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Two Sisters
Two Sisters was first published in 1943 (translated by Krishna Kripalani) and is one of Tagore's last three novels. It is about the eternal conflict that arises when a man does not find a mother figure and a sweetheart in the same person.
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1943
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About the author
Rabindranath Tagore
2,574 books4,244 followersAwarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 "because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West."
Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.
The complete works of Rabindranath Tagore (রবীন্দ্র রচনাবলী) in the original Bengali are now available at these third-party websites:
http://www.tagoreweb.in/
http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr....
Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.
The complete works of Rabindranath Tagore (রবীন্দ্র রচনাবলী) in the original Bengali are now available at these third-party websites:
http://www.tagoreweb.in/
http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr....
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October 13, 2024
সময়ের তুলনায় বেশ সাহসী উপন্যাস। মেয়েদের চারিত্রিক বৈশিষ্ট্য নিয়ে একটা থিয়োরি উল্লেখ করেছেন রবীন্দ্রনাথ। মেয়েরা নাকি মোটাদাগে দুই রকম। একরকম হলো যারা মায়ের মতো পুরুষকে যত্নআত্তি করে, আগলে রাখে, পুরুষের আনন্দেই তাদের আনন্দ। আরেকরকম— যারা হলেন স্বাধীনচেতা। পুরুষের প্রতি যাদের ভালোবাসা সমানে-সমানে। ন্যাকাবোকা এবং খামখেয়ালি টাইপের পুরুষদের তারা পছন্দ করে না। তাদের পছন্দ স্বাবলম্বী পুরুষ। মুশকিলটা বাধে, রাউন্ড হোলে যখন স্কয়ার পেগ ঢুকতে চায়।
উপন্যাসে এই থিয়োরিটার প্রয়োগ করেছেন, সেই জন্যই কি একে সময়ের তুলনায় সাহসী বললাম? নাহ, সাহসী অন্য জায়গায়। জানতে হলে উপন্যাসটা পড়তে হবে।
এবং এই থিয়োরিটা আদৌ সত্যি কিনা এই ব্যাপারেও আমি পুরোপুরি নিশ্চিত নই! কারণ, স্ত্রীয়াশ্চরিত্রম্ দেবা ন জানন্তি কুতো রবীন্দ্রনাথ? 😄
উপন্যাসে এই থিয়োরিটার প্রয়োগ করেছেন, সেই জন্যই কি একে সময়ের তুলনায় সাহসী বললাম? নাহ, সাহসী অন্য জায়গায়। জানতে হলে উপন্যাসটা পড়তে হবে।
এবং এই থিয়োরিটা আদৌ সত্যি কিনা এই ব্যাপারেও আমি পুরোপুরি নিশ্চিত নই! কারণ, স্ত্রীয়াশ্চরিত্রম্ দেবা ন জানন্তি কুতো রবীন্দ্রনাথ? 😄
January 21, 2016
“Women are of two kinds, the mother - kind and the beloved – kind -- so I have heard some learned men say. If a comparison may be drawn with the seasons, the mother is the rainy season. She brings the gift of water and of fruit, tempers the heat, and dissolving from the heights drives away the drought. She fills with plenty. The beloved , on the other hands, is the spring. Deep its mystery, sweet its enchantment. Its restlessness rocks the blood into waves and swings over into jewel chamber of the mind where the solitary string of the golden vina(musical intrument) is lying mute, waiting for the vibration to set the body and the mind ringing in some wordless melody.”
With these beautiful lines,the novel begins. Written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore ,its idea is based on the fact that when a married man does not find a mother figure and a sweetheart in the same person , an eternal conflict arises in him, his heart is torn asunder.
He needs the former(mother-kind) to draw strength from that nature of a woman’s character but he also needs and desires the later (beloved-kind) for inspiration and support that a woman provides to a man. If these two do not meet in the same individual his life wrecks apart making him confused and solitary. The plot of the novel is very intriguing , and as a reader I felt awed by the way novel is written, delighting the reader with its phrases and narrations. Central character is Sasanka whose life is influenced by his wife Sarmila so much so that for each of his personal comforts , his wife takes special care in everything so that he doesn’t have any grievances and her only aim is to see him happy . He’s a man governed by his wife and like a mother she cares for him and as a kid he responds to her. She loves him a lot but is way to inexpressive to tell him about her love for him.So,he misses the beloved - kind nature of Sarmila, which she’s unable to explain it to him through words,but he reveres her for deep caring nature of hers. Sarmila’s younger sister Urmimala is way too naïve & juvenile as compared to her sister. This difference of character is what is missing in Sarmila,which she knows but considers it as unimportant and this is what story is all about.
Mind you,that if you’re thinking that there will be a conflict between these two sisters,think again…… The Title of the novel is “Two sisters” and that is what makes it a completely different read then what we humans might think of it. Rabindranath Tagore whose known as myriad minded person,has compiled a story of truly great class,in simple and authentic words which falls in line with the Title,I loved the story for its plot and the way the story was carved out of it and the climax was also very special as it turned out to be an unexpected one. :):)
Some phrases & narrations that i liked from this novel
"what a pity!" wailed sarmila. "Even in love men cannot wholly lose themselves.A portion of themselves they need must set apart for the exercise of their masculine ego"
"Alcohol taken once has to be taken again to drown the regret of drinking."
"Only a male can be so clumsy in his infatuation as not to notice that his wife could plainly see through the motive of his frequent visits"
With these beautiful lines,the novel begins. Written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore ,its idea is based on the fact that when a married man does not find a mother figure and a sweetheart in the same person , an eternal conflict arises in him, his heart is torn asunder.
He needs the former(mother-kind) to draw strength from that nature of a woman’s character but he also needs and desires the later (beloved-kind) for inspiration and support that a woman provides to a man. If these two do not meet in the same individual his life wrecks apart making him confused and solitary. The plot of the novel is very intriguing , and as a reader I felt awed by the way novel is written, delighting the reader with its phrases and narrations. Central character is Sasanka whose life is influenced by his wife Sarmila so much so that for each of his personal comforts , his wife takes special care in everything so that he doesn’t have any grievances and her only aim is to see him happy . He’s a man governed by his wife and like a mother she cares for him and as a kid he responds to her. She loves him a lot but is way to inexpressive to tell him about her love for him.So,he misses the beloved - kind nature of Sarmila, which she’s unable to explain it to him through words,but he reveres her for deep caring nature of hers. Sarmila’s younger sister Urmimala is way too naïve & juvenile as compared to her sister. This difference of character is what is missing in Sarmila,which she knows but considers it as unimportant and this is what story is all about.
Mind you,that if you’re thinking that there will be a conflict between these two sisters,think again…… The Title of the novel is “Two sisters” and that is what makes it a completely different read then what we humans might think of it. Rabindranath Tagore whose known as myriad minded person,has compiled a story of truly great class,in simple and authentic words which falls in line with the Title,I loved the story for its plot and the way the story was carved out of it and the climax was also very special as it turned out to be an unexpected one. :):)
Some phrases & narrations that i liked from this novel
"what a pity!" wailed sarmila. "Even in love men cannot wholly lose themselves.A portion of themselves they need must set apart for the exercise of their masculine ego"
"Alcohol taken once has to be taken again to drown the regret of drinking."
"Only a male can be so clumsy in his infatuation as not to notice that his wife could plainly see through the motive of his frequent visits"
February 18, 2019
“Women are of two types; that is what I’ve heard from some scholars.
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover. If a comparison with the seasons can be drawn, the mother is like the rainy season. She gives water, provides fruits, diffuses the Heat, sends you cold showers from the high skies, removes dryness, fulfills your want.
And the beloved is like spring. Deep is her mystery, sweet is her charm, her fickleness creates ripples in your blood. The ripples reach that treasure-trove of your mind where a secret string in the golden Veena silently waits for resonance, the resonance that vibrates in your entire body and mind with the message of the infinite.” With these alluring lines, the tale of Two Sisters begins.
Setting the pace for what is to come. Lyrical proses adorn the 76 pages book ‘Two Sisters’, written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore and translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee.
The story is based on an eternal conflict a married man faces, that a wife cannot be only a mother figure, but she also has to be a woman who is a seductress and takes every step with him.
Rabindranath Tagore’s narrative is very lyrical and enticing. By the time I was done reading the book, I was overwhelmed and in full of awe of this man ‘Rabindranath Tagore’.
The narrative of the book has a hint of sarcasm and cynicism. Vividly alive, we are thrown into the early 1900s. Rabindranath subtly highlighted the nuances of human nature. Character development is gradual and in pace. Subtle to the senses. I highly recommend this translation to anyone who is thinking to read Tagore or to someone who is looking for the good translations.
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover. If a comparison with the seasons can be drawn, the mother is like the rainy season. She gives water, provides fruits, diffuses the Heat, sends you cold showers from the high skies, removes dryness, fulfills your want.
And the beloved is like spring. Deep is her mystery, sweet is her charm, her fickleness creates ripples in your blood. The ripples reach that treasure-trove of your mind where a secret string in the golden Veena silently waits for resonance, the resonance that vibrates in your entire body and mind with the message of the infinite.” With these alluring lines, the tale of Two Sisters begins.
Setting the pace for what is to come. Lyrical proses adorn the 76 pages book ‘Two Sisters’, written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore and translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee.
The story is based on an eternal conflict a married man faces, that a wife cannot be only a mother figure, but she also has to be a woman who is a seductress and takes every step with him.
Rabindranath Tagore’s narrative is very lyrical and enticing. By the time I was done reading the book, I was overwhelmed and in full of awe of this man ‘Rabindranath Tagore’.
The narrative of the book has a hint of sarcasm and cynicism. Vividly alive, we are thrown into the early 1900s. Rabindranath subtly highlighted the nuances of human nature. Character development is gradual and in pace. Subtle to the senses. I highly recommend this translation to anyone who is thinking to read Tagore or to someone who is looking for the good translations.
