Post Number:#1 by ananya92 » 19 Apr 2016, 09:54 (www.OnlineBookClub.org)
Beyond the Line by Sourav Sarkar is a collection of eight short stories delineating the myriad range of human relationships, and the various hardships faced by thousands of people in their daily struggle for survival.
Chanchpottery’s rich mineral resources brought only misery and poverty to the people living in this region. For the tribal populace the local moneylender cum mafia leader, Ratnakar, was no different from the British. The people, under Badri Prasad’s leadership, raise their voice against this exploitation. What will be the repercussion of this agitation? On a heavily pouring morning in Mumbai, Siddharth and Anjali are reminiscing about how they met for the first time, and wondering will their son stop visiting them one day? In his latest case, Ashok investigates the murder of young girl who belonged to a good family, had a steady career and strong relationship. What harm could she have posed to anyone?
Workers in the Jorabagan Jute mill are hoping for a pay rise, especially since it’s close to Durga Puja. Will this festive season bring them much awaited joy or more sorrow? Rupa is staying miles away from her son, to provide for him. Will she be rewarded for her pains, or will her efforts come to nothing? Rupam wants to do well in his studies, at the same time; his popularity brings him to the notice of the student union, which wants him to contest elections. What will he choose? Shyam Kumar always wanted to produce a movie, and seizes the chance to invest in an upcoming film. Will his latest gamble pay off? Arunava has lived his life according to his mother dictates, even if it was against his wishes. Will he succeed in his search for true love?
The book is set in various parts of India, switching between rural east India, and the cosmopolitan cities of Kolkata and Mumbai. The first story in this collection is the clear winner for me, with its poignant portrayal of the harsh reality in Left-Wing extremism affected areas in the country. The story highlights the moneylender-alcohol mafia-politicians nexus which is responsible for the ruin of these regions, and forces people to take up arms against the state. The fact that the story is so close to the truth makes it all the more heart-churning.
