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Kalkatta Chronicles
Kalkatta chronicles-rear-view reflections presents a diaspora that unknowingly borrowed from the erstwhile British, accepted the order of the reigning Babus but also added their own seasoning and spices, resulting in a concoction of customs and characters, quite unique and endearing. Who were these characters? What were these customs? Through languid imagery and gentle humour, kalkatta chronicles celebrates an era that featured ‘out of order’ stuck on lifts, ‘loadshedding’ that greeted one every evening and ‘trunk calls’ that spelt urgency. We take pains and rightly so, to preserve our heritage buildings. Should we not pause to reflect, preserve and perhaps pass on ideas and practises that made many of those heritage buildings come alive? Get ready for this nostalgia-filled ride into the quirks that make Calcutta, Kolkata and kalkatta the city of joy.
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2019
Week 21, Book 21
Kalkatta Chronicles by Supriya Newar
Rating 4/5
Phew. Despite my long lasting crippling reader's block, finally caught up to at least one book a week reading pace!
Boy, am I a sucker for nostalgia! After Milk Teeth which took me to 70s-80s in Mumbai, finished reading Kalkatta Chronicles, a book full of memories of the author in 70a-80s Calcutta/Kolkata. Ms. Newar fondly remembers her childhood and life in the city of joy. Part of a Marwari business family settled in Bengal for generations, they spoke, dressed, lived as 'bengali' a lifestyle as actual Bengalis, except perhaps the non vegetarian food.
Although I've never lived in Calcutta, my mother spent around a decade there, and I have spent many a summer at Nani house in the 80s in Calcutta. Both of us have the fondest of memories of the city. The author is older, and thus her memories are of an older era unknown to me, but they resonated a lot with my ma. Even though I'm younger, I could relate to many of the experiences shared.
From the excitement of train rides, to having a personal tailor coming home, a kitaabwala who came to sell/rent novel and comics, to excursions to market, from the magic of the telephone to the fun times when the electricity went out, from buying and covering new school books to making all sorts of things at home... These are experiences every one of us have had in some way or the other in our lives. (Those of us born pre 1990 for sure!)
The language is excellent, the writing style engaging, it's a short breezy read, with never a dull moment. Whether you're a Calcutta lover or not, I'd highly recommend reading this book for the sheer joy of celebrating the simpler times! This is a book I'll probably read many times,whenever I'm in the mood for nostalgia!
Kalkatta Chronicles by Supriya Newar
Rating 4/5
Phew. Despite my long lasting crippling reader's block, finally caught up to at least one book a week reading pace!
Boy, am I a sucker for nostalgia! After Milk Teeth which took me to 70s-80s in Mumbai, finished reading Kalkatta Chronicles, a book full of memories of the author in 70a-80s Calcutta/Kolkata. Ms. Newar fondly remembers her childhood and life in the city of joy. Part of a Marwari business family settled in Bengal for generations, they spoke, dressed, lived as 'bengali' a lifestyle as actual Bengalis, except perhaps the non vegetarian food.
Although I've never lived in Calcutta, my mother spent around a decade there, and I have spent many a summer at Nani house in the 80s in Calcutta. Both of us have the fondest of memories of the city. The author is older, and thus her memories are of an older era unknown to me, but they resonated a lot with my ma. Even though I'm younger, I could relate to many of the experiences shared.
From the excitement of train rides, to having a personal tailor coming home, a kitaabwala who came to sell/rent novel and comics, to excursions to market, from the magic of the telephone to the fun times when the electricity went out, from buying and covering new school books to making all sorts of things at home... These are experiences every one of us have had in some way or the other in our lives. (Those of us born pre 1990 for sure!)
The language is excellent, the writing style engaging, it's a short breezy read, with never a dull moment. Whether you're a Calcutta lover or not, I'd highly recommend reading this book for the sheer joy of celebrating the simpler times! This is a book I'll probably read many times,whenever I'm in the mood for nostalgia!
June 3, 2019
Remember the times of the boxy phone and the even boxier TV? The times when mobile phones hadn’t made their grand entry into every pocket and purse? When power cuts were not immediately handled with generator backups and on dark ‘current-less’ nights antakshari under the stars with cousins was the norm? When people looked at each other rather than at screens? When travel was not in the cold steely confines of a flying machine surrounded by strangers, but instead journeys, sometimes extending over days, were made in warm compartments bustling with people, food and stories. Yes, ‘the good old days’ as many of us would fondly reminisce.
If only we could draw the essence of these cherished memories and bottle them up forever, to take a whiff every now and then and lose ourselves in the ‘time that was’, right? Well, Supriya Newar’s Kalkatta Chronicles has done it!
