'Paranormal' is an anthology of short stories (Bengali). This is author Victor Ghoshe's third Bengali ghost & paranormal story collection. Ghoshe has developed a fresh narrative style which hooks the reader immediately. This book is a treat for readers who have been waiting for a Bengali book of short stories with superb illustrations by the author that drag one inside the book.
It's a new kind of short story book that interacts with the reader and allows one to think, think and think again...
An international Brand & Communication professional, former Sr Adviser - BBC India, Ghoshe is an Amazon best selling author and a successful coach. Every piece of his work reflects ‘The philosophy of this universe’ in its simplest form – “THE KEY IS YOU”. Ghoshe holds two master degrees in Social Studies and in English; he also holds a PG Diploma in Communication Design. He has been responsible for developing mass communication strategies for over six countries. A chart topper of 'Indian writing' at the WH Smith pan India rating Tomb of God becomes No1 in February 2023 and fetches The 2022 Author of The Year - Fiction from International Publishing giant Ukiyoto Publishing for Victor Ghoshe. Ghsohe lives in New Delhi with his wife, Juthika, and two sons Shivank and Hrishaant.
In Ghoshe's publisher's words, "Victor Ghoshe leaves a cinematic imagery in the mind of the reader through every sentence he composes. His style is controlled, precise, meticulous, and yet, it evokes deep emotional responses from readers. His stories depict a fine sensitivity without using melodrama or dramatic excesses. He has evolved a simplistic style that is almost invisible. He strongly believes that the best technique of storytelling is the one that's not noticeable. Victor Ghoshe delivers a great research-based thriller in the form of the 2016 novel - The Job Charnock Riddle." Ghoshe's latest Historical Thriller - TOMB OF GOD is currently the No.1 book at the Indian Writing chart (Feb 2023).
ভিক্টর ঘোষ-এর লেখার সঙ্গে আমার পরিচয় হয়েছিল 'আনন্দমেলা'-র পাতায় "অষ্টবসু রহস্য" নামক একটি চমৎকার ইতিহাসাশ্রয়ী কাহিনির মাধ্যমে। পরে তাঁর লেখা "দ্য জব চার্নক রিডল" পড়ে ভালো তো লেগেইছিল। সঙ্গে এও মনে হয়েছিল যে ইতিহাসের ধুলোমাখা নানা অধ্যায় নিয়ে জমজমাট রহস্য লেখার ক্ষমতা তাঁর ষোলো আনাই আছে। কিন্তু অলৌকিক আখ্যান? বা আরও ভালো কথায় বললে সহজ জ্ঞানবুদ্ধির বাইরে যা-কিছু ঘটে, সেগুলো নিয়ে তিনি কেমন লেখেন? এই প্রশ্নের উত্তর খুঁজতে গিয়েই এই বইটি পড়া। বইটিতে মোট দশটি গল্প আছে। তারা হল~ ১. গোকুলবাবুর চাকরি ২. কো-ইন্সিডেন্স ৩. প্যারানর্মাল ৪. অনন্ত সাঁপুই আর এলিয়েন থিম ৫. ফুলমাসির বাড়ি ৬. সংকেত ৭. গয়েশবাবু'র মাইন্ডগেম ৮. অন্যরকম ভূতের গল্প ৯. বটুকবাবু'র ভুল বোঝা ১০. অবিনশ্বরবাবু'র শেষ ইচ্ছে একমাত্র 'প্যারানর্মাল' নামক লেখাটি কিঞ্চিৎ জমাটি এবং পরিণত লেখা৷ বাকি গল্পগুলো একেবারেই শিশুপাঠ্য। লীলা মজুমদার আর সৈয়দ মুস্তাফা সিরাজের মজাদার ভূত আর কল্পবিজ্ঞান মেশানো লেখা যাঁদের ভালো লাগে তাঁদের এ-বইটা মন্দ লাগবে না। বইটাতে বানানের অবস্থা শোচনীয়। তবে লেখকের নিজের আঁকা অলংকরণগুলো নয়নসুখকর হওয়ার পাশাপাশি বেশ একটা সত্যজিতের গল্পের ফিলিঙও এনে দিয়েছে। কোনো অপাপবিদ্ধ শিশুকে উপহার হিসেবে বইটা দিতেই পারেন।
One of the zillion avid readers of short stories by Satyajit Ray, I always felt there was a void in Bengali literature after the master storyteller. The void I felt was more in Science Fiction and Paranormal than in any other genre. Ghoshe’s ‘Ethernet’ first got me hooked to his style of storytelling which is simple yet so similar to Ray’s, in a good way. With ‘Paranormal,’ I feel, Ghoshe has been able to fill the void quite deftly. Each story- ‘Gokulbabur Chakri,’ ‘Coincidence,’ or ‘Shonket’ is a delightful blend of spookiness with visuality. The rustic feel of the imagery created, the plot, and the unmistakable nostalgia of ‘Patolbabu’ and ‘Bonkubabur Bondhu’ compel one to read till the end. Ghoshe has saved his best in the collection for last- ‘Abinashyor babur shesh ichchhe,’ where he writes about a grandpa-grandson duo traveling back to the “once habitable” pollution-ravaged earth from a different planet in a different galaxy, leaves the readers with a deep realization, a picture of the future which is fascinating as well as scary for the mankind. Paranormal is indeed a fresh breath of air in the modern Bengali literature.
It's a quiet interesting book.... Somewhere the ending is not at all predictable and the twists caused goosebumps... Highly recommended for those who are interested about not ghost but paranormal activities..... Good one to keep in collection. Waiting lot more to come
My mother in law, an avid reader got this during bust before lockdown 10. She just loved it and said "small yet gripping tales," She thinks children will love it.
Finished Victor Ghoshe's PARANORMAL in two sittings.
Brilliant and unputdownable book of 10 fantastic stories
The book is a must read for all who enjoy Satyajit Ray's stories and science fiction stories. Ghoshe's illustrations make the book beautiful. This book can be a wonderful gift for the young ones as well.
Just finished reading it.. amazing and unputdownable book, beautiful illustrations with stories that can really feel like the cup of warm tea after a stressful day.. a must buy for all who enjoy reading paranomal and science fiction genre..
The author has a very unique style of story telling, which most likely would absorb all section of readers, irrespective of their ages and life experiences.
All readers, the old & the young, who loves Short Story, would enjoy devouring the book. A special mention definitely goes out for 'Abinashyor babur shesh ichchhe.'
I strongly recommend to read this book, especially for those, who, with an open mind, takes interest in the activities and happenings beyond normal limits, as the name of the book suggests.
Wishing all the very best to the author and eagerly waiting for his future compositions.
There are times when you find an author who relates to you in such a way that you feel its impossible. Like S/he's inside your brain, tinkering with clockwork gears and machinery, the stuff that makes you tick. That accurate. That close. When I picked up Ghoshe's Paranormal, the one with that brilliant cover-art... I was in a library. As I opened the book, I turned to the most attention grabbing title - "Onno Rokom Bhuter Golpo". And goosebumps have never risen on my neck like that in a very long time. The last sentence leaves you reeling, gasping for more. But then the story has just ended... leaving your brain still coping with the last few words....! Then came the other stories 'Co-incidence', 'Paranormal', 'Shonket', 'Ananta SaNpui & Alien Theme'.... one after another, I enjoyed and cherished all the stories, they were simply brilliant.
All of Ghoshe's stories (I have read all his books) are destined to appeal to a certain type of reader (age / sex no bar), one with poetic sensibilities, one with strong liking for subtle joys, and one with hidden interest in a better world.
Not one of the 10 tales in it seemed boring or mediocre. Some are masterpieces. Most of the stories being no longer than 15-16 pages, the book proved ideal for reading when you need a real good break from work and chores. Ghoshe's key strengths lie in extremely creative plot development and in observations of characters, while the language is crisp and the descriptions are economical and to the point. Roughly half the stories are compelling realist fiction, while the other half contain spooky. fantastic elements (ghosts, aliens, paranormal). Read the book if you are thirsty for good stories !!!
This book is penned by one of the most promising author of recent times....Victor Ghoshe. The pre talk is cool... dont skip those - the authro's talk, the jacket & back cover note - they are as interesting as the book. Now about the actual book.... in a line 'you cant stop reading the stories of Paranormal - once you start this book'. This book has got paranormal - ghost - supernatural and alien stories. The crazyness and calmness walked together through the stories. I would say - dont miss this book....!!! I am waiting for the next !!!
Victor Ghoshe's short stories (Bengali) are fascinating. They are targeted towards young adults, but they entertain readers from all age groups. Most of the stories dealt with the mysterious ways in which the human mind operates. They include fear, deceit, obsession, coincidences, identity and also paranormal. The stories are complex, but what makes them enjoyable is the way they are told - peppered with humour and full of vivid details. Ghoshe brings fresh air - with his unique VOICE after a long time in Bengali storytelling.
Absolutely ready for a hit web series. All the stories are neat and smart with lucid language and clear narrative style. I went back and ready Ghoshe’s previous story collections (Ethernet and Megher khata) and found most of his stories are not only fantastic, but they have amazing twists which are positive. Instead of weaving terror or horror Ghoshe has wonderfully crafted paranormal stories which have social messages and reflect human values. Looks like he has really spent time researching. I loved it.
Most of the stories are amazing. I truly hope someone makes a web series with these stories. Unlike traditional paranormal stories, Ghoshe’s stories reflect human values, harmony and balance. In this - ‘world-is-on-your-fingertip-age’ these stories bring some fresh perspectives about the paranormal.
The book is a collection of really strange stories. It has ‘unbelievable coincident’ stories, eerie stories, paranormal stories and a fantastic fact is most of the stories are not about terror and horror.
I completely enjoyed reading this one and I thank the author for giving the readers such an original collection.
Do I need to write a review actually.... The author has written 5 books and Victor Ghoshe is already a name by itself... it is enough for those who are regular bookworms...! I mean, People who really read. This book is a must buy consolidation of Ghoshe's stories and wonderful illustrations done by him. I loved it.
Short stories, most of them are Paranormal stories with a positive edge. To me each & every story is a masterpiece with unique plot & a fantastic twist. Mystery lovers will not be disappointed if they buy this book and read... Ppl who like paranormal as a wide genre will thank me. I am extremely happy reading this book.
I would not say the stories are horrifying, or too scary. because the idea of Paranormal that Ghoshe wanted to paint through these stories is totally different from the regular ones (on a positive note). I believe, the best way to describe these stories are, they are superb short stories with awesome twists. Awesome read. And It's a fantastic gift for any book lover as well.
Highly entertaining stories from a master storyteller.
It's fantastic to be lost in stories that are literally out of this world. Amazing stories that transport you to different dimensions altogether. I could almost smell my college days while reading these stories. Thanks to Ghoshe... for bringing back my youth !
Victor Ghoshe ' er Paranormal khub Bhalo story compilation.... and it is a must read for readers who are fond of short stories.. I found all the 10 stories fantastic.... Sob theke bhalo legeche 'Paranormal, 'Onno Rokom bhuter Golpo', 'Gokul babu'r chakri' ebong 'Abinaswar babu-r shesh Ichche'. Give us more of these brilliant stories, Sir....
This is a must buy for short story lovers ... or a fantastic gift item to any Young adult who enjoys reading. Ghoshe's mastery is at his best and the book is really good with his own illustrations. Paranormal has stories for all ages and tastes with a mix of sci-fi, supernatural and ghostly. Buy and read it - thank me later... : )
Most of the stories are phenomenal ! It reminds us of our childhood days. Every Bengali book lover should have this in his/her collection. This book is almost like a Netflix short story series. The author has done mind blowing illustrations for each story. A must buy.
Most of the stories are phenomenal ! I almost watched them like films. The Stories of this book remind us of our childhood days. I saw this kind of beautiful illustrations after a long time. Every Bengali book lover should read this book and if possible add it to their collections - A must buy.
The stories range from eerie, super natural to science fiction to paranormal. And not a single story would disappoint you. The stories are awesome. Do enjoy them on a lonely evening with limitless cups of tea or coffee.
All original stories. Instantly transported me to my youth and to the stories of Ray. My personal favorite stories of this book are 'Paranormal', 'Ananta SaNpui & alien,' 'Co-incidence', 'Shonket' and 'Onno-rokom Bhuter golpo'. I have almost watched them as short films on OTT.
A book with a collection of 10 fabulous stories, not mere stories but supernatural chillers... This book, written by Victor Ghoshe, is really a great book and will surely be loved by readers of bengali paranormal stories !
Innovative short stories. Well researched or well experienced stories. Salute to Ghoshe's imagination. I loved the book and also gifted this book to friends. Looking forward to more of Ghoshe's writings !
Nothing would be better than enjoying a Master Storyteller telling you ghost and paranormal tales in Bengali. Each story is intriguing and memorable in its own right. I look forward to reading more of Ghoshe.