Ababahika

Author: Buddhadeb Guha
Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9788170669807
Pages: 164
Weight: 189 grams

Book Description

Ababahika is a poignant exploration of love, conflict, and the complexities of human emotions, set against the backdrop of Santiniketan, the famous cultural hub in Bengal. The novel opens with the journey of a train—Shantiniketan Express, which brings not only passengers but also the intricate emotions of a love story. The story follows the prominent poet Harjor Basu and his passionate yet troubled relationship with his admirer Kopai, a young woman from Santiniketan.

Their first encounter, initially in Kolkata at the home of Nilanjana, begins with friction as Kopai openly criticizes Harjor's literary work. This tension lays the groundwork for their complicated second meeting in Santiniketan. The novel doesn’t follow the conventional path of romance. Instead, it presents a complex love triangle involving three individuals: Harjor, Jhumpak, and Kash, each representing different facets of love. The intricate emotional tug-of-war becomes the central plot of Ababahika—an extraordinary story of unrequited love, desire, and the emotional chaos within relationships.

About the Author

Buddhadeb Guha is one of Eastern India’s most renowned literary figures, known for his contributions to Bengali literature, particularly novels and short stories. Professionally, he is a chartered accountant, yet his passion for literature and the outdoors has shaped his reputation as a popular storyteller. His love for the forest, wildlife, and nature deeply influences his works, often weaving these themes into his stories. Though he began hunting at the age of ten, he no longer engages in it, and prefers to explore jungles and forests for inspiration.

His life experiences are diverse, having traveled extensively across Europe, North America, Hawaii, Japan, Thailand, and East Africa. His profound connection with Eastern India’s forests, animals, and indigenous people greatly enriches his writing. Buddhadeb believes that heart plays a more significant role in writing than the intellect, and this reflects in his narrative style.

His debut book, Jangalmohol, introduced him to readers, and over the years, he has penned numerous successful novels and stories. His controversial novel, Madhukari, has been a long-standing bestseller. He also wrote children's books, such as Rijudar Shonge Jangle, and has won multiple awards, including the Ananda Award in 1977. His wife, Ritu Guha, a famous Rabindra Sangeet singer, has also been a significant influence in his life and artistic journey. Several of his works have been adapted for television and film.