The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told

This felt like a drag .im a fast reader but this was nearly impossible to sit through. Firstly the font size is too small!! Then the stories themselves were let down by a poor translation. The stories in here are great and famous too, but the translation feels off. That in itself, makes this a poor read.

When a title boldly claims to present The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told, skepticism is almost guaranteed. This collection, selected and translated by Arunava Sinha, opens itself to scrutiny, particularly given the immense richness of Bengali literature. Sinha’s anthology, though, invites readers to explore a curated selection that reflects his personal literary journey rather than a definitive compilation of the best Bengali stories.Initially, some choices in the anthology seem perplexing. For instance, the inclusion of The Kabuliwallah by Rabindranath Tagore may appear too familiar, as it is widely known through film adaptations and school curriculums. Pramatha Chaudhuri’s story, often seen as a lesser work, and the absence of significant authors like Manik and Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, add to the curiosity. Furthermore, the choice of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s didactic Einstein and Indubala over his more profound works may raise eyebrows. Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Post-Mortem, based on a real-life incident involving a “ladies’ special” tram, might be obscure for readers unfamiliar with Calcutta’s social context of that era.However, Sinha’s introduction clarifies his intent: the collection is not an exhaustive history but a selection of stories that have deeply moved him. This perspective allows readers to appreciate the anthology as a heartfelt curation rather than a definitive list of the greatest stories.The stories included are diverse and captivating. Mahesh by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay is a poignant tale of a destitute farmer and his beloved bull, touching on themes of love, sacrifice, and societal divides. The Discovery of Telenapota by Premendra Mitra, my personal favourite, blends reality and fantasy in a second-person narrative that remains enchanting. Banaphool’s brief yet impactful stories, like the whimsical two-pager included here, demonstrate his mastery of the short form, often delivering powerful twists.Sinha’s selections traverse a wide spectrum, from the supernatural to social commentary. Ashapurna Debi’s Thunder and Lightning offers a glimpse into family dynamics, while Nabarun Bhattacharya’s Flapperoos explores fantastical themes. Sandipan Chattopadhyay’s Ten Days of the Strike critiques societal issues through vivid, sometimes disturbing imagery. Sinha also shines a light on lesser-known but talented writers, expanding the reader’s literary horizon.Reading through these stories fills me with immense pride. Each tale is a testament to the literary genius that thrives in my native language, Bengali. This collection not only highlights the depth and diversity of Bengali literature but also serves as a beacon for its enduring influence. The fact that these stories, rooted in my cultural heritage, are now reaching a wider audience through such a masterful translation brings me a profound sense of joy and pride. It’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of narratives that form an integral part of my identity, and I am thrilled to see them recognised and appreciated on a global stage.While the anthology may reflect a leftist slant or contain stories with simplistic moral undertones, Sinha’s transparency about his personal preferences adds depth to the collection. His translation work is outstanding, capturing the essence and stylistic nuances of authors from different eras. For newcomers to Bengali literature, this anthology serves as a perfect introduction, and for seasoned readers, it offers a delightful exploration of varied narratives.Sinha’s latest translation endeavor adds to his impressive body of work, showcasing 21 stories spanning over a century. It features classics by literary giants like Tagore, Sarat Chandra, and Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, alongside contemporary authors such as Nabarun Bhattacharya and Amar Mitra. The collection includes both celebrated and lesser-known works, from Tagore’s iconic Kabuliwala to hidden gems like Moti Nandi’s News of a Murder and Mahasweta Devi’s Urvashi and Johnny.Anthologies often grapple with the challenge of defining “the greatest” stories, as preferences vary widely. Sinha’s selections, though sometimes puzzling, reflect a thoughtful and personal curation. A minor criticism is the absence of publication dates for each story, which would provide context for readers. Despite this, Sinha’s translations are exceptional, maintaining the unique tones and styles of authors across different periods.In summary, The Greatest Bengali Stories Ever Told offers a rich and enjoyable dive into Bengali literature. Sinha’s careful curation and masterful translation invite readers on a literary journey through some of Bengal’s finest storytelling, making this anthology a valuable addition for anyone interested in quality literature. It’s an anthology that not only celebrates the beauty of Bengali narratives but also honours the cultural and literary heritage I am proud to be a part of.

Arunava Sinha is probably the greatest and most well known Bengali-English translator we have today having translated most well known names and novels. I had previously read and enjoyed two books translated by him and when this book was announced, couldn't wait to lay my hands on it!He has handpicked 21 short stories, each by a different author. Each story is unique and showcases the variety that exists in Bengali Literature. If one looks at the life span of the authors, some like Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay were and lived in the nineteenth century. Others lived in the early 20th century. The stories no doubt are a reflection of the times they lived in. While entertaining, some also deal with the social issues of the times like the Zamindari system and provide glimpses into the social mores and culture while also featuring the abject poor and middle class.While I enjoyed most of the stories, at least one called 'Flaperoos' was a bit weird for me. My favourites were Ras by Narendranath Mitra, Urvashi and Johnny by Mahasweta Devi, Two Magicians by Satyajit Ray and Einstein and Indubala by Bibhutibhushan BandopadhyayOn the translation itself, simple and elegant though only someone who can read Bengali can understand how much has been 'lost in translation'. There is a sameness which creeps in because there is a single translator for all stories and not different translators. That is inevitable i guess.Overall a recommended read for anyone who wants can't read Bengali and yet wants a collection of great Bengali story tellers in one place.

Calling anything "Greatest" is always a bit problematic, especially since the translator clarified that each of the stories included here are stories that have a special meaning to him, though they may or may not be 'greatest'. That apart, this book was brilliant.The selection of stories was diverse in terms of time, setting, genre and objective. Some were old favourites read in other translations (one even read in the original Bangla), some were stories that I'd met when they were verbally retold to me, and some were absolutely new. Some were by authors I read, others by authors I heard about and some totally unknown. But what make the collection absolutely brilliant was the way the translation captured the flavour of the original story- the language and voice used in each of the stories was totally different.Taken together, the stories in the book help put together a picture of Bengal and how she has changed over the years.Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who loves short stories.

The title's claim of 'Greatest...Ever Told' did, of course, raise immediate suspicion. However, the author's preface clarifies the process of selection as an exercise embedded in personal memories, which, in a manner, obviates any argument about which stories were included and which not. Some of them were wonderful stories, and some not so much, but, overall, it is a good read. The translations are masterly, and, for those who cannot read Bengali, the book offers a convenient insight into the world of Bengali literature. Subsequent editions should consider correction of a few typographic errors. More importantly, this deserves to be followed by several other volumes..

Just put a coffee mug beside this book on the table n enjoy the pleasnt weather