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Left from Dhakeshwari
'Left from Dhakeshwari' is a collection of nine interconnected stories dealing with lust and loneliness, death and obsession, memories and madness.
In the first story, 'We Were Writers', we meet a Bengali film actress, who after her brother’s suicide, returns to her small hometown and reflects upon the life she left behind; in ‘Bomb Church’, Aniruddha tries to piece together his mother’s identity after her mysterious departure; the only clues available in the existential whodunit being: a soap-box, a brown shoe and the statements of five witnesses; while the heartrending 'Salt Lake' recounts an unusual affair between a disfigured girl and a mime-artist with scars of his own.
The other characters in this collection include a runaway teenage-girl, an agoraphobic writer, a masochistic cosmetic surgeon, a ghostess, identical twins and a manic-depressive housewife. And they are all in search, of a time and place they can call their own. That is perhaps why the title itself, denotes both a time and a place: a point of departure and the forbearer of journeys.
In his first solo book, Kunal Sen infuses his women with souls of poetesses and a seductive melancholy and arms his men with child-like, romantic sadism. 'Left from Dhakeshwari' is written in a style that straddles between the tragic-dramatic and mildly surrealistic, but remains in the end a book about some remarkably original people and their depths and failings.
In the first story, 'We Were Writers', we meet a Bengali film actress, who after her brother’s suicide, returns to her small hometown and reflects upon the life she left behind; in ‘Bomb Church’, Aniruddha tries to piece together his mother’s identity after her mysterious departure; the only clues available in the existential whodunit being: a soap-box, a brown shoe and the statements of five witnesses; while the heartrending 'Salt Lake' recounts an unusual affair between a disfigured girl and a mime-artist with scars of his own.
The other characters in this collection include a runaway teenage-girl, an agoraphobic writer, a masochistic cosmetic surgeon, a ghostess, identical twins and a manic-depressive housewife. And they are all in search, of a time and place they can call their own. That is perhaps why the title itself, denotes both a time and a place: a point of departure and the forbearer of journeys.
In his first solo book, Kunal Sen infuses his women with souls of poetesses and a seductive melancholy and arms his men with child-like, romantic sadism. 'Left from Dhakeshwari' is written in a style that straddles between the tragic-dramatic and mildly surrealistic, but remains in the end a book about some remarkably original people and their depths and failings.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Kunal Sen
1 book44 followersKunal Sen is an Indian author, independent filmmaker, and screenwriter.
'Left from Dhakeshwari' (English, 2012), a collection of short stories in the literary fiction sphere, is his first solo book.
'Left from Dhakeshwari' (English, 2012), a collection of short stories in the literary fiction sphere, is his first solo book.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 22, 2013
Left from Dhakeshwari
The author – Kunal Sen started an ideal genre of writer that India should muse on currently. After a long time, I read an Indian author who comprehended in non colloquial Indian English. The entire format initiates as scattered around in small parts and finally comes together only through the rich imagination of the reader. Being one of the initial reproduces of the author, I am highly expecting a more playful language.
The book - One of the best cover pages I have come across. The color of the page is dark with the most difficult art form to display. The content has 9 stories in it; all has a different form of human emotions. They are diverse in their own ways yet similar in one. The best and the diverse part of all the stories is that it tell us about the psyche of people and situations that stop them from running behind their instinct and holding on to our social glitches. The connections of human emotions and the real world are definitely the objects that thrive around us. That has helped the author to create a Melodrama of the stories. There is no humor anywhere in the book and the minute details of the pain and anguish of a person is conveyed well. The detailing to link the protagonist of each of the story is done by a small but permanent association. The love affair of Salt Lake has been associated with a scar. More that anyone who views the scar, the one having a scar will see it through her mind, even though not through her eyes. In another, the protagonist finds the link of his lost mother finally through the small case hidden far away from his eyes but would run through his mind.
On the Whole - An amazing read. Not at all ambiguous or something you can give away easily. The ideas of the stories are authentic yet very thought provoking. Language is an outlander in its own way. This book offer relationship the justice of truth and pushes it to the harsh reality, away from the fairy tale.
To The Author - Wish you success all the way for offering modern Indian literature a new step. All the Best Kunal for your next coming write-up.
