Member Review

This delightful book is a brilliant satirical saga filled with myth, folklore, adventure and history. It is at once the coming-of-age story of Bulbul (the Song Bird) and also of his nation East Pakistan later Bangladesh. This is also a beautiful ode to friendship in its own way. Along the line it highlights so many important soci0-cultural and political issues pertaining to class, caste and religion as also geopolitical ideologies. Bulbul is an orphan raised by his grandparents more so by his formidable grandmother Dadu. Dadu tells him many a grand bedtime stories growing up and this totally transported me to memories of my own childhood days. Bangladesh has been recently liberated from British Rule and has become East Pakistan. The country and its youth have a zealous attraction to dabble in the liberal ideas of both Democracy and Communism, journalism is a thing. The Government of the day is mostly dictatorial, dominated by West Pakistan and corruption is rampant. We also get glimpses into the rich cultural and literary heritage of the country. The English have departed but Englishness prevails in affluent society. I was pleasantly surprised how similar some of the attitudes and culture was to India - of course Bangladesh was India not that long go. Reminiscent of writings like A Suitable Boy, Midnight's Children and The Great Indian Novel, this is one long book written in an unhurried manner and needs to be read and savored as such. I loved it!! Considering the political upheaval currently going on in Bangladesh, this is a timely read. Totally recommend.
Thank you Netgalley, Peepal Tree Press and Manzu Islam for the ARC