Banshioyala

Author: Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay

Genre: Novel

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9788177566994

Pages: 176

Weight: 295 grams

Book Description:

Banshioyala is a captivating novel by the renowned Bengali author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay. This book contains two enchanting novels—Banshioyala and Collage.

Banshioyala:

The novel follows Mridul, who returns to his childhood village after years of living abroad. His marriage with Louisa has ended, and she has taken their daughter Nili to Canada. Mridul intends to sell off his ancestral land and move on. Haraprasanna, the caretaker, has been managing the estate for years. However, as Mridul reconnects with the village, he rediscovers its beauty—the golden fields of rice bending under their own weight, the serenity of nature, and the magic hidden within.

As Mridul plays his flute, the world around him comes alive—the air, the sky, and even the mute creatures seem to respond. His lost roots start growing back into the village soil, weaving a story of nostalgia, transformation, and self-discovery.

Collage:

This novel presents a fascinating mix of characters and emotions, brought to life by Shirshendu’s masterful storytelling. It delves into the complexities of human relationships, love, and longing. The character Bitu, dressed in blue jeans and a white kurta, steals a kiss from Gauranga, and in that fleeting moment, the air is filled with a whisper of mystery and romance. How many times does such love visit one's life? The novel explores this question through an engaging and heart-touching narrative.

Key Themes:

• The pull of one's roots and identity
• Nature’s role in self-discovery
• Love, longing, and relationships
• The magic hidden in everyday life

About the Author:

Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay was born on November 2, 1935, in Bikrampur, Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). Due to his father’s railway job, his childhood was spent moving across various places, including Bihar, Assam, and different parts of Bengal. These experiences deeply influenced his literary works.

• Education: Studied at Victoria College (IA) and completed his BA and post-graduate studies at Calcutta University.

• Career: Began as a school teacher, later becoming a journalist. He has been associated with Anandabazar Patrika.

• Literary Debut:

  • First story published in Desh magazine.
  • First novel: Ghuno Poka.
  • First children's novel: Monojder Odbhut Bari.

• Awards and Recognition:

  • Vidyasagar Award (1985) for his contribution to children's literature.
  • Ananda Puraskar for literary excellence.
  • Sahitya Akademi Award (1989) for his novel Manabjamin.

With profound storytelling and evocative prose, Banshioyala is a must-read for those who love Bengali literature and stories that explore nostalgia, identity, and the deep connection between humans and nature.