Gypsy Rat

• Author: Amarendra Chakraborty
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350408346
• Pages: 220
• Weight: 347 grams

Book Overview:

Gypsy Rat takes us on an emotional and geographical journey that spans Moscow, Romania, Benares, and Kolkata. The story begins with Sudhin, a man researching the lives of Gypsies, meeting a Romanian woman, Ilina, in Moscow during a May Day speech by Gorbachev. Despite the language barrier, a deep connection is forged between them.

The narrative unfolds further when Sudhin receives letters from Ilina during the political upheavals in Romania, where he learns about the violent and tragic moments in her country’s history. His life is complicated as he discovers that his father, a retired professor from Benaras Hindu University, has left behind a secret diary, chronicling the family history in great detail.

However, Sudhin's life takes another tumultuous turn when he finds himself involved with a mysterious woman named Boja-Kala Yamuna, leading to a series of unexpected events. Sudhin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, deeply torn between love, loss, and a search for meaning. His quest becomes one of reconciling his personal conflicts with larger political and social upheavals. The novel portrays how love can bring both destruction and redemption, set against the backdrop of Communist Romania, Soviet Russia, and the cities of India.

This multi-layered novel weaves together elements of romance, history, politics, and personal dilemmas. As Sudhin seeks to understand the depth of his emotions, he unravels the complexities of his own life and relationships, experiencing the rebirth of values in a rapidly changing world.

About the Author:

Amarendra Chakraborty is a versatile author and writer, known for his works across various genres, including children's literature, travel writing, poetry, and novels. He was awarded several prestigious honors, including the Vidyasagar Puraskar and Sahitya Akademi Award, for his significant contribution to children's literature.

Chakraborty's well-known works include Shada Ghoda (1979), Hiru Dakat (1986), and many more. His first novel, Bishadgatha, received widespread praise for its literary quality. Besides his writing, Chakraborty is a skilled photographer and has exhibited his works in solo art exhibitions. He is also a passionate traveler, and his travel writings, such as Sumerubritte Bhraman and Bondhubhora Bashundhara, capture his experiences around the world. He has also worked in television, with many of his videos on global travels aired regularly on TV channels.

His creativity spans various fields, including poetry, children's fiction, and travel narratives, making him a well-respected figure in contemporary Bengali literature.