Anagha

Author: Dipanwita Ray
Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789350404720
Pages: 188
Weight: 315 grams

Book Description

"Anagha" is a deeply moving and introspective novel by Dipanwita Ray that explores the human spirit’s ability to endure hardship, pain, and loss. The story is set against the backdrop of Kolkata’s vibrant Sharadiya festival, where, amidst the sounds of sanai and the glow of lights, the protagonists Pritha and Shubhra are abruptly taken to Mumbai by a sudden terror that disrupts their lives. At a bustling hospital in the city, Dr. Wagh, a priest-like figure, and his team are absorbed in treating a deadly disease. Despite the alarming diagnosis, Pritha boldly declares, “I am one of you,” as the disease transcends all boundaries of race, religion, and nationality.

As the narrative unfolds, the lives of various characters—each grappling with personal battles, such as Hasina from Rajshahi, a businesswoman's wife from Rajasthan, Simmi, a dancer from Mumbai, and others—intertwine with the central plot. Their collective fight against the disease highlights the interconnectedness of all lives, and the war they fight becomes both literal and metaphorical. The novel spans multiple locations, from England’s Lake District to Rajshahi, examining different facets of struggle and survival, all leading to the ultimate realization that life is indestructible.

"Anagha" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human soul, exploring endurance, love, and the unifying force of hardship. The narrative weaves in themes of unseen struggles, the strength of friendship, and the pursuit of meaning in life, as it paints a poignant picture of various people’s lives, all brought together by a shared fate.

About the Author

Dipanwita Ray was born and raised in Kolkata, in a traditional Sabarna Ray Chowdhury family, with a rich heritage of cultural and intellectual influence. She completed her postgraduate studies in History and is currently a history teacher at a government-aided school in Behala. Her inspiration stems from her close-knit family, especially her father Krishna Dev Ray Chowdhury, mother Anjali Ray Chowdhury, and her paternal aunt Smara Ray Chowdhury, who was a selfless and deeply spiritual woman.

Dipanwita’s writing is infused with the values she inherited from her upbringing, marked by humanism, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning. The novel "Anagha" is deeply personal to the author, as it was written during a period when she herself faced a personal crisis—a diagnosis of cancer. Through this journey, she found resilience in the face of adversity, and "Anagha" emerged as a product of her inner turmoil, an exploration of life’s fragile and enduring nature.

Key Highlights of the Book:

• Exploration of Human Endurance: The novel delves into the inner strength of individuals who face unimaginable challenges, particularly in the face of a deadly illness.
• Interwoven Stories: The narrative showcases the lives of several individuals who, though from diverse backgrounds, share a common struggle, highlighting the universality of human experience.
• Themes of Love and Unity: The story emphasizes the unity in adversity and how relationships, whether familial or friendly, shape our survival instincts and strength.
• Emotional and Spiritual Journey: Through the lens of the central characters’ fight against cancer, the novel explores profound emotional and spiritual themes.
• Inspiration and Hope: Despite the dark themes, "Anagha" is a hopeful tale, emphasizing that life—though fragile—is ultimately unbreakable.