The author – Kunal Sen started an ideal genre of writer that India should muse on currently. After a long time, I read an Indian author who comprehended in non colloquial Indian English. The entire format initiates as scattered around in small parts and finally comes together only through the rich imagination of the reader. Being one of the initial reproduces of the author, I am highly expecting a more playful language.
The book - One of the best cover pages I have come across. The color of the page is dark with the most difficult art form to display. The content has 9 stories in it; all has a different form of human emotions. They are diverse in their own ways yet similar in one. The best and the diverse part of all the stories is that it tell us about the psyche of people and situations that stop them from running behind their instinct and holding on to our social glitches. The connections of human emotions and the real world are definitely the objects that thrive around us. That has helped the author to create a Melodrama of the stories. There is no humor anywhere in the book and the minute details of the pain and anguish of a person is conveyed well. The detailing to link the protagonist of each of the story is done by a small but permanent association. The love affair of Salt Lake has been associated with a scar. More that anyone who views the scar, the one having a scar will see it through her mind, even though not through her eyes. In another, the protagonist finds the link of his lost mother finally through the small case hidden far away from his eyes but would run through his mind.
On the Whole - An amazing read. Not at all ambiguous or something you can give away easily. The ideas of the stories are authentic yet very thought provoking. Language is an outlander in its own way. This book offer relationship the justice of truth and pushes it to the harsh reality, away from the fairy tale.
To The Author - Wish you success all the way for offering modern Indian literature a new step. All the Best Kunal for your next coming write-up.
November 6, 2012
Not easy to write a review about a book when the author is someone you know.(even though only through a few conversations on goodreads!).
You wonder whether you should be totally honest or not.
I have decided to go with being honest as it helps the author and anyway, it is just my opinion.
It is an excellent book. Very well written. The writing style is lyrical. The characters come alive with his words. As you read, you become emotionally involved and you start hating that man K, you wonder what sort of a man S really is, you partly understand the anguish of F realising that you can never fully understand it,you sigh with R at the state of the marriage and how it has changed. Kunal lets you get into the head of all of his characters.
Now, for what i did not like about the book-the chart at the beginning of the book was blurred-was it deliberate? when i tried to decipher it at the end, it gave away a couple of twists in some stories. It may have been a good idea to include it at the end of the book rather than the beginning or if the plan was for it to be at the beginning, a clearer image would have been better. Although maybe it was just my copy of the book that had this blurred print?
I would have preferred the name of the short story I was reading to be at the top of the page so that I did not have to flip back a few pages to see what the title was while reading it- it was the title of the book in all the pages and the author's name.
Of course these are just technical issues.
Some short stories were too ambiguous. Too much left to the reader to surmise, especially the first few. I preferred the latter part of the book.
I hated reading one story. I think it is the concept of that short story that repelled me not the writing.
I think the author's next attempt should be a novel which I feel would suit his style more, with most loose ends tied up!!
I did enjoy reading this book. Just not all the short stories. But then, this is what I end up saying for nearly all short story collections!
Finally, I would definitely read all the books this author will publish in the future! Good luck Kunal!
You wonder whether you should be totally honest or not.
I have decided to go with being honest as it helps the author and anyway, it is just my opinion.
It is an excellent book. Very well written. The writing style is lyrical. The characters come alive with his words. As you read, you become emotionally involved and you start hating that man K, you wonder what sort of a man S really is, you partly understand the anguish of F realising that you can never fully understand it,you sigh with R at the state of the marriage and how it has changed. Kunal lets you get into the head of all of his characters.
Now, for what i did not like about the book-the chart at the beginning of the book was blurred-was it deliberate? when i tried to decipher it at the end, it gave away a couple of twists in some stories. It may have been a good idea to include it at the end of the book rather than the beginning or if the plan was for it to be at the beginning, a clearer image would have been better. Although maybe it was just my copy of the book that had this blurred print?
I would have preferred the name of the short story I was reading to be at the top of the page so that I did not have to flip back a few pages to see what the title was while reading it- it was the title of the book in all the pages and the author's name.
Of course these are just technical issues.
Some short stories were too ambiguous. Too much left to the reader to surmise, especially the first few. I preferred the latter part of the book.
I hated reading one story. I think it is the concept of that short story that repelled me not the writing.
I think the author's next attempt should be a novel which I feel would suit his style more, with most loose ends tied up!!
I did enjoy reading this book. Just not all the short stories. But then, this is what I end up saying for nearly all short story collections!
Finally, I would definitely read all the books this author will publish in the future! Good luck Kunal!
September 7, 2013
Wow! This is writing at its very best. Well, I don't think this book was written. It's been sculpted, by a sculptor with a great eye for detail and a flamboyant skill to spare.
Brilliant passages leapt at me and constantly attacked me with a distinctive verve. Whoever said, 'Show, don't tell' must have referred to this one, I believe. What stood out more was it's authenticity, in reference to how well it evokes fresh, new images in the reader's mind. Not to forget, the outlandish writing style. Each story's been crafted in such an ingenious way, that it leaves a strong lingering feeling when you finish it. Infact, I read each story twice. For the purpose of indulgence.
The book scores equally well in all the other areas that matter to me: characterization, dialogue, scope, plot construction, pace, descriptions and what not. Even the length of each story is perfect. In short, if I were a publisher, this is exactly the kind of book that I would like to publish. Many congratulations , Kunal! This isn't just a beautifully written book, but it's one that would resonate with me for ever.
Brilliant passages leapt at me and constantly attacked me with a distinctive verve. Whoever said, 'Show, don't tell' must have referred to this one, I believe. What stood out more was it's authenticity, in reference to how well it evokes fresh, new images in the reader's mind. Not to forget, the outlandish writing style. Each story's been crafted in such an ingenious way, that it leaves a strong lingering feeling when you finish it. Infact, I read each story twice. For the purpose of indulgence.
The book scores equally well in all the other areas that matter to me: characterization, dialogue, scope, plot construction, pace, descriptions and what not. Even the length of each story is perfect. In short, if I were a publisher, this is exactly the kind of book that I would like to publish. Many congratulations , Kunal! This isn't just a beautifully written book, but it's one that would resonate with me for ever.
October 2, 2012
WOW!!!! Awe-spiring and absolutely thrilling book. Even though the stories are tragic, author keeps you hooked on till the end. It is a MUST READ. Stories are beautifully narrated and makes you read more and more.
April 15, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed the saga of pain
Kunal writes about different kinds of pain through various characters who are dissimilar from each other. The essence of the Bengal culture,food,festivals esp Durga Pujo is clearly underlined. The stories are more poetic than a collection of prose. I have been a reader of Kunal's work and I recommend that everyone read it.
Kunal writes about different kinds of pain through various characters who are dissimilar from each other. The essence of the Bengal culture,food,festivals esp Durga Pujo is clearly underlined. The stories are more poetic than a collection of prose. I have been a reader of Kunal's work and I recommend that everyone read it.
January 26, 2013
For detailed review refer to : http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com/...
There are nine stories, depicting real life characters and emotions. Tragedy, love and loss of people, place and overall a a depiction of human emotions and their evolution is being addressed through them. The stories are sent in background of bengal, so the characters and especially their love for reading and poetry is reflected. The stories will imbibe you into them, make you think really hard about relationships, emotions and life. The best part is that the stories are written in the form of a play which you feel it before your eyes as you read.
There is a son's quest for his mother in a story followed by another part where they are seen together at peace, but whether its a dream or after death is left open-ended to the readers imagination. There is a story where people find love despite imperfections and loss in earlier relationships which has a message to get through anything as light awaits one, sometimes at far end of a tunnel. A striking story where an assitant director within himself deeply loves a supporting actress but unfortunately circumstances prevent him from doing her role a justice. He however finds her much later and life and the the turn of events then are deeply touching. A love story of a girl with a deep scar on her face to a mime artist whose deep wounded scars remin unravelled, will they remain hidden in love? Does love win or the fear of showing your weaker side? These emotions keep you thinking for a longtime after reading each story.
If you are thinking about just a casual short story read this is not the type. Its deep, requires time and some stories being interconnected its advisable to read the chapters in order.