August 14, 2017
"দুই বোন" রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুরের বহুল আলোচিত একটি উপন্যাস। এর প্রধান চরিত্র শর্মিলা, ঊর্মিমালা, শশাঙ্ক ও নীরদ।
উপন্যাসটিতে শর্মিলা ও ঊর্মিমালা দুই বোন। শর্মিলা বিবাহিতা। শশাঙ্ক তার স্বামী। স্বামীর সংসারের খুঁটিনাটি সব কিছু শর্মিলার নখদর্পণে। স্বামীর সেবাযত্ন করে তার দিন কাটে।
অন্যদিকে ঊর্মিমালা (সংক্ষেপে ঊর্মি) বইপড়া মেয়ে, কাজ করা মেয়ে নয়। কাজকর্ম সবই তার কাছে অনিয়মের মতো।
তাদের বাবা মৃত্যুর আগে ঊর্মির সাথে নীরদের বিয়ের কথা পাকা করে যান। নীরদ পেশায় ডাক্তার। বিলেত থেকে ডিগ্রী নিতে চায় সে। ওদিকে ঊর্মিরও ইচ্ছে নিজেদের একটা হাসপাতাল বানিয়ে সেখানে ডাক্তার হয়ে কাজ করার। তাই সে নিজেকে তৈরি করতে থাকে।
এক পর্যায়ে নীরদ বিলেত যায়। ওদিকে শর্মিলার শরীরে এক অদ্ভুত রোগ বাসা বাঁধে। ঊর্মিকে নিজের কাছে নিয়ে এসে সংসারের দায়িত্ব তুলে দেয় তার হাতে। এরপর উপন্যাসের ঘটনা নতুন মোড় নেয়।
বাকিটুকু জানতে হলে উপন্যাসটি পড়ে ফেলুন। খুবই ছোট এবং প্রাঞ্জল ভাষার উপন্যাসটি পড়ে যে কারো ভাল লাগবে। ধন্যবাদ :)
উপন্যাসটিতে শর্মিলা ও ঊর্মিমালা দুই বোন। শর্মিলা বিবাহিতা। শশাঙ্ক তার স্বামী। স্বামীর সংসারের খুঁটিনাটি সব কিছু শর্মিলার নখদর্পণে। স্বামীর সেবাযত্ন করে তার দিন কাটে।
অন্যদিকে ঊর্মিমালা (সংক্ষেপে ঊর্মি) বইপড়া মেয়ে, কাজ করা মেয়ে নয়। কাজকর্ম সবই তার কাছে অনিয়মের মতো।
তাদের বাবা মৃত্যুর আগে ঊর্মির সাথে নীরদের বিয়ের কথা পাকা করে যান। নীরদ পেশায় ডাক্তার। বিলেত থেকে ডিগ্রী নিতে চায় সে। ওদিকে ঊর্মিরও ইচ্ছে নিজেদের একটা হাসপাতাল বানিয়ে সেখানে ডাক্তার হয়ে কাজ করার। তাই সে নিজেকে তৈরি করতে থাকে।
এক পর্যায়ে নীরদ বিলেত যায়। ওদিকে শর্মিলার শরীরে এক অদ্ভুত রোগ বাসা বাঁধে। ঊর্মিকে নিজের কাছে নিয়ে এসে সংসারের দায়িত্ব তুলে দেয় তার হাতে। এরপর উপন্যাসের ঘটনা নতুন মোড় নেয়।
বাকিটুকু জানতে হলে উপন্যাসটি পড়ে ফেলুন। খুবই ছোট এবং প্রাঞ্জল ভাষার উপন্যাসটি পড়ে যে কারো ভাল লাগবে। ধন্যবাদ :)
February 23, 2024
রবির কথাসাহিত্যে যে সর্বজ্ঞ বক্তা থাকেন, তার বর্ণনার একটা গড়া ছাঁচ আছে। ছাঁচের বাইরে প্রায় যাননি বলে, কখনো একঘেয়ে লাগে, কখনো রাগও হয়। তবু সংলাপ, ভাষা, আর ভাষ্য- এই ত্রয়ী এক করে রবি যা দেন, তা সূর্যের সঙ্গেই তুলনীয়।
দুই বোন এমন লেখা, যেটা প্রকাশককে বৈঠকে বসিয়ে রেখে, চা ঠাণ্ডা হতে দিয়ে রবি স্রেফ সান্ত্বনা দেওয়ার জন্য লিখে দিতে পারেন। তারপরও, রবিপ্রভা কথা বলে। প্রকৃতিকে ধন্যবাদ এই দেবদ্যুতি বাংলায় এসেছিলেন।
দুই বোন এমন লেখা, যেটা প্রকাশককে বৈঠকে বসিয়ে রেখে, চা ঠাণ্ডা হতে দিয়ে রবি স্রেফ সান্ত্বনা দেওয়ার জন্য লিখে দিতে পারেন। তারপরও, রবিপ্রভা কথা বলে। প্রকৃতিকে ধন্যবাদ এই দেবদ্যুতি বাংলায় এসেছিলেন।
September 26, 2022
আইচ্ছা তাইলে বিষয়ডা হলো রবীন্দ্রনাথ ও সেযুগে সিরিয়ালের কাহিনী লেইখা গেছেন:-P
আর তোমরা সবাই হুদাই লীনা গাঙ্গুলীকে গাইল দাও🌚
রেটিং:✨🌟⭐
২৬/০৯/২২
আর তোমরা সবাই হুদাই লীনা গাঙ্গুলীকে গাইল দাও🌚
রেটিং:✨🌟⭐
২৬/০৯/২২
October 14, 2024
কিছুটা প্রথাবিরোধী লেখা বলা যায়। তবে, এন্ডিংটা সাদামাটা। মনে হলো, নেহাতই সমাজের কথা ভেবে শেষমেষ একটা টিপিক্যাল এন্ডিং দিলেন রবিবাবু৷ প্রথা ভাঙতে ভাঙতেও ভাঙলেন না!
