Upanyas Samagra 7

Author: Bimal Kar
Genre: Rachanabali - Rachanasangraha - Rachanasamagra (Collected Works)
Publisher: Ananda Publishers
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9788177564310
Pages: 688
Weight: 1099 grams

Book Description

The seventh volume of Upanyas Samagra brings together the writings of Bimal Kar, a distinctive and profound voice in Bengali literature. This collection spans several periods of the author’s literary career, featuring a selection of nine remarkable novels that delve into the complexities of relationships and human emotions.

Kar's narratives unravel the delicate tensions in human relationships, often exploring emotional intricacies, loneliness, and identity crises. In a world marked by isolation, his characters find themselves questioning their existence and the essence of their connections with others. With an impeccable sensitivity to human psychology, Bimal Kar paints a vivid picture of solitude and search for belonging.

In this volume, Kar’s first literary novel, ‘Banbhumi’, takes the reader to the isolated and forested landscape of Barbua, a remote station on a branch line of the B.N. Railway, where the inner lives of his characters intertwine with nature.

The novel ‘Parabash’ explores the protagonist’s subconscious realization of inhabiting someone else’s life and emotions, while ‘Nirbhar’ tells the story of a relationship on the verge of collapse, confronting a significant question about trust and dependence. The saga continues with other powerful narratives, such as ‘Atapor’, ‘Bedenaparbhe’, ‘Tathapi’, ‘Agnatabas’, and ‘Mrityu O Jibito’, each focusing on different facets of human struggles, crises, and yearning for truth.

Included Novels

📖 Banbhumi

• Set in a remote forest station, this novel explores alienation, self-discovery, and human interactions in an isolated environment. Kar highlights the connection between the individual and nature, emphasizing the internal struggles of human beings far from civilization.

📖 Parabash

• This novel presents the character of Parimal, who realizes that he has unknowingly taken the place of someone who has left. His journey examines the notion of identity, possession, and the blurred lines between oneself and others.

📖 Nirbhar

• The relationship between Bishnu and Pramila in ‘Nirbhar’ is on the brink of collapse, as the novel explores dependency and self-reliance. The story poses the question of whether trust is the foundation of human connection or if it can be easily shattered.

📖 Atapor

• This novel unravels the story of Shachinmama, whose loneliness and unrecognized existence subtly bring a profound revelation to the protagonist. The novel explores themes of alienation, personal growth, and the meaning of human relationships.

📖 Bedenaparbhe

• A reflection on human suffering and compassion, this novel tackles physical and mental disabilities that surround the protagonist, forcing them to confront their inner turmoil and those of the people around them.

📖 Tathapi

• In this novel, Kar addresses the need for forgiveness and sympathy, which can enrich human connections. The story suggests that compassion can help overcome the difficulties inherent in all relationships.

📖 Agnatabas

• This novel focuses on a person’s crisis of self-identity. The narrative captures the confusion of the protagonist as they deal with the pressures of reconciling their true self with the roles expected of them by society.

📖 Mrityu O Jibito

• The protagonist, Abir, finds himself confronting an identity crisis when his face begins to resemble someone else's. The story delves into the complexities of self-recognition and how one's identity can be easily displaced.

📖 Ubhoipokkho

• A poignant exploration of marital dissatisfaction, this story centers on a colorless and lackluster marriage. Kar investigates the reasons behind the stagnant relationship, leaving the reader questioning the hidden vulnerabilities that keep such relationships together.

About the Author

Bimal Kar was born on 3 Ashwin 1328 (September 1921). His childhood was spent in various places such as Jabalpur, Hazaribagh, Gomo, Dhanbad, and Asansol. He graduated from Calcutta University. Kar began his career in the A.R.P. in 1942 and then worked in the munitions production depot in Asansol in 1943. He also worked with ‘Parag’ magazine as a co-editor under Manilal Bandyopadhyay, and later joined ‘Satyajug’ and ‘Pashchimbanga’ newspapers as a sub-editor.

In 1954, Kar became associated with ‘Desh’ magazine and continued until 1982. From 1982 to 1984, he served as the editor of ‘Shiladitya’ magazine. Throughout his career, Kar won many prestigious awards including the Ananda Puraskar (1967, 1992), Academy Award (1975), Calcutta University’s Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay Award (1981), and the Narsingh Das Award from Delhi University (1982).

Kar is also recognized as a pioneer of the ‘New Trend in Short Story’ movement in Bengali literature. He passed away on 26th August 2003.