The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories

by Various, Arunava Sinha (Editor)

A landmark new anthology of Bengali literature in English, including many previously untranslated stories

The prose short story arrived in Bengal in the wake of British colonizers, and Bengali writers quickly made the form their own. By the twentieth century a profusion of literary magazines and journals meant they were being avidly read by millions.

Writers responded to this hunger for words with a ferocious energy which reflected the turmoil of their times: these stories covered land wars, famine, the caste system, religious conflict, patriarchy, Partition and the liberation war that saw the emergence of the independent country of Bangladesh. Across these shifting geographical borders, writers also looked inward, evolving new literary styles and stretching the possibilities of social realism, political fiction and intimate domestic tales.

A first in English, this anthology gathers together a century's worth of extraordinary stories. From a woman who eats fish in secret to the woes of an ageing local footballer, from the anxieties of a middle-class union rep to a lawyer who stumbles upon a philosopher's stone, this is a collection that celebrates making art of life, in all its difficulty and joy.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Bangladesh, Classics, Literary Fiction, India

512 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2024

About the author

Various is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).

If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.

Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.

Reviews

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arunava Sinha's edited anthology, The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories, is an astounding collection of works that represents a century of Bengali literature. It comprises great and cult short stories written in Bengali, offering engaging insight into the evolution of this rich literary tradition from heritage to contemporary writers.
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This anthology is different because of the coming together of voices from East and West Bengal. While heavyweights of literature such as Rabindranath Tagore are on the list, so do Ashapurna Devi, Sunil Gangopadhyay and writers like Manoranjan Byapari and Anita Agnihotri. Contributing to these stories are a few Bangladeshi writers such as Shahidul Zahir and Selina Hossain, representing the breadth of culture that exists across political boundaries within Bengal—a culture which has persisted.
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The stories in this anthology have been carefully chosen to reflect the many different themes: land wars, famine, caste, religious conflict, patriarchy, the Partition and the Liberation War of Bangladesh. It is thus, with care that Sinha has curated the anthology so that each narrative brings a different voice, thereby making the anthology comprehensive as an introduction to Bengali literature.
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Some of the notable stories include Rabindranath Tagore's "Dead or Alive?", in which elements of supernatural fiction are combined with social realism. Satyajit Ray's sad "Pikoo's Diary" stands at the other end of the spectrum. Parashuram's "The Philosopher's Stone" is a satire of gems, and Purnendu Pattrea's tender dialogues between lovers etch delicate lines of everyday life.
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Another feature adding to the richness of this anthology is the biographies of the authors that give insight into the lives and contexts of these literary figures. His translation is brilliant, carrying every nuance of the original texts into the medium of English.
Though this anthology is not a book by itself, it celebrates Bengali culture and the resilience of Bengali letters. It testifies to the strength of Bengali storytelling and reflects so proudly our rich literary heritage.

[Bidisha Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

entirely exhilarating. an exceptional curation, each story is a roller coaster of emotions and human behaviour. the anthropology of this anthology had me properly consumed. thank you, arunava sinha.

[William Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is constrained by Sinha's already having selected "The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told" in a separate volume with that title. He decided not to reprint any of the stories, so in a sense these are the ones he left out the first time around.

For that reason, there are obvious absences. Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay's "The Music Room" -- one of the greatest stories in any language -- is perhaps the most notable. Equally, Tagore's "The Postmaster" is not here, though it's not in the other volume either (it *is* in Amit Chaudhuri's Picador Book of Modern Indian Writing, if you're looking for a good English version).

Happily, there are riches to choose from that could fill dozens of volumes. This one contains a very generous selection of very good ones, in excellent translations. There are some classics here, including Manik Bandyopadhyay's "Prehistoric", Subodh Ghosh's "Ajantrik", and Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi" in the famous Spivak translation. There are wonderful comic stories by Parashuram and Banaphool among others. There is an excellent Bibbhutibushan story, "Drobomoyee's Sojourn at Kashi" which I didn't know. And there were a number of authors who I hadn't had chance to read before: excellent stories by Akhtaruzzaman Elias, Gourkishore Ghosh and others.

The physical book is beautiful and finely made. It's worth getting hold of a hardback if you can. It's a book you can dip into to your heart's content, without exhausting it's treasures. But do consider pairing it with the original anthology, which is worth buying for "The Music Room" alone.

[Rockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories, edited by the prolific Arunava Sinha, is a literary treasure trove that beautifully captures the evolution of Bengali fiction from the 19th to the 21st century. As a proud Bengali reviewer, I find this anthology to be an exceptional testament to the richness and diversity of our literary heritage, and it fills me with immense pride to see our culture so meticulously represented.

This collection comprises 37 stories spanning nearly 500 pages, showcasing the works of literary titans such as Rabindranath Tagore, Ashapurna Devi, and Sunil Gangopadhyay, alongside contemporary voices like Manoranjan Byapari and Anita Agnihotri. The inclusion of Bangladeshi writers such as Shahidul Zahir and Selina Hossain highlights the shared cultural heritage of Bengal across national borders, making me proud of our literary unity and the enduring influence of Bengali culture.

Sinha’s careful curation ensures that each story adds a unique voice to the collection. The anthology opens with Tagore's "Dead or Alive?" (1892), a ghost story that skilfully blends supernatural elements with social realism. This narrative sets the stage for the diverse storytelling styles that follow, from the satirical "The Philosopher’s Stone" by Parashuram to the poignant "Pikoo’s Diary" by Satyajit Ray. As a Bengali, it is a matter of great pride to see Tagore’s profound influence and the timeless relevance of his work.

The anthology does not merely focus on the literary giants but also includes lesser-known yet equally impactful stories. For instance, Purnendu Pattrea’s tender dialogue between lovers and Parashuram’s hilarious tale of a man who discovers a philosopher’s stone are delightful reads that showcase the breadth of Bengali storytelling. These stories reflect the everyday lives and deep-seated values of our culture, making me proud of our literary heritage.

Kolkata, the cultural hub of Bengal, features prominently as the backdrop in many stories, almost becoming a character in itself. The city’s vibrant landscape and its influence on Bengali writers are palpable throughout the anthology. This connection is particularly evident in the works of writers who were part of Kolkata’s bhadralok, or bourgeois intellectual class, who played a significant role in shaping modern Bengali literature. As a Bengali, I am proud of Kolkata's contribution to our literary and cultural legacy.

The anthology also reflects the paradox of colonial influence on Bengali literature. While the British colonial rule brought about cataclysmic changes that Bengali writers resisted and critiqued, it also introduced modern literary forms and printing technology, which were instrumental in the development of Bengali prose. This duality is a source of pride, showing how Bengali literature has evolved and thrived despite historical challenges.

Sinha’s selections are both thoughtful and inclusive, representing a wide array of themes such as land wars, famine, caste system, religious conflict, patriarchy, and the Partition and Liberation War of Bangladesh. This diversity ensures that there is something for every reader, making the anthology a comprehensive introduction to Bengali literature. As a Bengali, it fills me with pride to see such a broad spectrum of our experiences and histories being shared with the world.

In Bengali tradition, a collection of stories is often referred to as a mala, or necklace, symbolising a string of precious gems. The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories is indeed a mala, each story a gem that collectively narrates the complex and rich history of Bengali prose. This cultural metaphor deeply resonates with me and makes me proud of our literary traditions.

Arunava Sinha’s translations are exceptional, capturing the nuances of the original texts while making them accessible to an English-speaking audience. His work ensures that the beauty and depth of Bengali literature are appreciated by a global readership. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a celebration of Bengali culture, intellect, and resilience. As a Bengali, I am immensely proud of Sinha’s contributions to bringing our literature to the world stage.

In conclusion, The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories is a landmark anthology that should be cherished by anyone interested in the literary and cultural heritage of Bengal. It is a testament to the enduring power of Bengali storytelling and a proud reflection of our rich literary tradition. This collection is a source of great pride for Bengalis everywhere, showcasing our culture's depth, diversity, and enduring legacy.

[The Indian Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Translations of text from native languages help preserve their cultural heritage by making them accessible to a wider audience. They allow people to connect with the cultures, traditions, and experiences of other cultures. They also introduce readers to a wider range of genres and new authors that they do not usually have access to.

The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories is a treasure trove that introduces its readers to the diversity that is Bengali literature. These stories, written by Bengali writers during the era of British colonization, cover topics like land wars, famine, the caste system, religious conflict, and patriarchy. This collection contains a century’s worth of exceptional tales. From a lawyer who stumbles upon a philosopher’s stone, to Byomkesh Bakshi solving the murder of a neighbour, this collection offers a captivating journey through time.

Arunava Sinha’s thoughtful assembly of tales shows us the evolution of Bengali literature through the works of renowned writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Nabarun Bhattacharya, Satyajit Ray, Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay, Selina Hossain, and Mahasweta Devi, to name a few. The collection doesn’t shy away from social issues like the Partition, sexual assault, economic hardship, and disillusionment that followed independence, shedding light on the socio-political conflicts that have moulded the region of Bengal.

As always, Arunavan Sinha’s translation of Bengali literature is a celebration of the language. His work is not only accurate, but also sensitive to the nuances of the language. Each story feels complete and offers a different experience. Some are personal tales about family and relationships, while others tackle bigger questions about life. Sinha’s translations are easy to read but still capture the essence of the original Bengali texts. He manages to keep the cultural meaning intact while making the stories accessible to people who don’t speak Bengali.

Read more about the book here:
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...

[Bhawana Somaaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book for various reasons. First, I liked the illustrations, it is very simple and very neat. Then the production of the book- it’s a handsomely produced book. Hard-bound, 283 pages and font that’s very easy on the eyes. When the font is jarring or too dark you don’t enjoy reading it for a long time. There are 37 authors whose stories are translated by 7 translators and compiled together and edited by Arunava Sinha. I have been exposed to Bengali writers through our movies. Most of our Bengali directors make movies based on literature. This book includes, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Samaresh Basu, Satyajit Ray and many more. I like stories of Satyajit Ray but there is one story titled Conversations which is my favorite in this book. It comes on page 253. I think this anthology is an owner’s pride and a reader’s delight. Congratulations, Penguin for this precious book that will always be on my bookshelf. Arunava Sinha, you have done a great job.

[Teesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I bought this book my dad told me that he had read it in Bangla and thought it was quite wonderful, all stories having been written by the best of the best in Bengali literature. However I didn’t find the translated version alluring at all, save a couple of stories. The phrase ‘lost in translation’ applies well to this book in my opinion.

[Fuad Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Best of 2024 for me so far (oct 7 2024).

[Simon Falshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. Every story is a journey into the unknown. A definite re-read.

[Aranya Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful, well-edited curation with a smooth, precise translation. The collection features a wide range of stories and some of Bengal's most celebrated authors. Each story stands out as distinct, moving, and thought-provoking.