February 4, 2010
"The life of two sisters, the understanding between the minds of sisters in marvelous, how does a woman mind think for life, and every other life-story is easily understandable. Tagore sir is a lucid thinker"
December 22, 2018
সহজ ভাষায় প্রাঞ্জল রচনা।খুব বাস্তববাদী।💞
February 21, 2019
Two sisters.
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Thank you so much for sending this book @niyogi_books :)
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Two sisters was a special read partly because of this beautiful cover and most importantly because it was written by Rabindranath Tagore. This was, sadly, my first book of Tagore and I realised my mistake of not giving his books a read earlier. His words are like a flowing river, calm and utterly magnificent. Storytelling is an art and it's clear that he has mastered it.
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This book is about two sisters, Sharmila and Urmimala who are different in every way, yet carry each other's presence within their hearts. Sharmila is a smart housewife who handles all the household finances and keeps her husband, Shashanka happy. Under her rule, the house is always spick and span, as she caters to every need of Shashanka. Shashanka, on the other hand enjoys his wife's constant hovering around him and basks in her love. Their marriage is of a happy and content nature.
~
Urmimala, on the other hand is witty, outgoing and studious. She takes an oath of founding a hospital after her brother dies due to an illness. She craves to study and hence is engaged to Nirod, an equally studios man who shares her idea of looking after a hospital. But life does not work in her favour as she realises that Nirod is not a man who nurtures romantic thoughts. He means business and this scares her to wit's end. When Sharmila falls sick and gets bedridden, Urmila is called upon to look after her and Shashanka.
~
What starts as a simple relationship between brother-in-law and sister, their relationship blossoms into something deeper right in front of Sharmila. One thing that surprised me was the sibling relationship that the sisters shared contrary to how I thought the book would end. Sharmila being a woman with the biggest and kindest heart while Urmimala was thoughtful and of helping nature. This book is much more than just 80 pages of words.Shashanka is a simple man who craves the touch of mother's concern and receives it through his wife Sharmila. He also craves for playfulness, humour and desires from Urmila. This book is unique in many ways one of them being the way it ends.
~
Rating - 4.5 / 5.
~
Thank you so much for sending this book @niyogi_books :)
~
Two sisters was a special read partly because of this beautiful cover and most importantly because it was written by Rabindranath Tagore. This was, sadly, my first book of Tagore and I realised my mistake of not giving his books a read earlier. His words are like a flowing river, calm and utterly magnificent. Storytelling is an art and it's clear that he has mastered it.
~
This book is about two sisters, Sharmila and Urmimala who are different in every way, yet carry each other's presence within their hearts. Sharmila is a smart housewife who handles all the household finances and keeps her husband, Shashanka happy. Under her rule, the house is always spick and span, as she caters to every need of Shashanka. Shashanka, on the other hand enjoys his wife's constant hovering around him and basks in her love. Their marriage is of a happy and content nature.
~
Urmimala, on the other hand is witty, outgoing and studious. She takes an oath of founding a hospital after her brother dies due to an illness. She craves to study and hence is engaged to Nirod, an equally studios man who shares her idea of looking after a hospital. But life does not work in her favour as she realises that Nirod is not a man who nurtures romantic thoughts. He means business and this scares her to wit's end. When Sharmila falls sick and gets bedridden, Urmila is called upon to look after her and Shashanka.
~
What starts as a simple relationship between brother-in-law and sister, their relationship blossoms into something deeper right in front of Sharmila. One thing that surprised me was the sibling relationship that the sisters shared contrary to how I thought the book would end. Sharmila being a woman with the biggest and kindest heart while Urmimala was thoughtful and of helping nature. This book is much more than just 80 pages of words.Shashanka is a simple man who craves the touch of mother's concern and receives it through his wife Sharmila. He also craves for playfulness, humour and desires from Urmila. This book is unique in many ways one of them being the way it ends.
~
Rating - 4.5 / 5.
May 26, 2019
Two Sisters by RabindranathTagore translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee revolves around the marriage of Shashanka and Sharmila. Shashanka is a man who is dedicated to his work, come what may. Sharmila, is the ideal wife. She not only takes care of the house but also supports Shashanka and his work life. She takes care of his health despite him neglecting his wife.
He keeps working day and night and she keeps running behind him, taking care of his basic needs. Shashanka is comfortable with his life only because his wife keeps everything in order, something he hasn't realised yet. Shashanka is infatuated towards Urmimala, Sharmila's younger sister.
Sharmila is diagnosed with some disease calls Urmi to take care of her house and that's when the infatuation between the two reaches new heights. Sharmila, aware of what is going on is quite because her husband's happiness matters the most. She sobs uncontrollably in her room when both of them are away.
Soon enough, Urmi realises what she has done and leaves them when the right time comes, apologizing for her deeds and the disruption caused by her.
Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee has translated the work not only with simplicity but also beautifully. The trait of infidelity in marriage is not new for the contemporary marriage, hence making this work of Tagore a timeless one. Each and every character has their due role to play and have been given equal attention.
The narration is from different point of views and focuses on different essence of married life. The husband has always been the dominating one, controlling the life of his wife. From her reading preferences to the people she socializes with, like we see in Urmimala and Nirod.
Shashanka and Sharmila's married life shows a different side. How little Shashanka cares about his wife and how she devotes her entire life for the betterment of her husband.
A beautifully written novella, timeless and eternal.
He keeps working day and night and she keeps running behind him, taking care of his basic needs. Shashanka is comfortable with his life only because his wife keeps everything in order, something he hasn't realised yet. Shashanka is infatuated towards Urmimala, Sharmila's younger sister.
