Guhamanab

• Author: Shirsendu Mukhopadhyay
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172159054

Book Overview:

In Guhamanab, we encounter Batkishna Ray, a retired Colonel who, after the passing of his wife Sushmita, has been living a life of quiet solitude. One night, he dreams of her, where Sushmita tells him that she now exists in the twilight – a place between light and darkness. Is Batkishna's life then a perpetual struggle in this twilight zone?

Batkishna's relationship with his son, Sanjay, an IPS officer, is strained, with the son maintaining a cold demeanor towards his father. His daughter-in-law, Pinki, a beauty-conscious woman, dislikes Batkishna. Despite being 54 years old, Batkishna’s physical appearance remains sharp, with piercing eyes that reflect his strength and determination. A man of few words, he chooses to live independently, with no need for external help. Each morning, he goes for a jog at the lake as if coming out of a cave and returning to it again.

Years ago, Batkishna was seen by his wife’s friend, Aparajita, for just three hours, but that brief encounter has left her captivated by him ever since. This profound emotional connection begs the question: what is the nature of Batkishna’s relationship with society and his family? How does he touch the deep recesses of emotions, and what untold story lies hidden within him? The novel delves into these emotional complexities and paints a poignant picture of an enigmatic man.

About the Author:

Shirsendu Mukhopadhyay was born on 2nd November 1935 in Bikrampur, Dhaka. His childhood was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, as his father worked in the railways, which led to his family moving across different places during and after World War II. He spent part of his early years in Kolkata, then in Bihar, North Bengal, East Bengal, and Assam.

He studied at Victoria College and later at Kolkata University. He began his career as a school teacher before transitioning into journalism. His literary career took off with his first story published in Desh Magazine, followed by his debut novel Ghunpoka. His contribution to literature earned him numerous accolades, including the Ananda Puraskar and the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1989 for his novel Manabjamina.

Mukhopadhyay has written across genres, with significant contributions to both children's literature and adult fiction. His work often reflects the emotional depth and social complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on the interplay of personal and societal struggles.