First Light

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Sunil Gangopadhyay

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780141004303

• Pages: 768

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.6 inches

About the Book

First Light by Sunil Gangopadhyay is a magnificent historical novel that serves as the sequel to the award-winning Those Days. Set at the turn of the twentieth century in Bengal, it captures a time of profound transformation as the old and new India struggle to coexist. The novel delves into the lives of key figures such as Rabindranath Tagore (Robi), the dreamy, young poet torn between his art and his love for his sister-in-law, Kadambari Devi, and Naren Datta, who would later become the renowned Swami Vivekananda. Naren’s spiritual journey from Brahmo Samaj to complete devotion to his Guru, Sri Ramakrishna, is at the heart of the narrative.

First Light also introduces characters who represent the era’s growing nationalism, including doctors, scientists, and actors determined to break free from superstition and redefine society. Among them are Bharat, an illegitimate prince, and Bhumisuta, a former slave turned revered actress. Their journey to self-respect and love amidst societal prejudices is both poignant and powerful.

Through its vibrant portrayal of the Bengal landscape—from sleepy villages to the bustling city of Calcutta—First Light is both a historical epic and a personal exploration of love, identity, and the quest for social change. Written with energy and grand scope, the novel presents a vivid portrait of a society waking up to a new, modern sensibility.