Godzilla and the Song Bird

by Manzu Islam

Genres: Bangladesh

432 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2024

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really entertaining story about life for a journalist in war-torn Bangladesh. This book is kind of like a modern adventure story. The writing was good but not overly verbose, so it could appeal to a wide range of readers. I loved the descriptions of the life of a poor boy growing up in Bangladesh and his friendships. Most of the characters were fun to read about. I think that the female characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but I did like that they were often strong and independent. The humor in the descriptions of the way bureaucracy worked in Bangladesh was a lot of fun. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more by this author and I hope to pick up a physical copy when it's out.

[Ganesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Godzilla and the Song Bird is a vivid, intricately layered novel, set against the turbulent backdrop of East Pakistan’s transformation into Bangladesh. At its heart is Bulbul, whose name means “songbird,” navigating a world riven by post-colonial schisms, conflicting traditions, and the search for belonging. Islam uses Bulbul’s coming-of-age journey—his migration, schooling, friendships, and eventual foray into journalism—as an allegory for the nation’s own struggle with identity and reinvention.

The novel draws on myth and modernity: the children adopt the name “Godzilla Brothers” after watching the iconic film, their identification with the misunderstood monster echoing the dangers of unleashed nationalism and fractured identity in a rapidly changing society. Islam’s writing excels in blending personal history with political upheaval—Bulbul’s relationships and losses are mirrored by the evolving, often violent, fate of his homeland as regimes shift and new nations emerge.

Throughout, Islam’s prose is evocative and textured, attending to daily life’s customs and to the symbolic power of animals—geckos, tigers—standing in for destiny and death. The novel questions the nature of belonging, the cost of assimilation, and the enduring pull of one’s roots. While the story is populated with rich, memorable characters and subplots, sometimes the sheer number of tangents can distract from the primary narrative arc.

Godzilla and the Song Bird stands as a compelling meditation on identity—both personal and collective. Islam suggests that political boundaries and social designations cannot force a sense of self; it must arise naturally, often painfully, within the crucible of history. For readers interested in the post-colonial experience and the emotional reality of transformation, Islam’s work is a resonant addition to the contemporary literary landscape.

[Preeti Mahatme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book is a brilliant satirical saga filled with myth, folklore, adventure and history. It is at once the coming-of-age story of Bulbul (the Song Bird) and also of his nation East Pakistan later Bangladesh. This is also a beautiful ode to friendship in its own way. Along the line it highlights so many important soci0-cultural and political issues pertaining to class, caste and religion as also geopolitical ideologies. Bulbul is an orphan raised by his grandparents more so by his formidable grandmother Dadu. Dadu tells him many a grand bedtime stories growing up and this totally transported me to memories of my own childhood days. Bangladesh has been recently liberated from British Rule and has become East Pakistan. The country and its youth have a zealous attraction to dabble in the liberal ideas of both Democracy and Communism, journalism is a thing. The Government of the day is mostly dictatorial, dominated by West Pakistan and corruption is rampant. We also get glimpses into the rich cultural and literary heritage of the country. The English have departed but Englishness prevails in affluent society. I was pleasantly surprised how similar some of the attitudes and culture was to India - of course Bangladesh was India not that long go. Reminiscent of writings like A Suitable Boy, Midnight's Children and The Great Indian Novel, this is one long book written in an unhurried manner and needs to be read and savored as such. I loved it!! Considering the political upheaval currently going on in Bangladesh, this is a timely read. Totally recommend.
Thank you Netgalley, Peepal Tree Press and Manzu Islam for the ARC