Based in the Kolkata of her childhood, this book speaks of the author’s childhood in the days gone by. Most experiences in Kalkatta Chronicles though would actually resonate with anyone who grew up in that era, even outside of Kolkata. The book is a delight to read, making you re-live the simple joys of the past. It is hilarious in places, where you recall the things you did back then that seem so silly in today’s times. In others, it is sentimental, bringing tears to your eyes upon remembering how simple…and real..things used to be. What’s stunning is also the way she talks of not just the processes or things, but also of people…the people who were such an integral part of life back then and have just disappeared from the spectrum of everyday life today. Truth be told, the book gives you a glimpse of your own childhood, and brings out an inexplicable urge to go back to it.
That Supriya Newar is a seasoned writer is apparent just a few lines into the book. Every blogger and/or aspiring author loves to read, especially read the kind of book that would inspire them to better their writing. Kalkatta Chronicles is that kind of a book. The writing is honest. That’s what it is. It is precise, knows exactly how to make you laugh, when to touch your heart and exudes a style that is impressive and evergreen. A few lines into the book I decided that Supriya Newar is a fantastic writer – an opinion that I stood firmly by till the very end.
All in all, Kalkatta Chronicles is an absolutely fantastic book. For those of us who grew up in the 1900s, this book is truly a ‘rear view reflection’, a great chance to fondly think back of our roots and wonder how fast things have changed so much! A great read for the new generations too, so they know how unique things were, not such a long time ago!
I would undoubtedly rate the book 5/5. For a fabulous mix of good stories, great humour, real emotions, excellent characterizations and loads of feel-good-nostalgia, go read, Kalkatta Chronicles!!
If only we could draw the essence of these cherished memories and bottle them up forever, to take a whiff every now and then and lose ourselves in the ‘time that was’, right? Well, Supriya Newar’s Kalkatta Chronicles has done it!
Based in the Kolkata of her childhood, this book speaks of the author’s childhood in the days gone by. Most experiences in Kalkatta Chronicles though would actually resonate with anyone who grew up in that era, even outside of Kolkata. The book is a delight to read, making you re-live the simple joys of the past. It is hilarious in places, where you recall the things you did back then that seem so silly in today’s times. In others, it is sentimental, bringing tears to your eyes upon remembering how simple…and real..things used to be. What’s stunning is also the way she talks of not just the processes or things, but also of people…the people who were such an integral part of life back then and have just disappeared from the spectrum of everyday life today. Truth be told, the book gives you a glimpse of your own childhood, and brings out an inexplicable urge to go back to it.
That Supriya Newar is a seasoned writer is apparent just a few lines into the book. Every blogger and/or aspiring author loves to read, especially read the kind of book that would inspire them to better their writing. Kalkatta Chronicles is that kind of a book. The writing is honest. That’s what it is. It is precise, knows exactly how to make you laugh, when to touch your heart and exudes a style that is impressive and evergreen. A few lines into the book I decided that Supriya Newar is a fantastic writer – an opinion that I stood firmly by till the very end.
All in all, Kalkatta Chronicles is an absolutely fantastic book. For those of us who grew up in the 1900s, this book is truly a ‘rear view reflection’, a great chance to fondly think back of our roots and wonder how fast things have changed so much! A great read for the new generations too, so they know how unique things were, not such a long time ago!
I would undoubtedly rate the book 5/5. For a fabulous mix of good stories, great humour, real emotions, excellent characterizations and loads of feel-good-nostalgia, go read, Kalkatta Chronicles!!
November 10, 2022
Nostalgia unlimited
I spent most of my growing years in Calcutta and many of my classmates were Kalkatta Marwaris. Ever page of this book reeked of nostalgia. So many memories that I didn't even realise were memories till dredged up here.
My worlds were Kolkata and Calcutta, but the Kalkatta which was familiar came back to life.
I spent most of my growing years in Calcutta and many of my classmates were Kalkatta Marwaris. Ever page of this book reeked of nostalgia. So many memories that I didn't even realise were memories till dredged up here.
My worlds were Kolkata and Calcutta, but the Kalkatta which was familiar came back to life.
April 27, 2019
When I first started reading Kalkatta Chronicles, published by Readomania, it was with the expectation of vicariously visiting a city I had only known about from afar. The various stories I had heard led to a yearning within me to visit the stately capital of West Bengal. Unfortunately, a lack of opportunity kept me away. With its rich literary, cultural and historical heritage, the city of Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial has always been an enigma.
Supriya Newar’s Kalkatta Chronicles not only offers a tour of the city that’s always been a distant dream for me but also proves to be an amusing read – one that brings to life the flavour of a bygone Kalkatta.
The book isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane though, for the memories last well into the present moment long after you’ve put the book away. The feeling it leaves behind is not much different from the one you get when the car has moved farther down the road and the reflections in the rear-view mirror have faded away into the distance.