Negatives: None (this is the first time I have all good things to write about and i am proud that its an Indian i am writing about!)
Positives: The language is good. Writing style is snapshot view into an ongoing frame and from there the stories continue. Charcters are simple (to relate to) and realistic. Stories worth to ponder upon. Kunal Sen surely has a long way to go.
The Verdict: A must must read!
There are nine stories, depicting real life characters and emotions. Tragedy, love and loss of people, place and overall a a depiction of human emotions and their evolution is being addressed through them. The stories are sent in background of bengal, so the characters and especially their love for reading and poetry is reflected. The stories will imbibe you into them, make you think really hard about relationships, emotions and life. The best part is that the stories are written in the form of a play which you feel it before your eyes as you read.
There is a son's quest for his mother in a story followed by another part where they are seen together at peace, but whether its a dream or after death is left open-ended to the readers imagination. There is a story where people find love despite imperfections and loss in earlier relationships which has a message to get through anything as light awaits one, sometimes at far end of a tunnel. A striking story where an assitant director within himself deeply loves a supporting actress but unfortunately circumstances prevent him from doing her role a justice. He however finds her much later and life and the the turn of events then are deeply touching. A love story of a girl with a deep scar on her face to a mime artist whose deep wounded scars remin unravelled, will they remain hidden in love? Does love win or the fear of showing your weaker side? These emotions keep you thinking for a longtime after reading each story.
If you are thinking about just a casual short story read this is not the type. Its deep, requires time and some stories being interconnected its advisable to read the chapters in order.
Negatives: None (this is the first time I have all good things to write about and i am proud that its an Indian i am writing about!)
Positives: The language is good. Writing style is snapshot view into an ongoing frame and from there the stories continue. Charcters are simple (to relate to) and realistic. Stories worth to ponder upon. Kunal Sen surely has a long way to go.
The Verdict: A must must read!
August 24, 2013
I had no idea about a book called Left from Dhakeshwari by Kunal Sen until we became part of the Left From Dhakeshwari Read-along along with a few other Indian bloggers.
I do enjoy short stories once in a while, but they leave me feeling empty and wanting for more. I think that the trick with these types of stories is that if you do them well, they make for really good reads.
Left From Dhakeshwari has a total of nine stories which are all inter connected. A people map or tree at the beginning of the book shows us the relation between all of the characters from these nine stories.
While I really liked some stories, there were some that went over my head and were beyond my comprehension. I did not understand their significance at all and I didn't even want to try. But the ones that I did like were really good and some even had me thinking deeply about them.
Although it was difficult to get some points the author tried to put forth, he does an excellent job at capturing certain emotions and sentiments.
Author Kunal Sen's writing is different, in a good way. It has got a nice flow and literary touch to it. I loved how, in an already short story, he made further numerical divisions. I go by numbers of chapters, of pages, etc. when reading and so I really liked how the author managed to make a short story seem like a small novel.
Overall, Left From Dhakeshwari didn't exactly live up to the 4 and 5 star reviews I'd seen for it on Goodreads, but it was a dazed, decent and different read.
I do enjoy short stories once in a while, but they leave me feeling empty and wanting for more. I think that the trick with these types of stories is that if you do them well, they make for really good reads.
Left From Dhakeshwari has a total of nine stories which are all inter connected. A people map or tree at the beginning of the book shows us the relation between all of the characters from these nine stories.
While I really liked some stories, there were some that went over my head and were beyond my comprehension. I did not understand their significance at all and I didn't even want to try. But the ones that I did like were really good and some even had me thinking deeply about them.
Although it was difficult to get some points the author tried to put forth, he does an excellent job at capturing certain emotions and sentiments.
Author Kunal Sen's writing is different, in a good way. It has got a nice flow and literary touch to it. I loved how, in an already short story, he made further numerical divisions. I go by numbers of chapters, of pages, etc. when reading and so I really liked how the author managed to make a short story seem like a small novel.
Overall, Left From Dhakeshwari didn't exactly live up to the 4 and 5 star reviews I'd seen for it on Goodreads, but it was a dazed, decent and different read.
August 31, 2013
3.25 stars.
Review to come soon.
Review to come soon.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews