Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by namakurhea
Jungle Nama: A Story of the Sunderban by Amitav Ghosh
3.75
Set deep within the Sundarbans, “Jungle Nama” is a retelling of the traditional Bengali folk story of Bon Bibi. This particular adaptation actually focuses on an episode where a group of men decided to delve deep into the forests in pursuit of riches. It is an allegory of how greed transforms mankind into agents of destruction to nature and reminder for us to seek balance as we only have one earth to live in. Typically tales like these are told for children. But with the current climate crisis that we are facing, it transforms from a folktale to a very real and very relevant story.
.
Another thing worth noting is how the books is written. The original version of the legend from 19th century is composed in a Bengali verse meter known as dwipodi-poyar. In this adaptation, Ghosh emulates this style by writing the story entirely in poyar-like meter of 24 syllable couplets. It is also beautifully illustrated by Salman Toor. I got my copy from a friend as this book is not for sale to Indonesia. So so grateful to have this!
.
Another thing worth noting is how the books is written. The original version of the legend from 19th century is composed in a Bengali verse meter known as dwipodi-poyar. In this adaptation, Ghosh emulates this style by writing the story entirely in poyar-like meter of 24 syllable couplets. It is also beautifully illustrated by Salman Toor. I got my copy from a friend as this book is not for sale to Indonesia. So so grateful to have this!