Chabir Deshe Kabitar Deshe

• Author: Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Genre: Bhraman O Abhijan
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170669692
• Pages: 266
• Weight: 404 grams

Summary:
Chabi Deshe Kabitar Deshe is a travelogue by the renowned Sunil Gangopadhyay, which focuses on his experiences and observations of France, the land of art and poetry. The title itself speaks of a country of pictures and poems, referring to the deep connection between French art and French poetry that influenced generations of artists and poets. From famous painters like Degas, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso, to poets like Verlaine, Baudelaire, Mallarmé, Valéry, Apollinaire, and Henri Matisse, France has been home to many of the world’s greatest creative minds.

Through five visits to France, Sunil Gangopadhyay has created a narrative that is much more than a typical travelogue. The book delves deeply into French culture, art, and literature, touching upon the periods when artists and poets of the 19th and 20th centuries found themselves involved in numerous creative movements. This work is not just about sightseeing or travel but about exploring the artistic and literary traditions that made France a haven for creators.

The author shares his personal experiences, including stories about his French friend, Marguerite, who helped him understand the country during his time in America. Marguerite's influence and her connection to France are crucial elements in the book. Gangopadhyay offers readers a rare glimpse into his intimate bond with her, sharing anecdotes about their time together, and recalling his encounters with American poets in Greenwich Village, adding another layer to this travelogue.

The book also features French poetry at the start of each chapter, with Gangopadhyay’s own translations, which provides readers with a unique cultural blend and a deeper connection to the literary world he’s describing.

About the Author:
Sunil Gangopadhyay was born on 7th September 1934 in Faridpur, Bangladesh. He completed his MA from Calcutta University. His early career involved teaching, working in a government office, and in various roles like insurance officer and UNESCO worker. He gained recognition first as a poet and later as a novelist, with his first novel "Atmaprakash" published in 1970. He was also the founder-editor of Krittibas magazine, a prominent literary publication.

Gangopadhyay's fame grew with his literary contributions across poetry, novels, and works for children. His first poetry collection, "Eka Ebong Kichhu Jon", was highly acclaimed. He received prestigious awards like the Ananda Award, Bankim Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985. A well-respected literary figure, Gangopadhyay’s pseudonyms included Nil Lohit, Sanatan Pathak, and Nil Upadhyay. He passed away on 23rd October 2012.

This travelogue provides an insightful journey through the soul of France, revealing not just the country’s landmarks but its cultural essence through the lens of a poet's heart.