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Bayan
In the serene tempo of classical Soviet literature charmingly merged into modernity, Bayan is a unique blend from among the work of Pramudith D Rupasinghe.
Bayan begins in the sunny Ukrainian summer and ends with a hidden, deeply meaningful message. It is not only the story of a strange, bearded old man who finds solace and a soulmate of sorts, in a traditional string instrument, while facing a common narrative of his era; it is a commentary on life, and a celebration of the ultimate coming of age.
It juxtaposes the failure of physical strength and faculties to the accumulation of immense emotional fortitude. It lulls you into feeling safe in spite of the passing of transient seasons, the waning of political ideologies and the inevitable disintegration of the corporeal being.
Bayan tells about changing world`s order, revolutions and the ravages of time, the music of life will go on.
Bayan begins in the sunny Ukrainian summer and ends with a hidden, deeply meaningful message. It is not only the story of a strange, bearded old man who finds solace and a soulmate of sorts, in a traditional string instrument, while facing a common narrative of his era; it is a commentary on life, and a celebration of the ultimate coming of age.
It juxtaposes the failure of physical strength and faculties to the accumulation of immense emotional fortitude. It lulls you into feeling safe in spite of the passing of transient seasons, the waning of political ideologies and the inevitable disintegration of the corporeal being.
Bayan tells about changing world`s order, revolutions and the ravages of time, the music of life will go on.
- GenresHistorical
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2018
7 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Pramudith D. Rupasinghe
6 books62 followersWinner of Golden Aster Book, World Literary Prize 2020, Pramudith Rupasinghe is a Sri Lankan novelist known as The Writer Without Borders. He chooses to set his stories outside of his culture, country, and people and writes living in the locations where his stories are set.
He also works as a humanitarian diplomat for the last 18 years, and most of his stories are inspired by the people facing adversities as he has had the opportunity to explore the unexplored side of human life, connect with cultures that have not been in touch with the external world, and experience the emotions of people who have been through trials. Trials are more distressing than words could ever describe. Through his experiences, he endeavours to relate their meaningful stories, giving those who have been forgotten, sometimes even ignored, an opportunity to be heard.
Pramudith is internationally known for his fiction ‘Behind the Eclipse’ and ‘Bayan’; his books have been translated into several languages and launched internationally.
He also works as a humanitarian diplomat for the last 18 years, and most of his stories are inspired by the people facing adversities as he has had the opportunity to explore the unexplored side of human life, connect with cultures that have not been in touch with the external world, and experience the emotions of people who have been through trials. Trials are more distressing than words could ever describe. Through his experiences, he endeavours to relate their meaningful stories, giving those who have been forgotten, sometimes even ignored, an opportunity to be heard.
Pramudith is internationally known for his fiction ‘Behind the Eclipse’ and ‘Bayan’; his books have been translated into several languages and launched internationally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 12, 2020
*** My review has spoilers ***
Book Title: Bayan
Author: Dr Pramidith D Rupsinghe
Format: Kindle
My Thoughts
It is with a happy heart and thoughtful mind I congratulate and thank the author for penning down this book. There are many times my father, a 65-year-old man, comments about the cultural, climatical, political and lifestyle changes that have been continuously changing according to the times. Sometimes the murmur irritates and sometimes makes me think as on why he does this. It took time for me to understand the psychological aspect of it. I felt a similar blow when my 7-year-old niece tried correcting me of something which I had a strong opinion on. Though this may not suit precisely the point, I am trying to explain, but the continuous changes that happen throughout often put down the framework one has created in his own mind. It is only when with a flexible and positive mindset, one can adapt and enjoy the changes. These changes may be in any aspect. To support my view, the below lines from the book might suffice:
'Soil, not the tree, determines the taste of the fruit…' he murmured to himself looking at the half-eaten apple.
'Last time it was crispier and crunchier than this time…' he added and the tenebrous expression he was wearing on his face suggested he was hankering for the taste of the past.
This ever going comparisons between past and present makes most of the exuberant events in one's life memorable. In this book, the past life of Ivan which is explained to the stranger when his quest starts when he sees the old book is an oscillation between past and present times which has Ivan Nikolayevich in it.
The USSR times, The World War times, The Soviet Nations and their struggle and the story of the country Ukraine, the people, the traditions and the many things in the book not only entertained me as a reader but taught me unknown things and made me a learner. I was not aware of an instrument named 'Bayan' but only knew that Bayan means 'a statement' in the Hindi language. The history, the culture and geography of Ukraine mentioned in the book hooked me to the book. The names of the places and people are novel and unique. As a reader from the other part of the world opened new avenues in knowing new things.
