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Sonali
Sonali is the photo-memoirs of the author's life in rural northwest Bangladesh. Taken from the area where Ken Powell lived and worked for many years, the book is a celebration of ordinary life in Bangladesh.
More than 50 pages of photos with text (in both English and Bengali )which reflect a taste of the beauty not just of the land but of the people who reside within, this is the author's homage to a land he is proud to call 'home'.
The book is an excellent introduction to the culture of this little-known country and useful for anyone learning Bengali to sharpen their reading skills with Bengali and English on the same page.
The book is written in landscape format and is best viewed on electronic devices titled on their side.
More than 50 pages of photos with text (in both English and Bengali )which reflect a taste of the beauty not just of the land but of the people who reside within, this is the author's homage to a land he is proud to call 'home'.
The book is an excellent introduction to the culture of this little-known country and useful for anyone learning Bengali to sharpen their reading skills with Bengali and English on the same page.
The book is written in landscape format and is best viewed on electronic devices titled on their side.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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August 1, 2020Sonali means "golden" in Bengali. The national anthem of Bangladesh starts with the words "amar shonar bangla" (my golden Bangla). The fact that this book is mainly in black and white does not hide the golden beauty of Bangladesh; on the contrary I would say it emphasizes it. There is no need for color to show the unique subtleties of this little country hidden in a corner of South Asia... which is exactly what this book does.
What I further like about "Sonali" is how it presents daily life in rural Bangladesh in a casual yet attentive manner. It shows us how the people in those areas come together to enjoy their simple pleasures, and the daily struggle of the women. Many in the West may think people in such areas area always suffering and are subjected to injustice. It may be so, but "Sonali" shows how all of that are such common features of daily life that these people seldom stop to ponder on it. If the book was accompanied by a sequel, I believe it would feature the other side of the coin; the individuals daring to make a difference.
Why I recommend it not only to those who have never been to Bangladesh but also to Bengalis themselves, especially those living in urban areas, is because it shows the lives of the Santali people. They are a people living in the northern parts of Bangladesh who I'm sure many in the urban areas know very little about. Just like the hundreds of other different peoples in Bangladesh, the Santali have a rich culture which "Sonali" aptly shows. At the same time it shows us that despite different cultures, religions and languages, they are all Bengali. For example, through the shy bride looking down - the typical image of a Bengali bride.
I have not read/looked at many picture books in life - so I cannot say if this applies to all of them - but "Sonali" feels like a picture slide with a voice guiding me through matter-of-factly in an inconspicuous yet vibrant village in a far distant land... even though I have been there countless times. The silent pictures manages to capture the soul of the village; through the eyes of a child, the posture of a woman or the alluring view of a sun on its procession over a field with trees and huts in the distance.
What I further like about "Sonali" is how it presents daily life in rural Bangladesh in a casual yet attentive manner. It shows us how the people in those areas come together to enjoy their simple pleasures, and the daily struggle of the women. Many in the West may think people in such areas area always suffering and are subjected to injustice. It may be so, but "Sonali" shows how all of that are such common features of daily life that these people seldom stop to ponder on it. If the book was accompanied by a sequel, I believe it would feature the other side of the coin; the individuals daring to make a difference.
Why I recommend it not only to those who have never been to Bangladesh but also to Bengalis themselves, especially those living in urban areas, is because it shows the lives of the Santali people. They are a people living in the northern parts of Bangladesh who I'm sure many in the urban areas know very little about. Just like the hundreds of other different peoples in Bangladesh, the Santali have a rich culture which "Sonali" aptly shows. At the same time it shows us that despite different cultures, religions and languages, they are all Bengali. For example, through the shy bride looking down - the typical image of a Bengali bride.
I have not read/looked at many picture books in life - so I cannot say if this applies to all of them - but "Sonali" feels like a picture slide with a voice guiding me through matter-of-factly in an inconspicuous yet vibrant village in a far distant land... even though I have been there countless times. The silent pictures manages to capture the soul of the village; through the eyes of a child, the posture of a woman or the alluring view of a sun on its procession over a field with trees and huts in the distance.
April 29, 2014
It is not everyday that you find a foreign author writing for a different country, and when he does, the reason has to be special. SONALI is a wonderful work of art and brings out Ken's feelings for Bangladesh and his love for people there. It breaks the barrier of time and place and takes you to the place. The book is beautiful and extremely emotional. Simply loved it!!! IT is a treasure to be kept for ages!! Time freezes with this photographs and it would stay back forever. Loved it!
A must see book for one and all
A must see book for one and all
March 13, 2017
Having read this book I can only thank the author for bringing back my childhood memories of the time I spent in Bangladesh in the 70's & 80's.
Reading this book yearns for me to go back to carry on my adventure.
The pictures are memorizing with comments in English & Bengali as this book is for anyone and not just for the Bengali's.
I would recommend everyone to buy this book but not only that you will be contributing to Bangladesh as donations from this book help the women in Bangladesh towards education as out there it is dominated by men and there are a few women who are breaking out in this mans world.
I am now waiting for this owners second book The old man on the beech which is not out on paperback yet.
Reading this book yearns for me to go back to carry on my adventure.
The pictures are memorizing with comments in English & Bengali as this book is for anyone and not just for the Bengali's.
I would recommend everyone to buy this book but not only that you will be contributing to Bangladesh as donations from this book help the women in Bangladesh towards education as out there it is dominated by men and there are a few women who are breaking out in this mans world.
I am now waiting for this owners second book The old man on the beech which is not out on paperback yet.
October 27, 2014
I've never been to Bangladesh but hope to go there some day, and this book made me more eager than ever. It's a beautiful photo book that lovingly depicts village life of the Santali people in Northwestern Bangladesh - their day-to-day life and celebrations. The photos are mainly black and white, but in many of them, a particular person or object has been put into the foreground with the help of colour, like a bright yellow curry or a gorgeous pink-clad bride. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews