 (Bengali calendar) for his novel “Fulbou”.
• Personal interests: Prefers not to have hobbies, as stated, “Shokh thakar kotha noy.”