Sharmila is diagnosed with some disease calls Urmi to take care of her house and that's when the infatuation between the two reaches new heights. Sharmila, aware of what is going on is quite because her husband's happiness matters the most. She sobs uncontrollably in her room when both of them are away.
Soon enough, Urmi realises what she has done and leaves them when the right time comes, apologizing for her deeds and the disruption caused by her.
Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee has translated the work not only with simplicity but also beautifully. The trait of infidelity in marriage is not new for the contemporary marriage, hence making this work of Tagore a timeless one. Each and every character has their due role to play and have been given equal attention.
The narration is from different point of views and focuses on different essence of married life. The husband has always been the dominating one, controlling the life of his wife. From her reading preferences to the people she socializes with, like we see in Urmimala and Nirod.
Shashanka and Sharmila's married life shows a different side. How little Shashanka cares about his wife and how she devotes her entire life for the betterment of her husband.
A beautifully written novella, timeless and eternal.
August 7, 2025
I read its Hindi translation – दो बहनें.
February 2, 2021
প্রথমেই লেখক নারীকে বর্ণনা করেন এই ভাবে নারী জাতি দুপ্রকারের-এক হল মায়ের জাত আর অপরটি প্রিয়ার জাত। দুই বোন শর্মিলা আর ঊর্মিমালা কে নিয়ে উপন্যাসের কাহিনী আবর্তিত হয়েছে।তাদের জীবন-সংসার,শশাঙ্ক এর সাথে দুই বোনের আবর্তিত প্রেম এই নিয়েই উপন্যাস।
July 10, 2014
Woman....WOO-MAN (Man representing our human species) is a symbol of submission, adoration, affection, idolatry, fervor, zeal, lust and LOVE.
Love can be the intoxication, an ardent flame of overwhelming lava that blinds you to the morals of this world OR it can be an unnoticed godly worship, calm and silent in nature whose sudden absence can make life toxic.
Its a contrast of two sisters, the chadrma (moon) and the suryama (sun).... of day and night, of spring and winter.
No matter which one you fall for, its an inevitable phenomena for its an attribute of God and can not left unreflected in His supreme creation.
Love can be the intoxication, an ardent flame of overwhelming lava that blinds you to the morals of this world OR it can be an unnoticed godly worship, calm and silent in nature whose sudden absence can make life toxic.
Its a contrast of two sisters, the chadrma (moon) and the suryama (sun).... of day and night, of spring and winter.
No matter which one you fall for, its an inevitable phenomena for its an attribute of God and can not left unreflected in His supreme creation.
July 30, 2019
Tagore's prose is poetic, but the idea of needing to find a mother in a wife put me off... the entire short story made for a rather uncomfortable read as the man-woman dynamic is overtly Oedipal in nature.
July 22, 2012
Tagore was speaking and writing about love, lust and incest 72 years ago. Otherwise an easy quick story about 2 sisters - the beloved and the mother kind.
January 3, 2014
Nice simple book. Shows the dilemma in comprehending love: a momentary obsession, or an unnoticed everyday necessity?
October 16, 2020
"মেয়েরা দুই জাতের , কোনো কোনো পন্ডিতের কাছে এমন কথা শুনেছি।
এক জাত প্রধানত মা, আর এক জাত প্রিয়া।"
The opening line of the Novel itself categorizes women into two respective categories; Mother and lover. May be the author wanted to mock at the monotony of roles which women pick up off and on, but the author itself encloses Sharmila and Urmimala, the two sisters, within the formerly mentioned categories, which I detest. It seems that Tagore hardly explored the genre of novel in terms of plot development, characterization and setting. The plot is repetitive while the characters are inevitably cliché, and setting is an Urban Calcutta. Sharmila and Urmimala albeit share contradictory nature, but there lives come to a full circle with the pursuit of Shasanka, the mutual man. Well, Sashanka is that guy receives equal affection from his wife Sharmila as well as Urmimala. Puritan Niradh, temporary husband of Urmimala,adds to the plot development and also fetters her jovial nature with rules. Meanwhile Sashanka also feels bound by excess affection from his wife. With Sharmila's sudden ill health, Urmimala has to take up the reins of her sister's family. Quite predictably, Sashanka and Urmimala come close to each other, thanks to their similar natures. In pursuit of Urmimala, Sashanka neglects his duty towards his business, its result being as predictable as it can be. Meanwhile Urmimala has also been neglecting her studies and it gnaws her guilty conscience off and on. Sharmila has noticed everything but to keep her husband happy she refuses to get rid of Urmimala. The Catharsis comes with the news of paralyzed condition of Sashanka's business, the only available option left for them is to shift to Nepal and start up a new venture there. All three of them plan to shift to Nepal, Sashanka being unable to live without Urmimala. Few days prior to their journey, Urmimala takes her leave from her sister's life. In two letters addressed to her sister, she breaks the news of her desire to be a Doctor from Europe while on the other she asks forgiveness from her sister for the damage she has caused to her, which she believes can be recovered with time. The novel is an interesting read with predictable outcomes. However, Tagore has offered enough agency to the females in the novel which makes them retain their independence.
