Four Chapters

Book Details

• Author: Rabindranath Tagore

• Publisher: Penguin Books

• Language: English

• Edition: 2023

• ISBN: 9780143452645

• Pages: 128

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches

About the Book

Char Adhyay (1934), one of Rabindranath Tagore's most controversial and thought-provoking works, explores the intersection of passion and politics during the pre-Independence struggle in India. The novel follows Ela, a young working woman who becomes captivated by Indranath, a fiery political activist advocating for the path of terror. Ela joins his underground rebel group, vowing to dedicate her life to the nation's cause and reject marriage.

However, her involvement in the movement leads to a deep emotional conflict as she falls in love with Atindra, a poet who becomes disillusioned with the group’s violent ideology. As Ela and Atindra grapple with their feelings, they realize the emptiness of Indranath's cause. Together, they must face a heart-wrenching decision.

This new translation of Char Adhyay breathes fresh life into Tagore’s text, capturing the emotional depth and political fervor of the time while presenting the story in a contemporary idiom. The novel’s exploration of personal relationships against the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape remains a powerful reflection on the complexities of love, idealism, and revolution.