What to expect from the story
Expect a story of yesteryear's unknown life.
Expect story of our ancestors who survived through the rough trials of lands during World War.
Expect a story that unknowingly makes an elder accept continuous cultural and climate changes.
Expect a story that digs the buried feelings in an old man's memory.
Expect a story that showcases the natural and positive side of developments around the world.
Expect a story that lets the old man vent out the unsaid feelings.
Expect the story of belongingness with the favourite things one possesses, be it a book or a memory as the Bayan, in this case.
Who can read
This book is universal. Anyone who loves fiction with a historical backdrop and its relevance in the present times can read the book. The language and vocabulary used in the book are accessible to the readers of any age group.
What is the storyline
This book, Bayan, is a story of a person who travels through generations. The name Bayan which means an old type instrument. The relationship between the old man and Bayan is entwined with his past experiences and present life and generation changes. The story starts with a dusty old book and ends with an old woman playing the Bayan! It is a complete circle of emotions, transformations and changes.
My take on the characters
The characters are the most fantastic part of the story. There are so many different shades and layers in the characters. The concept of character study if done on Ivan gives newer perspectives of humanity, and the quality of the lifestyle people live in. Talking about Ivan's character, as I respect Karl Marx and his idea of a society that he dreamt for the betterment of people but was misinterpreted and misused by other leaders, is also in a way associated with Marx made me feel closer to Ivan.
The beauty lies in stepping into the shoes of the stranger who meets Ivan. An even better thing is becoming a spectator and watching things going around. This kind of scope is possible only when there is a good storyline awaiting the reader. In this case, it proved possible!
How good is the author's writing style
This is my first book from the author, and I must honestly admit that I am enchanted by this style of writing. The writing style of author Pramudith has a fair use of the people around the setting of the story and the places. This local influence on the book makes the story more realistic. Though this exercise is generally followed by every author who writes a fiction story, it is uncommon that the reader also becoming one of the characters which are not sketched in the story and travel with the central characters till the end. Here, every reader who understands the nature of Ivan will become his companion. This trait in the author's writing attracted me.
The portrayal of other characters with stipulated scope, space and timing in the story with superb detailing added more beauty to the story. His descriptions of the places in the story, be it the river or an old tree or even the rumbles of buildings; the reader will soon find herself or himself dreaming of visiting such places. Well, I did dream to experience the extreme snow climate in Ukraine.
I also loved how the written letters become the game changers and mood shifters in the story. The descriptions of weather, people, food, cuisines etc. blended in the story wondered me.
Author Pramudith's writing wows the reader from the first page itself. The struggle an old man faces to understand the differences that happened around him makes the readers empathize him, and this is because of the author's writing regime. Imagining the life of a 73-year-old man who belongs to a different generation and who now faces the new world and presenting them in a book is not an easy task, but the author Pramudith has excelled in it. With the use of universally accessible language and proper explanations of new words and vocabulary, reading Bayan is all together with a life-time experience, and I am fortunate to have tasted it!
How entertaining is the book
Some books make readers smile, laugh, cry and sometimes think. There are some books which give information and knowledge. And some books teach and enlighten. If all these characteristics are found in the same book and that too, a fiction book - it is quite rare! But, here the story of Ivan rather the book 'Bayan' is the proof! Bayan is a book of experiences that date back from the times of WWII. Bayan is a culmination of generations of humans who lived a life that comprised various struggles. Bayan is the face of an unknown society to the world which was chained under say hands of capitalistic governments. The significantly lesser-known country Ukraine happens to be the central character of the book. This book now when read in the 21st century with all the materialistic comforts around, holding a mug of coffee sitting on a spring mattress, gives jolts in mind for the facts and situations that Ivan showcases.
From the title till the last page of the book, every line and sentence is a surreal experience. The places, the people and the events that occur in the book play like a film of continuous images. Jotting together all these this book by author Pramudith is definitely an entertainer!
Final Verdict
A story that opens a door towards humanity!
