An Anthology of the Best Ghost Stories From Bengal

• Author: Barnali Saha
• Publisher: Bee Books
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9391618391
• ISBN-13: 978-9391618391
• Pages: 192 pages

About the Book

An Anthology of the Best Ghost Stories From Bengal brings together a fascinating collection of ghost stories written between 1838 and 1938, offering a peek into the Bengali psyche during a time of profound social, cultural, and political change. The anthology features tales by some of Bengal's finest writers, including Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Syed Mustafa Siraj, Atin Bandopadhyay, Bonophool, and Hemendra Kumar Roy, among others.

Each story explores the supernatural world through the lens of gender dynamics, societal expectations, and the political climate of the era. The characters, both spectral and human, reflect the anxieties, dreams, and disillusionments of a society undergoing transformation at the turn of the century.

These stories do not just aim to scare but delve into the psychological and sociocultural complexities of the time, making them much more than simple ghost tales. They are deeply reflective, drawing connections between the supernatural and the real world, and often highlighting the human condition in an eerie and thought-provoking way.

Key Features

• Classic Bengali Writers: The anthology includes works by some of the most influential Bengali writers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, capturing the essence of the period.
• Spectral and Social Dimensions: The stories focus on gender, class, and the political landscape in Bengal, alongside the usual chilling elements of ghost stories.
• Rich Cultural History: The anthology offers an opportunity to understand the cultural and historical undercurrents of Bengal during a pivotal time in its history.
• Psychological and Political Commentary: Beyond ghosts, these tales provide insights into society, the struggles of the common people, and the changing dynamics of colonial Bengal.

Who Should Read It?

• Fans of Bengali literature and readers interested in the literary history of Bengal.
• Those who are intrigued by the intersection of the supernatural and societal issues in literature.
• Cultural historians or anyone interested in the socio-political evolution of colonial India, especially Bengal.
• Ghost story enthusiasts looking for tales with deeper meaning and reflection.