এক জাত প্রধানত মা, আর এক জাত প্রিয়া।"
The opening line of the Novel itself categorizes women into two respective categories; Mother and lover. May be the author wanted to mock at the monotony of roles which women pick up off and on, but the author itself encloses Sharmila and Urmimala, the two sisters, within the formerly mentioned categories, which I detest. It seems that Tagore hardly explored the genre of novel in terms of plot development, characterization and setting. The plot is repetitive while the characters are inevitably cliché, and setting is an Urban Calcutta. Sharmila and Urmimala albeit share contradictory nature, but there lives come to a full circle with the pursuit of Shasanka, the mutual man. Well, Sashanka is that guy receives equal affection from his wife Sharmila as well as Urmimala. Puritan Niradh, temporary husband of Urmimala,adds to the plot development and also fetters her jovial nature with rules. Meanwhile Sashanka also feels bound by excess affection from his wife. With Sharmila's sudden ill health, Urmimala has to take up the reins of her sister's family. Quite predictably, Sashanka and Urmimala come close to each other, thanks to their similar natures. In pursuit of Urmimala, Sashanka neglects his duty towards his business, its result being as predictable as it can be. Meanwhile Urmimala has also been neglecting her studies and it gnaws her guilty conscience off and on. Sharmila has noticed everything but to keep her husband happy she refuses to get rid of Urmimala. The Catharsis comes with the news of paralyzed condition of Sashanka's business, the only available option left for them is to shift to Nepal and start up a new venture there. All three of them plan to shift to Nepal, Sashanka being unable to live without Urmimala. Few days prior to their journey, Urmimala takes her leave from her sister's life. In two letters addressed to her sister, she breaks the news of her desire to be a Doctor from Europe while on the other she asks forgiveness from her sister for the damage she has caused to her, which she believes can be recovered with time. The novel is an interesting read with predictable outcomes. However, Tagore has offered enough agency to the females in the novel which makes them retain their independence.
February 18, 2019
“Women are of two types; that is what I’ve heard from some scholars.
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover. If a comparison with the seasons can be drawn, the mother is like the rainy season. She gives water, provides fruits, diffuses the Heat, sends you cold showers from the high skies, removes dryness, fulfills your want.
And the beloved is like spring. Deep is her mystery, sweet is her charm, her fickleness creates ripples in your blood. The ripples reach that treasure-trove of your mind where a secret string in the golden Veena silently waits for resonance, the resonance that vibrates in your entire body and mind with the message of the infinite.” With these alluring lines, the tale of Two Sisters begins.
Setting the pace for what is to come. Lyrical proses adorn the 76 pages book ‘Two Sisters’, written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore and translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee.
The story is based on an eternal conflict a married man faces, that a wife cannot be only a mother figure, but she also has to be a woman who is a seductress and takes every step with him.
Rabindranath Tagore’s narrative is very lyrical and enticing. By the time I was done reading the book, I was overwhelmed and in full of awe of this man ‘Rabindranath Tagore’.
The narrative of the book has a hint of sarcasm and cynicism. Vividly alive, we are thrown into the early 1900s. Rabindranath subtly highlighted the nuances of human nature. Character development is gradual and in pace. Subtle to the senses. I highly recommend this translation to anyone who is thinking to read Tagore or to someone who is looking for the good translations.
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover. If a comparison with the seasons can be drawn, the mother is like the rainy season. She gives water, provides fruits, diffuses the Heat, sends you cold showers from the high skies, removes dryness, fulfills your want.
And the beloved is like spring. Deep is her mystery, sweet is her charm, her fickleness creates ripples in your blood. The ripples reach that treasure-trove of your mind where a secret string in the golden Veena silently waits for resonance, the resonance that vibrates in your entire body and mind with the message of the infinite.” With these alluring lines, the tale of Two Sisters begins.
Setting the pace for what is to come. Lyrical proses adorn the 76 pages book ‘Two Sisters’, written by the Nobel Prize Winner Rabindranath Tagore and translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee.
The story is based on an eternal conflict a married man faces, that a wife cannot be only a mother figure, but she also has to be a woman who is a seductress and takes every step with him.
Rabindranath Tagore’s narrative is very lyrical and enticing. By the time I was done reading the book, I was overwhelmed and in full of awe of this man ‘Rabindranath Tagore’.
The narrative of the book has a hint of sarcasm and cynicism. Vividly alive, we are thrown into the early 1900s. Rabindranath subtly highlighted the nuances of human nature. Character development is gradual and in pace. Subtle to the senses. I highly recommend this translation to anyone who is thinking to read Tagore or to someone who is looking for the good translations.
February 21, 2019
Women are two type, One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover. If a comparison with the seasons can be drawn, the mother is like the rainy season. She gives water, provides fruits, diffuses the Heat, sends you cold showers from the high skies, removes dryness, fulfills your want.
This book is one of the favorite read of 2019. I'll tell you why.
This is my second read of tagore. I heard a lot about Bengali stories Finally thanks to for giving me copy. I must say language is so lyrical and lucid you will fall in love with words.
This is story of sharmila and urmila two sisters. Book start with sharmila story, about her life, intelligence, how she handle every situation with her husband. Shashank her husband who is quite shy or little Afraid guy.
Sharmila is like Queen of thr house,both living happy.
Urmila is kind of opposite nature of sharmila. She is studious. Who wanted to bulid a hospital because her brother died in illness. She is engaged to nirod who is equally support to dream of urmila. And story talk about there study life.
Here sharmila falls sick. And call urmils to look for her. Now here come beautiful part of book that will take you to new way. Brothers in law and sister's relation take new way whilr sharmila is bedrest. The ending is not what I thought that's best part of book.
