Bhookh

by Amritlal Nagar

Bhookh

173 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

He started off as an author and journalist, but moved on to be an active writer in the Indian film industry for 7 years. He worked as a drama producer in All India Radio between December 1953 and May 1956. At this point he realised that a regular job would always be a hindrance to his literary life, so he devoted himself to freelance writing.

Often cited as the true literary heir of Premchand, Amritlal Nagar created his own independent and unique identity as a littérateur and is counted as one of the most important and multi-faceted creative writers of Indian literature.

Reviews

[Rashmi Duggal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually cannot rate this book at 4 stars because towards the end the details, the barbariasm becomes too gruesome. Overall a very realistic description of the famine and the extremes to which man can be driven by hunger. Again demonstrating very vividly that be it war, famine, any calamity women and children pay the maximum price. And the final message that whatever happens life goes on

[Suvigya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The details are mindblowing. Reading each sentence felt like living the characters pain and suffering. Heart touching nd mesmerizing story. Truly one of its kind

[Adwitiya Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and deeply unsettling portrayal of poverty, hunger, and human survival.

Bhookh captures the brutal reality of life on the margins, where hunger shapes not just bodies but also choices, relationships, and morality.
Set in a deeply unequal society, the novel remains grounded in realism, showing struggle without romanticising it.

Amritlal Nagar’s storytelling is sharp and unflinching, making this a difficult but essential read that stays with you long after it ends.