Rating
4/5
Book Title: Bayan
Author: Dr Pramidith D Rupsinghe
Format: Kindle
My Thoughts
It is with a happy heart and thoughtful mind I congratulate and thank the author for penning down this book. There are many times my father, a 65-year-old man, comments about the cultural, climatical, political and lifestyle changes that have been continuously changing according to the times. Sometimes the murmur irritates and sometimes makes me think as on why he does this. It took time for me to understand the psychological aspect of it. I felt a similar blow when my 7-year-old niece tried correcting me of something which I had a strong opinion on. Though this may not suit precisely the point, I am trying to explain, but the continuous changes that happen throughout often put down the framework one has created in his own mind. It is only when with a flexible and positive mindset, one can adapt and enjoy the changes. These changes may be in any aspect. To support my view, the below lines from the book might suffice:
'Soil, not the tree, determines the taste of the fruit…' he murmured to himself looking at the half-eaten apple.
'Last time it was crispier and crunchier than this time…' he added and the tenebrous expression he was wearing on his face suggested he was hankering for the taste of the past.
This ever going comparisons between past and present makes most of the exuberant events in one's life memorable. In this book, the past life of Ivan which is explained to the stranger when his quest starts when he sees the old book is an oscillation between past and present times which has Ivan Nikolayevich in it.
The USSR times, The World War times, The Soviet Nations and their struggle and the story of the country Ukraine, the people, the traditions and the many things in the book not only entertained me as a reader but taught me unknown things and made me a learner. I was not aware of an instrument named 'Bayan' but only knew that Bayan means 'a statement' in the Hindi language. The history, the culture and geography of Ukraine mentioned in the book hooked me to the book. The names of the places and people are novel and unique. As a reader from the other part of the world opened new avenues in knowing new things.
What to expect from the story
Expect a story of yesteryear's unknown life.
Expect story of our ancestors who survived through the rough trials of lands during World War.
Expect a story that unknowingly makes an elder accept continuous cultural and climate changes.
Expect a story that digs the buried feelings in an old man's memory.
Expect a story that showcases the natural and positive side of developments around the world.
Expect a story that lets the old man vent out the unsaid feelings.
Expect the story of belongingness with the favourite things one possesses, be it a book or a memory as the Bayan, in this case.
Who can read
This book is universal. Anyone who loves fiction with a historical backdrop and its relevance in the present times can read the book. The language and vocabulary used in the book are accessible to the readers of any age group.
What is the storyline
This book, Bayan, is a story of a person who travels through generations. The name Bayan which means an old type instrument. The relationship between the old man and Bayan is entwined with his past experiences and present life and generation changes. The story starts with a dusty old book and ends with an old woman playing the Bayan! It is a complete circle of emotions, transformations and changes.
My take on the characters
The characters are the most fantastic part of the story. There are so many different shades and layers in the characters. The concept of character study if done on Ivan gives newer perspectives of humanity, and the quality of the lifestyle people live in. Talking about Ivan's character, as I respect Karl Marx and his idea of a society that he dreamt for the betterment of people but was misinterpreted and misused by other leaders, is also in a way associated with Marx made me feel closer to Ivan.
The beauty lies in stepping into the shoes of the stranger who meets Ivan. An even better thing is becoming a spectator and watching things going around. This kind of scope is possible only when there is a good storyline awaiting the reader. In this case, it proved possible!
How good is the author's writing style
This is my first book from the author, and I must honestly admit that I am enchanted by this style of writing. The writing style of author Pramudith has a fair use of the people around the setting of the story and the places. This local influence on the book makes the story more realistic. Though this exercise is generally followed by every author who writes a fiction story, it is uncommon that the reader also becoming one of the characters which are not sketched in the story and travel with the central characters till the end. Here, every reader who understands the nature of Ivan will become his companion. This trait in the author's writing attracted me.
The portrayal of other characters with stipulated scope, space and timing in the story with superb detailing added more beauty to the story. His descriptions of the places in the story, be it the river or an old tree or even the rumbles of buildings; the reader will soon find herself or himself dreaming of visiting such places. Well, I did dream to experience the extreme snow climate in Ukraine.
I also loved how the written letters become the game changers and mood shifters in the story. The descriptions of weather, people, food, cuisines etc. blended in the story wondered me.
Author Pramudith's writing wows the reader from the first page itself. The struggle an old man faces to understand the differences that happened around him makes the readers empathize him, and this is because of the author's writing regime. Imagining the life of a 73-year-old man who belongs to a different generation and who now faces the new world and presenting them in a book is not an easy task, but the author Pramudith has excelled in it. With the use of universally accessible language and proper explanations of new words and vocabulary, reading Bayan is all together with a life-time experience, and I am fortunate to have tasted it!
How entertaining is the book
Some books make readers smile, laugh, cry and sometimes think. There are some books which give information and knowledge. And some books teach and enlighten. If all these characteristics are found in the same book and that too, a fiction book - it is quite rare! But, here the story of Ivan rather the book 'Bayan' is the proof! Bayan is a book of experiences that date back from the times of WWII. Bayan is a culmination of generations of humans who lived a life that comprised various struggles. Bayan is the face of an unknown society to the world which was chained under say hands of capitalistic governments. The significantly lesser-known country Ukraine happens to be the central character of the book. This book now when read in the 21st century with all the materialistic comforts around, holding a mug of coffee sitting on a spring mattress, gives jolts in mind for the facts and situations that Ivan showcases.
From the title till the last page of the book, every line and sentence is a surreal experience. The places, the people and the events that occur in the book play like a film of continuous images. Jotting together all these this book by author Pramudith is definitely an entertainer!
Final Verdict
A story that opens a door towards humanity!
Rating
4/5
February 9, 2017
Bayan is completely different from the other books I read of Rupasinghe. I think Bayan is aimed at a different group of readers, more like those who can sit back and reflect. Not for the ones like us who read on public transport. Book is highly philosophical and surface is not what the author says 'The Book' its something that the reader has to discover diving into the story. Quite interesting book but I guess its not for everyone.
February 27, 2021
Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe is a beautifully written book full of, and highlighting, a wide spectrum of emotions and emotional sensibilities.
It is difficult to summarise my opinion of reading this beautiful book because it was nothing short of an out-of-the-world experience and simply cannot be expressed in words. This book takes you on a journey to a time and place where you'd be struggling between contrasting emotions of wonder and revulsion. It is not an easy feat to write about the times of war and the post-war world because they both are two subjects that need a very good, and thankfully, Dr Pramudith - the author, did it so wonderfully well that I was left in awe.
This book is written beautifully well, interspersed with odd letters and poems, which made the experience of reading this book even more realistic. The characterisation was brilliant and I ached and pained for the plight of the characters. This book not only helped me understand the emotional background of many people who might have experienced the events told in this book but also made me reflect on the present times and how far the world has changed today from those of the earlier times.
This is a very good book that I will recommend to all readers, of all genres because it is an experience that no one should pass on.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
It is difficult to summarise my opinion of reading this beautiful book because it was nothing short of an out-of-the-world experience and simply cannot be expressed in words. This book takes you on a journey to a time and place where you'd be struggling between contrasting emotions of wonder and revulsion. It is not an easy feat to write about the times of war and the post-war world because they both are two subjects that need a very good, and thankfully, Dr Pramudith - the author, did it so wonderfully well that I was left in awe.
This book is written beautifully well, interspersed with odd letters and poems, which made the experience of reading this book even more realistic. The characterisation was brilliant and I ached and pained for the plight of the characters. This book not only helped me understand the emotional background of many people who might have experienced the events told in this book but also made me reflect on the present times and how far the world has changed today from those of the earlier times.
This is a very good book that I will recommend to all readers, of all genres because it is an experience that no one should pass on.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
February 5, 2017
Good story about an unknown history of Sri Lanka. 1989 civil unrest and how personal revenges shattered the society of a country finding behind the smokes of two simultaneous civil conflicts. Wonderful book.
February 6, 2017
Very well written and the style and the story stimulates thoughts of different kinds driving and compelling the reader to think otherwise. But I feel readers from close cultures can not enjoy the book. Instead the old paperback printed in early 2000, a new print would do better.
December 4, 2020
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu Ihrem hervorragenden Erfolg. Ich weiß, dass es schwierig ist, einen Roman in eine andere Sprache zu übersetzen. Ich bin so stolz auf Sie.
Alles Gute!
Alles Gute!
February 4, 2017
True revelation undiscussed of Sri Lankan civil conflict. Well written and simple enough to understand.
February 9, 2017
A well written book that mirrors human nature at feelings level, intellectual level, social level and moral level.
December 4, 2020
This is a great opportunity to bring Sri Lankan novels to the international arena.There is no doubt that these new steps in particular will open new gates for Sri Lankan writers.I pay tribute to my teacher who is trying to take Sri Lankan literature to the international level by overcoming the differences that still exist between cultures.
