Halodhiya Soraye Baodhan Khay

by Homen Borgohain

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Anirban Dutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homen Borgohain was a masterful storyteller, and this novella is a testament to his ability to capture the raw truths of life with honesty and empathy. I often find it difficult to read realist literature because it tends to dwell more on suffering than joy — and this book is no exception. Yet, it is precisely this portrayal of hardship that makes it so powerful.

The story presents a stark and moving depiction of how a sudden calamity can plunge a simple, hardworking family into extreme poverty, stripping away their dignity, stability, and hope. Through the life of the protagonist, we witness not only the pain of personal loss but also the quiet endurance of the human spirit.

In our everyday lives, we often complain about small inconveniences, forgetting that we have food to eat, clothes to wear, a home to live in, and access to education. This story shifts our perspective. It grounds us in a reality where even these basic needs are a struggle for many people, and in doing so, it makes us more aware — and perhaps more grateful — for what we have.

The novella also offers a sharp critique of social inequality, highlighting how the rich and powerful exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. Borgohain doesn’t sensationalize this injustice; instead, he reveals it through the slow, painful unravelling of a poor farmer’s life — making it all the more haunting.

This is not a light or comforting read, but it is an important one. It stays with you long after the final page.

[bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece. The painful reality of the farmers portrayed in this book through the life of the protagonist Rokheswor (ৰশেশ্বৰ) will make your heart burn in excruciating agony, helplessness and distress. The scene where Rokheswar’s child was begging his father not to sell their cow still makes my heart ache.

[Bhargab Borah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very popular novel by Borgohain. It's a typical story of a poor farmer vs rich zamidar (not actually zamidar), where the rich man of village try to take over the land of poor weak uneducated farmer forcefully. It's actually a very predictable story, and you'll find similar variant of this idea in any other language or in any Indian film, where the rich suppress the poor.
This story describes how rich uses his power, money and political connection to supress the poor. Here you'll also see the level corruption thar goes on in Indian office, for every work you want to do, you have to satisfy the officers.
Don't wanna pull it longer. Thanks