Sharmila a kind person with big heart and urmila practically nature. This books just 80 pages but, holds so much deep thought in it because two sisters share the presence in other hear.
4.5/5
This book is one of the favorite read of 2019. I'll tell you why.
This is my second read of tagore. I heard a lot about Bengali stories Finally thanks to for giving me copy. I must say language is so lyrical and lucid you will fall in love with words.
This is story of sharmila and urmila two sisters. Book start with sharmila story, about her life, intelligence, how she handle every situation with her husband. Shashank her husband who is quite shy or little Afraid guy.
Sharmila is like Queen of thr house,both living happy.
Urmila is kind of opposite nature of sharmila. She is studious. Who wanted to bulid a hospital because her brother died in illness. She is engaged to nirod who is equally support to dream of urmila. And story talk about there study life.
Here sharmila falls sick. And call urmils to look for her. Now here come beautiful part of book that will take you to new way. Brothers in law and sister's relation take new way whilr sharmila is bedrest. The ending is not what I thought that's best part of book.
Sharmila a kind person with big heart and urmila practically nature. This books just 80 pages but, holds so much deep thought in it because two sisters share the presence in other hear.
4.5/5
April 5, 2019
"Women are two of types,that is what i have heard from some scholars.
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover."
Two sisters is the story of two women, Sharmila and Urmila. Sharmila is married to Shashanka. Shashanka goes throufh ups and downs in terms of business. Sharmila is a strong women, intelligent and a home maker. She does her household chores with ease and always makes extra efforts for her husband.
She falls ill and to her with household work, she calls her sister, Urmila.
Urmila is a studious girl and ambitious. She was engaged to a man named, Nirod.She wanted to built a hospital and this was her dream.
Sharmila was a protective wife on the other hand Urmila was not carefree but not that attentive as Sharmila.
When Urmila, arrives in their home, a very strong relationship builds between Shashank and Urmila. The bond of sister-in-law and brother-in-law couldn't get better.
Shashanka believes that a wife cannot be a mother figure, she also has to be a seductress. The story of these two sisters is just a very different one.
The end is not at all predictable. This short book takes a toll on the mind.
The characters are so strong yet simple. Also, vividly written and translated at its finest.
5/5
One is of the Mother category, the other is of a lover."
Two sisters is the story of two women, Sharmila and Urmila. Sharmila is married to Shashanka. Shashanka goes throufh ups and downs in terms of business. Sharmila is a strong women, intelligent and a home maker. She does her household chores with ease and always makes extra efforts for her husband.
She falls ill and to her with household work, she calls her sister, Urmila.
Urmila is a studious girl and ambitious. She was engaged to a man named, Nirod.She wanted to built a hospital and this was her dream.
Sharmila was a protective wife on the other hand Urmila was not carefree but not that attentive as Sharmila.
When Urmila, arrives in their home, a very strong relationship builds between Shashank and Urmila. The bond of sister-in-law and brother-in-law couldn't get better.
Shashanka believes that a wife cannot be a mother figure, she also has to be a seductress. The story of these two sisters is just a very different one.
The end is not at all predictable. This short book takes a toll on the mind.
The characters are so strong yet simple. Also, vividly written and translated at its finest.
5/5
December 2, 2025
Duibon (Two Sisters) is a novella by Rabindranath Tagore that once again delves deeply into the complexities of women’s psychology. Tagore opens the work by saying that women can be classified into two distinct categories—the mother-type and the beloved-type—and the central characters, Sharmila and Urmimala, embody these contrasting archetypes. The story examines the intricate dynamics of love, jealousy, and the man–woman relationship, revolving around a man emotionally torn between his wife and her sister.
Since I had read Malancha just a day before starting Duibon, I couldn’t help but compare the two novellas. Interestingly, Tagore wrote Duibon in 1933 and followed it with Malancha in 1934. It almost feels as though he was not entirely satisfied with the ending of Duibon and therefore crafted Malancha as another exploration of similar themes—this time arriving at a different conclusion while further probing complex female emotions.
I would strongly encourage readers to experience both works to appreciate the continuity and contrasts in Tagore’s portrayal of women and relationships.
Since I had read Malancha just a day before starting Duibon, I couldn’t help but compare the two novellas. Interestingly, Tagore wrote Duibon in 1933 and followed it with Malancha in 1934. It almost feels as though he was not entirely satisfied with the ending of Duibon and therefore crafted Malancha as another exploration of similar themes—this time arriving at a different conclusion while further probing complex female emotions.
I would strongly encourage readers to experience both works to appreciate the continuity and contrasts in Tagore’s portrayal of women and relationships.
February 15, 2022
I had picked up this short novella, without reading any blurb. I found it a bit problematic. Bits I didn't agree on.
I would give this book 2 stars out of 5.
⭐- The story is good, engaging read. Short and meaningful. But, not excellent. Not the best of Rabindranath Tagore.
⭐- Some sentences were really breathtaking. Sentences which will pierce your soul. Like the opening sentence, sure to grasp your interest.
⭐🚫- The pace was too fast. I had to read particular paragraphs, a couple of times to comprehend it's meanings.
⭐🚫- The characters irked me. Either too selfish or too sacrificing. As if women exist for only to be appealing to men.
⭐🚫- The story didn't relate with me, maybe because I hated the characters. Though the ending was satisfying. At least, one of them had logical thinking.
I won't recommend it but neither stop you from picking it up. Everyone has a different way of looking at the world.
I would give this book 2 stars out of 5.
⭐- The story is good, engaging read. Short and meaningful. But, not excellent. Not the best of Rabindranath Tagore.
⭐- Some sentences were really breathtaking. Sentences which will pierce your soul. Like the opening sentence, sure to grasp your interest.
⭐🚫- The pace was too fast. I had to read particular paragraphs, a couple of times to comprehend it's meanings.
⭐🚫- The characters irked me. Either too selfish or too sacrificing. As if women exist for only to be appealing to men.
⭐🚫- The story didn't relate with me, maybe because I hated the characters. Though the ending was satisfying. At least, one of them had logical thinking.
I won't recommend it but neither stop you from picking it up. Everyone has a different way of looking at the world.
May 23, 2021
As is to be expected of Tagore, beautiful prose and lots of allusions to both western and Bengali literature which makes his writing fun to read. The actual plot of the novel was really predictable but it was meant to be that way (about halfway through the novel the author breaks the fourth wall by stating that the rest of the story is supposed to be predictable to readers). It's really interesting to see the ideas of gender described in the book, even if you might not agree with the whole idea of there being 2 kinds of women.
September 28, 2025
রবি ঠাকুরের বাণীতে - নারী মায়ের জাত, এবং প্রিয়ার জাত।
শশাঙ্ক চরিত্রটিকে যদি প্রোটাগনিস্ট ধরি তাহলে তাকে ঘিরে তার স্ত্রী শর্মিলা মায়ের জাত অপরদিকে তার স্ত্রীর বোন অর্থাৎ তার শালী উর্মিমালা হল প্রিয়ার জাত। পুরুষ মানুষের একটা নিকৃষ্ট দিক তুলে ধরেছেন লেখক। স্ত্রী থাকার পরেও স্ত্রীর ছোটবোনের সাথে প্রেমময় ভাব এটা অবশ্যই পুরুষের নিকৃষ্টতর চরিত্রের একটা। আর রবি ঠাকুর মানেই এক চরিত্রের সাথে দুই তিন চরিত্রের প্রেম প্রেম খেলা থাকবে এটাও তার ব্যতিক্রম কাহিনী ছিল না।
শশাঙ্ক চরিত্রটিকে যদি প্রোটাগনিস্ট ধরি তাহলে তাকে ঘিরে তার স্ত্রী শর্মিলা মায়ের জাত অপরদিকে তার স্ত্রীর বোন অর্থাৎ তার শালী উর্মিমালা হল প্রিয়ার জাত। পুরুষ মানুষের একটা নিকৃষ্ট দিক তুলে ধরেছেন লেখক। স্ত্রী থাকার পরেও স্ত্রীর ছোটবোনের সাথে প্রেমময় ভাব এটা অবশ্যই পুরুষের নিকৃষ্টতর চরিত্রের একটা। আর রবি ঠাকুর মানেই এক চরিত্রের সাথে দুই তিন চরিত্রের প্রেম প্রেম খেলা থাকবে এটাও তার ব্যতিক্রম কাহিনী ছিল না।
November 24, 2022
বিন্দুমাত্র ভালো লাগে নি। রবী ঠাকুরের মত একজন মহারথী কিভাবে এমন " স্টার জলসার" স্ক্রিপ লিখেছেন আমার বিশ্বাসই হচ্ছে না। ঠাকুরমশাই বইয়ের নাম " স্বামী নিয়ে কাড়াকাড়ি " রাখলেই ভালো করতেন।
তার এই "জঘন্য" অপন্যাস থেকেই অনুপ্রানিত হয়ে বোধহয় বোনের স্বামীর সাথে ঢলাঢলি আর উচ্চমার্গীয় পরকীয়া দেখানো হয় স্টার জলসা আর জি বাংলার। তবে তারা ভীষণ অকৃতজ্ঞ, রবীবাবুকে ক্রেডিট দিতে ভূলে যান। মরণ!!
তার এই "জঘন্য" অপন্যাস থেকেই অনুপ্রানিত হয়ে বোধহয় বোনের স্বামীর সাথে ঢলাঢলি আর উচ্চমার্গীয় পরকীয়া দেখানো হয় স্টার জলসা আর জি বাংলার। তবে তারা ভীষণ অকৃতজ্ঞ, রবীবাবুকে ক্রেডিট দিতে ভূলে যান। মরণ!!
January 11, 2023
It was a fine literary piece.
Exceptional character development.
Did give us a glimpse of the complexities of our emotions.
Good but not great like Kabuliwalah and The Postmaster.
My rating us 3.5 stars.
Exceptional character development.
Did give us a glimpse of the complexities of our emotions.
Good but not great like Kabuliwalah and The Postmaster.
My rating us 3.5 stars.
December 16, 2019
Review coming soon
February 19, 2021
The last lines 👌👌 "আর সুখ যদি না হয় তো নাই হলো। ভুল করতে ভয় করি"
June 6, 2021
রবি ঠাকুরের শেষ উপন্যাস গুলির মধ্যে একটি। গল্পে মোট চারটি চরিত্র এবং প্রত্যেকটিকে খুব সুন্দর ভাবে উপস্থাপন করা হয়েছে। আমি রবি ঠাকুরের খুব বড় পাঠক নই কিন্তু এই উপন্যাসটি মনে থাকবে।
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