It definitely is a must read for someone who is familiar with Kolkatta and also for those who’ve never been there. For not having visited Kolkatta doesn’t haunt me as a regret anymore.
Supriya Newar’s Kalkatta Chronicles not only offers a tour of the city that’s always been a distant dream for me but also proves to be an amusing read – one that brings to life the flavour of a bygone Kalkatta.
The book isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane though, for the memories last well into the present moment long after you’ve put the book away. The feeling it leaves behind is not much different from the one you get when the car has moved farther down the road and the reflections in the rear-view mirror have faded away into the distance.
It definitely is a must read for someone who is familiar with Kolkatta and also for those who’ve never been there. For not having visited Kolkatta doesn’t haunt me as a regret anymore.
December 11, 2019
Perusing Kolkata Chronicles was a delightful walk right back to childhood and is a book that will resonate unfailingly with anyone who has grown up in Kolkata between the seventies to the nineties.
Supriya’s admirable ability to pick up vignettes of Calcutta old world charm created by appurtenances, people, engagements and embellishing them with generous dollops of detail will stir a chord in every reader and allow his nostalgia and memory to walk hand in hand recreating the magic his own special forgotten moments.
From the open cage lifts operating at the mercy of a fickle power supply, the thrill of covering school books painstakingly with brown paper, the ubiquitous lending library man who visited your doorstep, the joy of the movies and trips to New Market, the landline telephone to the railway journeys and how the load shedding was an opportunity for family bonding; each narrative will spark a personal story in the reader.
Supriya’s language is rich and engaging; and sprinkled at the right moments with the vernacular, especially delightful. And yet, the book is not just a compendium of reminiscences, for it holds gems of values and life-lessons so important for today’s fast paced, disengaged and to an extent a dystopian social fabric.
Supriya’s admirable ability to pick up vignettes of Calcutta old world charm created by appurtenances, people, engagements and embellishing them with generous dollops of detail will stir a chord in every reader and allow his nostalgia and memory to walk hand in hand recreating the magic his own special forgotten moments.
From the open cage lifts operating at the mercy of a fickle power supply, the thrill of covering school books painstakingly with brown paper, the ubiquitous lending library man who visited your doorstep, the joy of the movies and trips to New Market, the landline telephone to the railway journeys and how the load shedding was an opportunity for family bonding; each narrative will spark a personal story in the reader.
Supriya’s language is rich and engaging; and sprinkled at the right moments with the vernacular, especially delightful. And yet, the book is not just a compendium of reminiscences, for it holds gems of values and life-lessons so important for today’s fast paced, disengaged and to an extent a dystopian social fabric.
May 25, 2019
Incredible
This Book was recommended by my friend.
Worth reading.
Story set in Kolkata, City of Joy.
Well narrated with humor and keen observation.
The stories are all too familiar and made me nostalgic. It makes you cherish our childhood memories unlike today's digital world and takes the readers on a beautiful journey in the past which is real and relatable.
Best to read the book at one go.
Glossary on the words used in the book at the end is informative.
It also includes a collection of poems with meaningful verses.
“Our City of Joy” deserves special mention. Insights on places of Interest and culture in Kolkata and Bengali words will create a connection with the readers.
This Book was recommended by my friend.
Worth reading.
Story set in Kolkata, City of Joy.
Well narrated with humor and keen observation.
The stories are all too familiar and made me nostalgic. It makes you cherish our childhood memories unlike today's digital world and takes the readers on a beautiful journey in the past which is real and relatable.
Best to read the book at one go.
Glossary on the words used in the book at the end is informative.
It also includes a collection of poems with meaningful verses.
“Our City of Joy” deserves special mention. Insights on places of Interest and culture in Kolkata and Bengali words will create a connection with the readers.
April 28, 2019
-Childhood is us and that's what pulls us into a journey backwards and find ways to reminiscence on the past.
- This book isn't an out-an-out book on childhood, rather it is about things and people we grew up with and how they have changed or ceased to exist in that same form.
- When I picked this book I was expecting another mangoes-train-picnics stories but the way the book has been shaped up - it's totally refreshing yet familiar
- Supriya Newar has written it in a simple evocative style
- Recommend you to read this book!
- This book isn't an out-an-out book on childhood, rather it is about things and people we grew up with and how they have changed or ceased to exist in that same form.
- When I picked this book I was expecting another mangoes-train-picnics stories but the way the book has been shaped up - it's totally refreshing yet familiar
- Supriya Newar has written it in a simple evocative style
- Recommend you to read this book!
August 12, 2019
Nice fun read
Nice and fun read, specially if you have spent your childhood in the city of joy. Good read for today's children also.
Nice and fun read, specially if you have spent your childhood in the city of joy. Good read for today's children also.
