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Word-Conjuring
Word-Conjuring is a book translated from Bengali by the author. The name of the original Bengali title is 'Shabdoprokriyakoron'. When the original version came out in the Kolkata International Book Fair of 2008, it's style and format set a benchmark for self-published authors. It is still followed widely by upcoming indie authors and alternative literary magazines in Bengal. This book challenged not only the set values of publication but also social and cultural values of the dominant class.
This version includes a copy of the original version full of cut-ups and collages.
Purpose of poetry, according to the poet, is to disturb and shock the reader and thus make them step out of their comfort zone. If you are looking for words that have the power to interact or overpower you, this book is what you are looking for. You'll experience the restored power of poetry for sure! But there are some things you should remember while reading this book. Firstly, never ever try to "understand" poetry. It's not some lousy story you are reading. Contemporary alternative poetry does not work that way, not at least in India. It's more about the signifier->signified->referent structure that is there in any language. Get to the images. Do not try to "understand". Get to the feelings behind those images provoked by the words. The expressed, the unexpressed and the partially expressed; all of them are important. Secondly, this poems (or anti-poems) have been translated form the originals by the poet himself. So, it's not that you are not getting the whole due to the translation. You are getting what you are meant to get. It's a collection of claustrophobic pieces that use autism as a device to communicate the restlessness.
This version includes a copy of the original version full of cut-ups and collages.
Purpose of poetry, according to the poet, is to disturb and shock the reader and thus make them step out of their comfort zone. If you are looking for words that have the power to interact or overpower you, this book is what you are looking for. You'll experience the restored power of poetry for sure! But there are some things you should remember while reading this book. Firstly, never ever try to "understand" poetry. It's not some lousy story you are reading. Contemporary alternative poetry does not work that way, not at least in India. It's more about the signifier->signified->referent structure that is there in any language. Get to the images. Do not try to "understand". Get to the feelings behind those images provoked by the words. The expressed, the unexpressed and the partially expressed; all of them are important. Secondly, this poems (or anti-poems) have been translated form the originals by the poet himself. So, it's not that you are not getting the whole due to the translation. You are getting what you are meant to get. It's a collection of claustrophobic pieces that use autism as a device to communicate the restlessness.
ebook
First published February 4, 2008
About the author
Anamitra Roy
8 books5 followersOpen to the absurdities of universe and ready to accept the insignificance of existence. I do what I believe, but the thing is belief keeps on changing with experiences. Initially I was a poet-writer writing in alternative magazines in West Bengal, India. Then I turned into a filmmaker which became my initial identity for a lot of people. In between, I have been in a relationship that defined me. She is a painter and we started filmmaking together. After 7 years we got married, and yes, happy. Now, I'm writing and making films as well. Also doing a lot of other stuff, like playing guitar just for the sake of the joy I get from that activity. Sometimes I sing and compose too. Sometimes I feel like spending the day on the banks of a river or just keep on talking to my sweetheart forever.
Parallel to yours, it's a life altogether. What's in a biography anyway?
Parallel to yours, it's a life altogether. What's in a biography anyway?
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 30, 2014
Sometimes a haunting or beautiful turn of phrase in one language simply doesn't have the same impact or imagery in another. Unfortunately, that seems to be true with this book of “anti-poems”.
The only parts of this work that I truly understood were the author’s notes and the piece about the author and his writing. Those worked. (I’m guessing that they worked because they were written in English from the very start—not a translation.)
The author’s self stated goal was not to entertain, but to “haunt” or “shock” the reader. Unfortunately, for that to work, one needs good imagery--words that paint a vibrant picture in the reader’s mind. While the imagery is most likely there in the original Bengali version, it simply doesn't come across in this English translation.
The only parts of this work that I truly understood were the author’s notes and the piece about the author and his writing. Those worked. (I’m guessing that they worked because they were written in English from the very start—not a translation.)
The author’s self stated goal was not to entertain, but to “haunt” or “shock” the reader. Unfortunately, for that to work, one needs good imagery--words that paint a vibrant picture in the reader’s mind. While the imagery is most likely there in the original Bengali version, it simply doesn't come across in this English translation.
May 8, 2014
I received this book in a review group. I read this twice trying to see if I could maybe relate to it in some way if I tried it again. It is very difficult to read for several reasons. 1)I am guessing some of the translation issues did not help adequately convey the author's voice. 2)The images that were clear were definitely vivid but seemed to be shocking just to shock. After the first blindingly graphic imagery it just lost its impact. 3)I had trouble with the flow. 4)I, as a reader, truly dislike when an author implies that if a reader does not like their work there is something wrong with the reader.
If there were half stars I would have given this one and a half but I rounded up.
It might be worth it to have another translator take a look and see if they can smooth out the rough edges. I thought the inclusion of the original hand written pages at the back was interesting. It definitely looks like the author has a busy mind.
If there were half stars I would have given this one and a half but I rounded up.
It might be worth it to have another translator take a look and see if they can smooth out the rough edges. I thought the inclusion of the original hand written pages at the back was interesting. It definitely looks like the author has a busy mind.
June 30, 2014
I feel badly about giving this rating but it is the most fair one I can think of.
The author is of a different culture and language. It is most brave of him to present such a series of poems in the English language, one that is not his native language. However, he has a responsibility to have an English editor review it and give advice.
The poems may have been intended to shock the readers. But to be of shock value, the writing has to be brilliant and resonate with us as to how conventional norms are being challenged. I didn't see such a basis for this challenge, nor was I able to understand, due to the irrational, jumbled, and nonsensical presentation, what the poems were about.
The author is of a different culture and language. It is most brave of him to present such a series of poems in the English language, one that is not his native language. However, he has a responsibility to have an English editor review it and give advice.
The poems may have been intended to shock the readers. But to be of shock value, the writing has to be brilliant and resonate with us as to how conventional norms are being challenged. I didn't see such a basis for this challenge, nor was I able to understand, due to the irrational, jumbled, and nonsensical presentation, what the poems were about.
August 6, 2016
If you would like to review this book, let me know. I'll be more than happy to email you a free e-book version
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews