REVIEW OF THE BROKEN HOME AND OTHER STORIES
In the preface of this absolutely riveting anthology of
eight handpicked stories of Ravindra
Nath Tagore, translated with admirable ease by Lopa Banerjee , she admits candidly that the book was the result of a “spontaneous
outburst of my adrenaline rush’, but the idea of undertaking such a mammoth task, to her , appeared daunting.
Well, let me say that she has carried out this daunting task with amazing elan , which, I believe , has been possible because of her distinct emotional ardour , her honest insight , and immense love , not only for the Bengali Language , but also English . She has done full justice to the spirit of the stories, and the intriguing psychological nuances of the female protagonists.
A good translation, in my opinion is, one which retains the tone, texture and tenor of the original text, enchanting the readers so much, that they wish they could read the original text too. Yes , let me speak for myself, I was left with a lingering desire to read the original stories someday.
With deft strokes of her pen , she has made us listen to the voices of the different female protagonists , shed tears at their anguish , laugh with them , and also doff our hats at their resilience and spunk , in the patriarchal setup they are so much a part of.
When one finishes reading the stories , one's ears are still tuned to the silent sobs trapped in The Broken Home, arising from the literary aspirations of the demure , spirited , intelligent Charulata , the mute anguish caged in Subha’s , eyes , [the wordless girl , whose eyes spoke volumes in ‘Subha’] , awed disbelief at the unabashed manipulative , scheming Sohinee in ‘Laboratory’ , admiration at the spunk of Giribala, the lonely bride in’ Manbhanjan’, asserting her rights as a woman, the liberated , bright and vocal Nirjharni in ‘Darpaharan’ and her incredible final sacrifice – eight women with eight different voices , all brought to us through the untiring efforts of one female voice .
No doubt, there are multitudes of translator
Well, let me say that she has carried out this daunting task with amazing elan , which, I believe , has been possible because of her distinct emotional ardour , her honest insight , and immense love , not only for the Bengali Language , but also English . She has done full justice to the spirit of the stories, and the intriguing psychological nuances of the female protagonists.
A good translation, in my opinion is, one which retains the tone, texture and tenor of the original text, enchanting the readers so much, that they wish they could read the original text too. Yes , let me speak for myself, I was left with a lingering desire to read the original stories someday.
With deft strokes of her pen , she has made us listen to the voices of the different female protagonists , shed tears at their anguish , laugh with them , and also doff our hats at their resilience and spunk , in the patriarchal setup they are so much a part of.
When one finishes reading the stories , one's ears are still tuned to the silent sobs trapped in The Broken Home, arising from the literary aspirations of the demure , spirited , intelligent Charulata , the mute anguish caged in Subha’s , eyes , [the wordless girl , whose eyes spoke volumes in ‘Subha’] , awed disbelief at the unabashed manipulative , scheming Sohinee in ‘Laboratory’ , admiration at the spunk of Giribala, the lonely bride in’ Manbhanjan’, asserting her rights as a woman, the liberated , bright and vocal Nirjharni in ‘Darpaharan’ and her incredible final sacrifice – eight women with eight different voices , all brought to us through the untiring efforts of one female voice .
No doubt, there are multitudes of translator
I would never have known these intriguing Tagore female protagonists, had I not laid hands on this absolutely riveting translation. So, let me recommend this book as an essential read for all those bibliophiles who love good books and also love Tagore.
To attempt any translation, it is absolutely essential that one should have a certain sensitivity to feel the essence of the original work. She has done that remarkably well, without allowing her own voice to intrude.
This is indeed a commendable effort by Lopa Banerjee in trying to spread the absolutely luxuriant literary fare of Bengali literature among a larger audience.
Waiting eagerly for more such translations by Lopa Banerjee.
Book: The Broken Home and other stories
Publisher: AuthorsPress , Delhi
Price : Rs 395
pp .216
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