May 15, 2020
Nostalgia at it's best
Must read for all those who miss 90s 'bachpan k din'. Throughout the book, the author maintained a simple yet fluidic language which is highly appreciated..
Must read for all those who miss 90s 'bachpan k din'. Throughout the book, the author maintained a simple yet fluidic language which is highly appreciated..
January 7, 2023
Breezy pleasant read
Breezy read. Thouh said to be from Kolkata it will resonate with anyone brought up during that period in India
Breezy read. Thouh said to be from Kolkata it will resonate with anyone brought up during that period in India
April 23, 2019
Kalkatta Chronicles
by
Supriya Newar
is a book you are going to remember long after you finish it. It is a collection of chapters talking about different people and cultures of Kolkata the author experienced in her childhood. The prose is lucid and measured. It starts with the memory of the lift-operator whose character and duty effects the residents in unsuspecting ways. The observations are unique and sharp. They has to be seen first hand and not thought up because of their originality. For example, when the lift would get a makeover after maintenance,
This sense of childlike ownership has come out so endearingly solely due to inclusion of such excellent details.
While reading through the book I was nodding and smiling because there are so many things similar to what I had experienced in my childhood. For example, the brown paper clothing of books every year, the excitement around it, the joy of writing your name on stickers on the newly covered books, the process of flattening the books so that the brown paper covers get settled well. And I wonder how across different cultures, we lived the same lives.
The stories of grandiose train journeys, the world of cozy candle-lit rooms during routine loadsheddings, the struggles of getting tickets on black for the latest Bollywood flicks are all too familiar and made me nostalgic.
More than the world inhibiting in the book, I love to read about those different people living in various strata of the society. The family tailor is a businessman who is confident about his craftsmanship even if, at times the fitting would not be perfect. Still the family manages to keep him for years to come. The book and magazine seller is also a man who keeps his account meticulously and is the sole supplier of weekly magazine and comics. In the pre-era of globalization and commercialization of everything, there were personal touches everywhere, because things were not automatized or taken care by unknown persons behind websites. And even though sometimes things got inconvenient, the human touch made them personal memories, something to reminiscence, to cherish forever.
Apart from its literary appeal for all the above reasons, it is an important book for another thing. Present day Kolkata is a rich mixture of different cultures and people coming from all over the country. Getting to read how they fuse in the old culture of Kolkata and how still they manage to maintain their independent culture is not only fascinating, but also heartwarming. This book is a burning proof how different worlds can thrive together and create a culture that is so rich and yet so distinct.
The quotidian details of the homely world in this book often reminded me of Amit Chaudhuri’s splendid A Strange and Sublime Address and I congratulate the author for being able to write something so special. Strongly recommended.
P.S. Just look at those stunning illustrations!
the liftman too sat up straighter and prouder on his designated stool donning his newly stitched, ironed and monogrammed uniform.
This sense of childlike ownership has come out so endearingly solely due to inclusion of such excellent details.
While reading through the book I was nodding and smiling because there are so many things similar to what I had experienced in my childhood. For example, the brown paper clothing of books every year, the excitement around it, the joy of writing your name on stickers on the newly covered books, the process of flattening the books so that the brown paper covers get settled well. And I wonder how across different cultures, we lived the same lives.
The stories of grandiose train journeys, the world of cozy candle-lit rooms during routine loadsheddings, the struggles of getting tickets on black for the latest Bollywood flicks are all too familiar and made me nostalgic.
More than the world inhibiting in the book, I love to read about those different people living in various strata of the society. The family tailor is a businessman who is confident about his craftsmanship even if, at times the fitting would not be perfect. Still the family manages to keep him for years to come. The book and magazine seller is also a man who keeps his account meticulously and is the sole supplier of weekly magazine and comics. In the pre-era of globalization and commercialization of everything, there were personal touches everywhere, because things were not automatized or taken care by unknown persons behind websites. And even though sometimes things got inconvenient, the human touch made them personal memories, something to reminiscence, to cherish forever.
I'm not sure what made him a success across the family for ears together, for he wasn't necessarily the finest tailor around. [...] Whatever may have been the secret arrangement, each party got used to the other and in the process, Iqbal [...] became a bespoke family heirloom.
Apart from its literary appeal for all the above reasons, it is an important book for another thing. Present day Kolkata is a rich mixture of different cultures and people coming from all over the country. Getting to read how they fuse in the old culture of Kolkata and how still they manage to maintain their independent culture is not only fascinating, but also heartwarming. This book is a burning proof how different worlds can thrive together and create a culture that is so rich and yet so distinct.
The quotidian details of the homely world in this book often reminded me of Amit Chaudhuri’s splendid A Strange and Sublime Address and I congratulate the author for being able to write something so special. Strongly recommended.
P.S. Just look at those stunning illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews