Poignant prose
PAROMITA PAIN
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A story of two children growing up in the Bengal countryside.
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A translation of Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay's novel, Pather Panchali's adaptation for children, Aam Anthir Bhenpu, Making a Mango Whistle is set in the Bengal countryside that doesn't exist anymore and is about an ordinary family who live there.
Apu is a little boy and often there isn't much to eat but that's the last thing that concerns him. Nature's offers are bountiful — with big ponds, the shady mango groves and the endless fields. Apu is a happy little boy whose sister Durga is the perfect company in all his adventures. But under all the joyous activities of the brother sister duo the author has explored the complexities of being poor in an area with rich neighbours and dealing with never having enough. Certain episodes stand out like the Indir Thakurun one. Throughout the tale is imbued with the haunting beauty of the countryside that runs like poetry through the lyrical narrative. A must read especially for those who won't be able to read the Bengali original. The Puffin adaptation is also special because of the introduction written by Sharmila Tagore where she talks about her exciting growing up years.
Making a mango whistle, Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay, Translated by Rimli Bhattacharya, Puffin Classics, Rs 150
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