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jainandsdiary 's review for:
Under the Bakul Tree
by Partha Pratim Goswami, Mrinal Kalita
Book: Under The Bakul Tree
Author: Mrinal Kalita
Translator: Partha Pratim Goswami
Genre: Literary and Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 328
Under The Bakul Tree by Mrinal Kalita is a winner of Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021, which is translated from Assamese to English by Partha Pratim Goswami. It shows the story of Ashim, a bright student of the class and called the 'jewel' by their Mathematics teacher Mahendra. But when he suddenly drops out of the school, it surprises everyone, especially Nirmal. He goes out of the way to find out the reason behind it and does everything possible under the sun for him to make him join the school again. But what happens when the reality of life collides with the dreams? What happens when the 'jewel' slopes down? Read the book to know more.
Set in rural Assam and showing the harsh realities of the people, this book creates the perfect setting for the ground realities of Idealism vs Realism, more so with the introduction of another Mathematics teacher, Anubhav. A teacher who aims at not only teaching but learning. A teacher that Ashim, Nirmal and many other children like them need.
But the story becomes a little preachy in between and rants in great length about the education system, politicians and the change required, which although complements the story, becomes a little repetitive at times.
Nirmal and Ashim's friendship is the benchmark of the book and probably one of my favourite bookish friendships till now. Nirmal completely signifies the meaning of his name - Pure— pure in friendship, studies, actions and motivations, 'heart' and soul!
It shows the impact of an alcoholic father and the "strict teacher" on the physical, emotional, financial, educational and mental aspects of the children and will break the hearts of the readers multiple times with its brutal and real representation. The story also signifies the philosophy of 'it takes only one person to make a difference' and at the same time the importance of collective efforts and their impact on the lives of the people.
The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and shows us the power of resilience, love and nurture. It portrays beautiful character development and descriptions of Ashim and Nirmal. But the story would have been more impactful if the story and journey of Sir Anubhav were told and what made him the person he is and the decisions he takes.
Overall, this is a must-read book that narrates the coming-of-age tale with the brutal realities of the education system and the hope that can be brought up - the hope that blooms like the flowers of the Bakul tree.
Author: Mrinal Kalita
Translator: Partha Pratim Goswami
Genre: Literary and Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 328
Under The Bakul Tree by Mrinal Kalita is a winner of Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021, which is translated from Assamese to English by Partha Pratim Goswami. It shows the story of Ashim, a bright student of the class and called the 'jewel' by their Mathematics teacher Mahendra. But when he suddenly drops out of the school, it surprises everyone, especially Nirmal. He goes out of the way to find out the reason behind it and does everything possible under the sun for him to make him join the school again. But what happens when the reality of life collides with the dreams? What happens when the 'jewel' slopes down? Read the book to know more.
Set in rural Assam and showing the harsh realities of the people, this book creates the perfect setting for the ground realities of Idealism vs Realism, more so with the introduction of another Mathematics teacher, Anubhav. A teacher who aims at not only teaching but learning. A teacher that Ashim, Nirmal and many other children like them need.
But the story becomes a little preachy in between and rants in great length about the education system, politicians and the change required, which although complements the story, becomes a little repetitive at times.
Nirmal and Ashim's friendship is the benchmark of the book and probably one of my favourite bookish friendships till now. Nirmal completely signifies the meaning of his name - Pure— pure in friendship, studies, actions and motivations, 'heart' and soul!
It shows the impact of an alcoholic father and the "strict teacher" on the physical, emotional, financial, educational and mental aspects of the children and will break the hearts of the readers multiple times with its brutal and real representation. The story also signifies the philosophy of 'it takes only one person to make a difference' and at the same time the importance of collective efforts and their impact on the lives of the people.
The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and shows us the power of resilience, love and nurture. It portrays beautiful character development and descriptions of Ashim and Nirmal. But the story would have been more impactful if the story and journey of Sir Anubhav were told and what made him the person he is and the decisions he takes.
Overall, this is a must-read book that narrates the coming-of-age tale with the brutal realities of the education system and the hope that can be brought up - the hope that blooms like the flowers of the Bakul tree.