Amake Chai

Author: Samresh Majumdar
Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9788172159795
Pages: 160
Weight: 289 grams

Book Description

"Amake Chai" (I Want Me) by Samresh Majumdar is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel that explores the journey of Mouhar, a character born and raised as a boy, only to discover, through nature's course, a completely different identity. The story is about Mouhar's search for self-identity, not merely as a woman, but as a complete person who seeks to live as themselves, breaking free from societal constraints.

From childhood, Mouhar was raised as a boy, with her father deliberately choosing the gender-neutral name "Mouhar" so that others couldn't easily tell whether she was a boy or a girl. Growing up, she excelled in football and judo, showing no fear, living a life that seemed comfortable in her assigned role. But as she grew older, Mouhar realized that her true self didn’t fit into the expectations placed on her by others, and she sought to live life as a human being first, rather than merely as a woman or man.

The novel dives into Mouhar's quest to find her identity, highlighting her struggles and triumphs as she navigates her complex emotions, society's biases, and her internal conflict. "Amake Chai" presents a unique, poignant story about gender identity, self-realization, and the human desire to be true to oneself, despite the pressures and limitations that society may impose.

About the Author

Samresh Majumdar was born on March 10, 1944, and spent his childhood in the tea gardens of Duars. He attended Jalpaiguri District School before moving to Kolkata in 1960. He studied Bengali Honours at Scottish Church College and later completed his M.A. from Calcutta University.

Initially involved in group theater, Majumdar's career evolved from writing plays to storytelling, with his first short story published in Desh magazine in 1967. His debut novel, "Daud", was serialized in Desh in 1975. He has written many notable works such as "Ehi Ami Renu," "Uttaradhikar," "Bandinibas," "Boro Pap He," and "Kalbela," and has received significant awards like the Ananda Award in 1982 and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for his novel "Kalbela."

Key Highlights of the Book:

• Unique Narrative: The story is centered around the internal conflict of Mouhar, who seeks to live not just as a woman, but as a whole person, and the challenges she faces in doing so.
• Self-Realization: The novel is a journey of self-discovery, as Mouhar tries to align her identity with her innermost feelings, breaking free from gender expectations.
• Explores Gender Identity: The book brings out the struggles of gender identity, questioning societal norms and focusing on personal freedom and self-expression.
• Emotional Depth: The emotional journey and challenges of the protagonist add layers of humanity, making it a heartfelt and introspective story.
• Challenging Societal Expectations: It challenges traditional norms and encourages readers to think beyond labels, celebrating individuality and personal truth.