By the book
A number of novelists from Assam are making their mark in Indian English literature, writes Barnali Sarma Basishta.
In 2021, we saw a number of Assamese writers publish their works of literature. Majority of them are novels. Let's take a look at some of the published novels by Assamese and Assam-based novelists.
Whisper to Me Your Lies by
Novoneel Chakraborty: Chakraborty entered the world of literature in 2009 with his novel A Thing Beyond Forever and after that, he penned several other books like That Kiss in the Rain, Black Suits You, Red Suits You, Half Torn Heart, etc. So far, he has written around 20 books. Chakraborty has also written for various TV shows like Savdhaan India, Million Dollar Girl, etc. Whisper to Me Your Lies was published by Penguin on October 2021. The novel is a love story based on the murder of a boy who was thought to have died in a road accident but was later revealed to be murdered by a serial killer. Chakraborty was born in Silchar.
Fifth Hand Wife by Neelim Akash Kashyap: Before Fifth Hand Wife, Kashyap had written books like Xonor Kharu-Kolijar Saa, Laaz, Napoleon Bonaparte: Jesuislita, Jonakor Pokhi Oore in Assamese language. RedGrab published Fifth Hand Wife in July 2021. The novel is based on the molki tradition. The heinous practice of bride buying is still prevalent in several parts of India, especially Haryana. These brides are called molki, which means bride for price. It may be mentioned here that Pinak Pani Basistha, a student from Assam, currently studying at the Central University of Gujarat, made his debut as a book editor with Fifth Hand Wife.
The Legend of Lachit Borphukan by Nilutpal Gohain: As the battle of Saraighat is written in golden letters on the pages of Assam history, similarly, the name of Lachit Borphukan also cannot be forgotten by the people of Assam. The Legend of Lachit Borphukan focuses on the account of Assam's fight against the Mughals, highlighting the feats of Lachit Borphukan. The Legend of Lachit Borphukan was published in June 2021 by Locksley Hall.
Of Forbidden Attractions by
Sangita Saikia: Published in August 2021 by RedGrab, the novel is based on the themes of love and friendship. It is the story of three friends – Arshan, Sanya and Amit. Arshan and Sanya were very much in love but the selfish and playful Amit wants to ruin it.
Miles and Fears by Rekha Mordani: Miles and Fears is the story of the love and patriotism of an Army jawan working in Kashmir. The story is about a Kashmiri Hindu girl who has endured the pain of exodus in her childhood. The story revolves around the thoughts of being away from home and the fear of death nagging the mind every single moment. RedGrab published the novel in May 2021.
It's quite great to see Assamese and Assam-based novelists making a mark in Indian literature. Also, many English novels of Assamese writers have been published by the country's self-publishing groups. Siddhanta Bora's novel The Rig Chronicles – The Secret of the Sudarshan was published by Notion Press in November last year. It is based on the mythological history of India and attempts to establish links with the story of the Mahabharata. Also, some of the science theories are also reflected in the novel. Utpal Datta's Mantramugdha, a fiction in which a couple's love story begins with the thrill of an intelligent story and ends with emotional poetry, was published by Blue Rose.