December 4, 2020
This is an impressive attempt of translating a Sri Lankan Novel into German. Melodie des Winters must have a place in your bookshelf. ❤️
Want to read
December 4, 2020This is absoluetly interesting translated story in german and good for the readers . Even i recommed it🙂
February 5, 2017
Controversial story, but very interesting. Its hard to find on online retailers. I bought it from an unused bookshop in Pune when I went to India. I suggest a reprint which is internationally available. The story is about an Iranian boy from a wealthy family who comes to France for higher education and he finally fells in love with a transgender woman who is studying in his own university- Pantheon Paris III. She working as a sex worker in red lighted spots at the same time she has her own waiting post in the Bois de Boulagne in Paris. Their life which is not a common phenomena in many parts of the world, specially in boy`s home country is full of hurdles. I liked the story and style of the book.
October 20, 2022
I heard about this book by chance, but since I also lived in Ukraine for a long time, I immediately became interested. I was not disappointed, this is a masterpiece!!!! I'm still reading it, but I'm completely enthralled by the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
One of the best books I read in recent times. Bayan took me on a virtual voyage in Ukraine, and ex-soviet countries, across the society, landscape, and culture, besides all of that, its an outstanding narration filled with a deep meeting added to life.
Bayan is highly recommended for anyone who would like to read a book which has a healing effect on life in general.
Bayan is highly recommended for anyone who would like to read a book which has a healing effect on life in general.
February 5, 2017
Very intriguing and absolutely rebellious novel that compels the reader to think otherwise. Great work.
February 5, 2017
Mind blowing and compelling.
December 2, 2020
Impressionen
Ich war in einer besonderen Situation.
Ich konnte bei der Geburt eines Romans anwesend sein. Ich konnte einer Übersetzung folgen, als Ashani, meine liebe Freundin, eben diesen Text der originalen Geschichte von Kapitel zu Kapitel auf Deutsch übersetzt hat.
Der Prozess ist nicht einfach: es gibt einen Autor namens Pramudith D. Rupasinghe aus Sri Lanka, der die Geschichte vom ukrainischen Ivan Nikolayevich auf Englisch schrieb. Ashani Shalika Ranasinghe aus Sri Lanka übersetzte sie ins Deutsche, um eine Brücke zwischen Sprachen und Kulturen zu bauen.
Ivan - die Generation meiner Eltern - verkörpert eine Vielzahl von Eigenschaften, die für mich von absolutem Wert sind. Er kann in dieser irrational beschleunigten Welt langsamer werden. Beziehungsweise kann er den Rhythmus dieser beschleunigten Welt nicht aufnehmen. So wird er besonderer. Ein wahrer Naturmensch, dessen unmittelbare Umgebung, die Flüsse, die Bäume und Tiere der Wälder, das Gemüse und Obst der Muttererde und das Leben repräsentieren. Und seine Bayan, eine russische Harmonika, an die man sich unter anderem erinnert: leben, erleben und überleben; Liebe, Trauer, Glück, Traurigkeit und Altern.
Es ist ein langsamer Roman.
Wir können in den Gedanken eines weisen alten Mannes verweilen, anhalten und schmecken. Er half z.B. mir hier in Ungarn, mich an die frühen neunziger Jahre und unsere Realität in Ostmitteleuropa zu erinnern.
Ideal für meinen Lesegenuss: ich erhielt Ashanis Übersetzung tropfenweise dosiert.
Langsam und nicht einfach. Es ist schwer, die Verluste, das Altern und die Schmerzen des Alterns zu akzeptieren, aber es gelingt ihm. Er sieht das Schöne, das Gute, die Gaben des Lebens auch in den kleinsten Dingen.
Es ist eine Reise.
In der Zeit, in der Seele - und auch im Raum; Rückblick, Erinnerung.
Es gibt einen großen Kontrast zwischen dem Finden des inneren Friedens des alten weisen Geistes und der kalten ukrainischen Realität, die nach der fragmentierten Sowjetunion übrig geblieben ist.
Ich fühlte mich unglaublich gut mit Ivan. Er ist ein sehr guter Gastgeber. Er bietet Essen und Trinken, erzählt die Geschichte einer alten Welt. Seine Musik ist angenehm und ja, man darf nicht einmal den Abwasch machen.
Ich war in einer besonderen Situation und es machte mir wirklich Spaß.
Und ich freute mich geduldig darüber, weiterzureisen.
Ich war in einer besonderen Situation.
Ich konnte bei der Geburt eines Romans anwesend sein. Ich konnte einer Übersetzung folgen, als Ashani, meine liebe Freundin, eben diesen Text der originalen Geschichte von Kapitel zu Kapitel auf Deutsch übersetzt hat.
Der Prozess ist nicht einfach: es gibt einen Autor namens Pramudith D. Rupasinghe aus Sri Lanka, der die Geschichte vom ukrainischen Ivan Nikolayevich auf Englisch schrieb. Ashani Shalika Ranasinghe aus Sri Lanka übersetzte sie ins Deutsche, um eine Brücke zwischen Sprachen und Kulturen zu bauen.
Ivan - die Generation meiner Eltern - verkörpert eine Vielzahl von Eigenschaften, die für mich von absolutem Wert sind. Er kann in dieser irrational beschleunigten Welt langsamer werden. Beziehungsweise kann er den Rhythmus dieser beschleunigten Welt nicht aufnehmen. So wird er besonderer. Ein wahrer Naturmensch, dessen unmittelbare Umgebung, die Flüsse, die Bäume und Tiere der Wälder, das Gemüse und Obst der Muttererde und das Leben repräsentieren. Und seine Bayan, eine russische Harmonika, an die man sich unter anderem erinnert: leben, erleben und überleben; Liebe, Trauer, Glück, Traurigkeit und Altern.
Es ist ein langsamer Roman.
Wir können in den Gedanken eines weisen alten Mannes verweilen, anhalten und schmecken. Er half z.B. mir hier in Ungarn, mich an die frühen neunziger Jahre und unsere Realität in Ostmitteleuropa zu erinnern.
Ideal für meinen Lesegenuss: ich erhielt Ashanis Übersetzung tropfenweise dosiert.
Langsam und nicht einfach. Es ist schwer, die Verluste, das Altern und die Schmerzen des Alterns zu akzeptieren, aber es gelingt ihm. Er sieht das Schöne, das Gute, die Gaben des Lebens auch in den kleinsten Dingen.
Es ist eine Reise.
In der Zeit, in der Seele - und auch im Raum; Rückblick, Erinnerung.
Es gibt einen großen Kontrast zwischen dem Finden des inneren Friedens des alten weisen Geistes und der kalten ukrainischen Realität, die nach der fragmentierten Sowjetunion übrig geblieben ist.
Ich fühlte mich unglaublich gut mit Ivan. Er ist ein sehr guter Gastgeber. Er bietet Essen und Trinken, erzählt die Geschichte einer alten Welt. Seine Musik ist angenehm und ja, man darf nicht einmal den Abwasch machen.
Ich war in einer besonderen Situation und es machte mir wirklich Spaß.
Und ich freute mich geduldig darüber, weiterzureisen.
December 2, 2020
Bayan ist ein wunderbares Juwel eines Buches von Pramudith D. Rupasinghe, das die Geschichte eines reifen und weisen Mannes der Natur, namens Ivan Nikolayevich, seinen Bayan und seine Melodien, große Expeditionen des Lebens, außergewöhnliche mentale Stärke, Überleben, Glück, Liebe, Traurigkeit, Verluste und allmähliche Akzeptanz von Alter und Veränderung erzählt. Dieses Buch öffnete eine Tür zu einer vergangenen Ära in der Ukraine und ihren kulturellen, politischen und gesellschaftlichen Aspekten. Besonderer Dank gilt meiner Lehrerin Ashani Ranasinghe für den Bau einer Brücke zwischen den Kulturen durch die Übersetzung dieses Meisterwerks ins Deutsche, da dies die deutschen Lesern auf der ganzen Welt die Möglichkeit bietet, dieses schöne Stück von Literatur ohne Sprachbarrieren zu genießen.
December 3, 2020
Ein Kommentar des Lebens; eine Feier der Ultimativ Ankunft des Alters.
In dem ruhigen Tempo der klassisichen Soweitschen Literatur, aus das Charmente Weise mit der modern verschmolzen ist, ist 'Bayan' eine einzigartige Mischung aus dem Werk von Pramudith D. Rupasinghe.
Frau Ashani Shalika Ranasinghe, in Ihre Deutsche Übersetung - 'Melodie des Winters' mit ihrer reichem und raffiniertem Wissen und ihrer unglaublicher Verwendung der Deutsche Sprache verwaltet, die Einzigartigkeit des urprüngliches Buchs zu bewahren.
Ist definitively ein Lesenwertes Buch insbesonders für alle Deutsche Studenten, ein Griff der Verwendung der Sprache in Literatur nehmen.
In dem ruhigen Tempo der klassisichen Soweitschen Literatur, aus das Charmente Weise mit der modern verschmolzen ist, ist 'Bayan' eine einzigartige Mischung aus dem Werk von Pramudith D. Rupasinghe.
Frau Ashani Shalika Ranasinghe, in Ihre Deutsche Übersetung - 'Melodie des Winters' mit ihrer reichem und raffiniertem Wissen und ihrer unglaublicher Verwendung der Deutsche Sprache verwaltet, die Einzigartigkeit des urprüngliches Buchs zu bewahren.
Ist definitively ein Lesenwertes Buch insbesonders für alle Deutsche Studenten, ein Griff der Verwendung der Sprache in Literatur nehmen.
December 4, 2020
This is a nice translation. I recommend it as a good translation. Good luck.
December 4, 2020
A Srilankan novel in German..! That’s wonderful! This is a really good story and I know that the readers in German language will really enjoy this!
December 4, 2020
This is a very good job in translation Sinhala novel to German language..
December 4, 2020
Dear madam, Congratulations on your recent publication. I hope you will be able to write such translated books in the future as well, and best wishes for your future publications.
December 4, 2020
Melodie des Winters, die Uebersetzung von Bayan von Pramudith D. Rupasinghe erzaelt die Geschichte eines alten Mannes namens Ivan Nikolayevich, Besonders sein Bayan und seine Melodien spielen eine grosse Rolle in der Geschichte, Sie ist eine Geschichte von Ivans außergewöhnliche starken Sinn, Überleben, Glück, Liebe, Traurigkeit, Verluste und Veränderung.
December 2, 2020
I guess translating a Sri Lankan novel into German is a whole new step. Specially a brilliant story like this. This effort of opening international gates for Sri Lankan writers means a lot. On the other hand, it should be worth reading. Therefore the translation of this novel is a huge footstep
June 13, 2018
Bayan, it is at fist hard to imagine the profound psychological connection that author has captured in the book, the relationship with Ivan with his Bayan, accordion like musical instrument, in the book, Then, the reader is systematically taken in a journey through human thoughts down the line of aging, and amazingly and truly Rupasinghe clears the gloominess of the reader`s mind and, just like the rising Sun, the reader is able to see how he would see himself lying down on a wooden chair in his 80s or 90s, Bayan is an amazing discovery for me, for a woman of 41 years, facing mid age crisis and already tryin to imagine what my potential old age challenges would be as a single mother. Bayan is pitched way futuristic in its scientific value and way down in the history in its classical literary value. It is indeed a good and inspiring read.
April 19, 2018
Nicely and skillfully written, but for those who do not know about the context where the story takes place, its a but difficult as the story largely depend on the context.
December 25, 2020
[Note: I will give it around 7.5 stars out of 10, the stars above are rounded off
You can find our #BookReview for "Bayan" at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis...]
From our team, I got a chance to read Kindle EBook version of Bayan, and I found it a meaningful and realistic read that gives away many life-lessons. So go for this book if you love exploring such kind of reading. If you are looking for a book, just for passing the time, it is going to disappoint you. In order to understand the emotions explored, the reader needs to connect with the book, its characters, places and situations.
In addition to letting you dive deep into the cultural, political and social surroundings of Ukrain, USSR (then) and Russia, this book also talks about nature, wisdom and things we learn with time and experiences.
One of the biggest takeaways from the book is "basic human emotions are the same regardless of the geographical, political and social circumstances they are living within". Of course, the surrounding has its own effect on one's character, and that we cannot deny.
The book explores the journey of an aged many and who had seen the best of his age and possibly the most challenging times of his life. But, every day brings in new challenges and the social and political canvas keeps changing throughout. You will find the book concluding in the future.
Strong characters and their detailed exploration is one of the strengths of the book. While it is focused mainly on Ivan, other characters got their due. It is not an easy task to imagine a character who is more than 70 years old, belong to a totally different "way and place of living", especially when you are a young fellow. The amount of research work done by the author to represent the situations and emotions associated with them is commendable.
What I like the most in the book is the way it portrayed - nature.
Yes, nature and its elements are nothing less than the prime characters of the book. And, it is worth or rather I would say, it is even more of a requirement that we connect with the nature, especially as the world is getting more and more materialistic these days.
The native names used for the characters, places and other stuff adds to the authenticity of the book. But, at the same time, it also gives the feeling of reading something "foreign" to the readers (rightly). If you are not an avid reader, you will find it a little tough to connect with. And I must add that the Indian readers will surely love the mentions of "chai" in the book :).
If you are too much into linguistics you will notice the use of words like "introverted, "extroverted" and some others.
Some letters and small poetic lines mentioned in the book are quite a gem to read. To avoid spoilers, I am suppressing my urge to quote some of them.
Summary:
It is a book about human nature, psyche and the way the world is changing and so do us. It is for the readers who love to explore meaningful read from across the world.
You can find our #BookReview for "Bayan" at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis...]
From our team, I got a chance to read Kindle EBook version of Bayan, and I found it a meaningful and realistic read that gives away many life-lessons. So go for this book if you love exploring such kind of reading. If you are looking for a book, just for passing the time, it is going to disappoint you. In order to understand the emotions explored, the reader needs to connect with the book, its characters, places and situations.
In addition to letting you dive deep into the cultural, political and social surroundings of Ukrain, USSR (then) and Russia, this book also talks about nature, wisdom and things we learn with time and experiences.
One of the biggest takeaways from the book is "basic human emotions are the same regardless of the geographical, political and social circumstances they are living within". Of course, the surrounding has its own effect on one's character, and that we cannot deny.
The book explores the journey of an aged many and who had seen the best of his age and possibly the most challenging times of his life. But, every day brings in new challenges and the social and political canvas keeps changing throughout. You will find the book concluding in the future.
Strong characters and their detailed exploration is one of the strengths of the book. While it is focused mainly on Ivan, other characters got their due. It is not an easy task to imagine a character who is more than 70 years old, belong to a totally different "way and place of living", especially when you are a young fellow. The amount of research work done by the author to represent the situations and emotions associated with them is commendable.
What I like the most in the book is the way it portrayed - nature.
Yes, nature and its elements are nothing less than the prime characters of the book. And, it is worth or rather I would say, it is even more of a requirement that we connect with the nature, especially as the world is getting more and more materialistic these days.
The native names used for the characters, places and other stuff adds to the authenticity of the book. But, at the same time, it also gives the feeling of reading something "foreign" to the readers (rightly). If you are not an avid reader, you will find it a little tough to connect with. And I must add that the Indian readers will surely love the mentions of "chai" in the book :).
If you are too much into linguistics you will notice the use of words like "introverted, "extroverted" and some others.
Some letters and small poetic lines mentioned in the book are quite a gem to read. To avoid spoilers, I am suppressing my urge to quote some of them.
Summary:
It is a book about human nature, psyche and the way the world is changing and so do us. It is for the readers who love to explore meaningful read from across the world.
January 1, 2021
Bayan is the word for the musical instrument, the accordion, used in Russian. And Bayan, the book is the story of an older man in rural Ukraine, caught between the two worlds of the setting Soviet era and the dawning democratic nations. It begins on a sunny summer afternoon introducing you to a retired but beautiful soul, going about his daily life. It walks you through his life in the form of a commentary narrated to a stranger. Quite aptly, in Hindi, my national language, Bayan Karna, means to narrate.
Read My Full Review here
https://mrusbooksnreviews.com/bayan-b...
Read My Full Review here
https://mrusbooksnreviews.com/bayan-b...
December 21, 2020
Bayan is a different level novel with riveting narration and profound psychological effect. I picked up this book thinking Bayan a name of the character. Well, it is a sort of a Russian musical instrument. The story peeks into life of a seventy-year-old man named Ivan. He lives in Ukraine but his memories and mind and heart aches to go back to the days of Soviet era when many nations were one under the garb of communism.
I felt bad for this guy as how hard it is to cope alone during the old age. The ravages of time, bitter sweet memories – at this age all seem blending into one – there is hardly any time left to distinguish what made him or broke him. I fell in love with the writing style of the author. Even the minute details are mesmerizing, involvement of local customs and words bring authenticity to the novel. One could easily feel as the author belongs to one of the Soviet countries, not a Sri Lankan.
The selection of words and vivid imagination and saga of old days, everything has been roped in such a brilliant way that I felt as I am reading a work of prose with a façade of novel. It is one of the rarest novels that highlight the ravages of war, nation splitting, and ultimately old age. The novel stands out in its genre. Truly a masterpiece!
I felt bad for this guy as how hard it is to cope alone during the old age. The ravages of time, bitter sweet memories – at this age all seem blending into one – there is hardly any time left to distinguish what made him or broke him. I fell in love with the writing style of the author. Even the minute details are mesmerizing, involvement of local customs and words bring authenticity to the novel. One could easily feel as the author belongs to one of the Soviet countries, not a Sri Lankan.
The selection of words and vivid imagination and saga of old days, everything has been roped in such a brilliant way that I felt as I am reading a work of prose with a façade of novel. It is one of the rarest novels that highlight the ravages of war, nation splitting, and ultimately old age. The novel stands out in its genre. Truly a masterpiece!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews