The world of Bengali literature is very vast and enriching. It is the language that gifted us timeless voices starting from our world poet Rabindranath Tagore, the timeless writers like Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Samaresh Bose to writers like Satyajit Ray, Samaresh Majumdar, Leela Majumdar, Ashapurna Devi have taken the language to the ends of the earth. However, if you have just started your journey of reading Bengali books diving straight into their books might feel overwhelming. It is best to begin with simpler, emotionally rich stories, ones that gradually lead you into the deeper texture of Bengali literature.
So, whether you want to learn Bengali or simply introducing yourself to Bengali books again after a long time, then these five books below can be the ideal start. Each book has a completely different taste. At the same time, these five books will force you to awaken or renew your love for Bengali literature.
Babli by Buddhadeb Guha
Let’s begin with a love story, because who does not love one? The first book I will mention is Babli by Buddhadev Guha. Babli is a charming novel written in a fluid, easily readable style. Perfect for those new to Bengali literature. The characteristic of Buddhadev Guha’s writing is that he gives extraordinary descriptions of nature. Which makes his writing even more vivid. It teaches us to love nature. It helps us understand the mutual relationship between nature and humans. Although the female protagonists of his novels are exceptionally beautiful. Their eyes, nose, and mouth, everything have a hint of beauty. But the main character of the novel Babli, is the complete opposite. She is a little fat and her nose, mouth, and eyes are not particularly attractive. In the story, although Babli is quite behind in the standards by which we measure external beauty, she somehow surpasses thousands of beautiful women through her personality and intellect. On the other hand, Abhi the male protagonist is everything you would imagine in a dream hero – handsome, talented, charming. And rather than that he also plays cricket exceptionally well, sings and dance pretty well. He has also a keen for writing poetry. How two such people will fall in love with each other and The story gracefully explored how love can bloom then two soul merges, despite standards of beauty or perfection. It is tender, simple and deeply moving.
Ishwar Jokhon Bondi by Debarati Mukhopadhyay
If you love thrillers with supernatural twist, this one is for you. This book is the first novel in the Rudra-Priyam series written by Debarati Mukherjee, Ishwar Jag Bandi. Rudra and Priyam are two newly married couples. Due to Rudra’s work, he discovers a mysterious picture in a landlord’s house. This is where the mystery begins. From there begin a rollercoaster of event stretching from Kolkata to the hauntingly beautiful terrains of Bhutan.
How will Rudrani alias Rudra unravel the mystery, whether this picture has any connection with the disappearance of Rudra’s father eight years ago? A very fast-paced, gripping and impossible to put down thriller novel. I also started my book reading journey with this book. Until the truth is revealed beyond the web of mystery, one cannot remain still. A book that can be read in one sitting.
3. Taarabhora Aakaasher Niche by Srijato
Though Srijato is primarily known as a poet, this novel showcases his brilliant storytelling abilities. It’s an emotional and artistic journey that’s easy to read but layered in meaning.
It is impossible to not known about the painting ‘Starry Night’, if you are on any social media platforms. Those who know even little about art or painting knows that this painting is made by Vincent Van Gogh. But the living conditions of this famous painter were not at all prosperous. His works were not that famous either.
The story is set in two timelines, one is 1888 France and the other is 2017 Kolkata. Through the novel, the author depicts the life of Vincent Van Gogh and the young man Ritwik. Ritwik is a struggling artist working in the advertising world of Kolkata, trapped in his own failures and despair. As Ritwik becomes obsessed with Van Gogh’s “The starry Night,” a surreal connection begins to form between the two beyond the boundaries of time and imagination. Through hallucinations and emotional illusions, their inner worlds collide.
4. Snehojal by Indranil Sanyal
The fourth book is Indranil Sanyal’s famous medical thriller Snehjal. A series of murders in Kolkata. The murders are brutal. The bodies are being cut open with a kitchen knife and boiling oil is being poured into them. Enter forensic psychiatrist Mohr Chatterjee and police officer Chinar Mitra, who team up to crack the case. Will they get entangled in a web of love as they unravel the mystery? Will they finally find the murderer?
To unravel this mystery, you must read this book. The answer is hidden in the title of the story. It will not let you get bored at all. And the twist at the end might completely shock you. If you think medical thrillers are not for you, this might change your mind.
5. Pata Jhorar Morshume by Smaranjit Chakraborty
Let’s end with a book drenched in nostalgia.
Set around 2005 or 2006, this novel beautifully captures teenage life in small-town Bengal. The excitement of new tuition classes, scribbling your crush’s name on the last page of your notebook, playing FLAMES with your best friends, sneaking off to watch football matches between rival schools, or spotting your secret love in a crowd during Saraswati Puja.
As you walk through the autumn leaves, you wonder if he, i.e. your beloved person, is thinking of you. If you grew up during the early 2000s, you’ll find pieces of yourself in every page. It’s a tribute to first crushes, fleeting glances, and the bittersweet memory of growing up. A perfect read if you want to relive your school days and feel young again. If you want to relive/experience your childhood, school life, separation of love, and the failure of your childhood, then you need to read Samranjit Chakraborty’s Patajharar Mashume.
Each of these five books offers a distinct emotional experience — romance, thrill, nostalgia, art, and mystery. Their language is simple, but the feelings they leave behind are lasting. The traces of which will remain in your mind after reading the books. These five aren’t just books; they’re gentle invitations into the vast and rich world of Bengali literature. Let them be your first steps.
