Raka

• Author: Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172151911
• Pages: 196
• Weight: 219 grams
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers

Book Summary:

A moonlit sky, the intoxication of rum, and a moment of forbidden temptation—one man, under the influence of both alcohol and desire, tries to pull his friend’s young and beautiful wife into his embrace. But she resists, her tears forming a wall of denial.

Later, in the midst of a rain-drenched river, a woman momentarily forgets her identity—her husband, children, and societal roles—as the eternal feminine spirit awakens within her. The man she craved for was none other than her husband’s closest friend. Yet, in a moment of self-restraint, he returns her to her rightful place.

But what is the greater truth? That they denied their feelings, or that they yearned for each other in silence? Can a relationship that lacks physical intimacy still give birth to something real and lasting? And if so, does a child born from the frustration of unfulfilled desires carry the burden of such a relationship for a lifetime?

With Raka, Sunil Gangopadhyay takes the reader on a psychological and emotional journey, questioning the complexities of human desire, morality, and relationships in a way only he can.

About the Author:

Sunil Gangopadhyay was born on 7th September 1934 in Faridpur, Bangladesh.

• He completed his M.A. from the University of Calcutta.
• His career began with private tutoring, followed by experiences in various fields such as insurance, UNESCO’s adult education programs, government clerical work, and journalism.
• A poet first, he was the founder-editor of Krittibas magazine, a revolutionary literary platform.
• Later, he gained massive popularity as a novelist, starting with Atmaprakash, first published in the Sharadiya Desh magazine.
• His first poetry collection was Eka Ebong Koyekjon.
• He was equally beloved in children’s literature.

Awards & Recognition:

🏆 Ananda Puraskar (multiple times)
🏆 Bankim Puraskar (1983)
🏆 Sahitya Akademi Award (1985)
🏆 Used multiple pseudonyms—Neel Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, Neel Upadhyay

📅 Passed away on 23rd October 2012.