Those Days-Aruna Chakravarthy-Book Review
Those Days by Aruna Chakravarthy – The English Translation of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Sei Samay
Amazon Sei Samay
Most writers aspire to write and publish their own work and learn from their mistakes. However, some writers choose to translate the work of other renowned authors as it not only helps to enhance their perception but also improves their writing skills.
Amazon Those days
Such writers contribute significantly to the literary world by helping expand the reach of the works of famous authors. Aruna Chakravarthy belongs to the second category of writers and her book Those Days is a translation of famous Bengali writer, Sh Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel Ei Samay.
Premise: Those Days/Sei Samay
The book takes the readers back to a time when the feudal aristocracy was dying a slow death. The wealthy zamindars are gradually realizing their social responsibilities as they are breaking free from the shackles of age-old rituals and pleasures. The book focuses on the two immensely wealthy Zamindar families named Singha and Mukherjee, whose households offer an insight into the social and cultural life of affluent people of Calcutta during that time. The most important events of the time have been skillfully woven into the narrative and add significant value to the story. Similarly, Sunil Gangopadhyay has added interactions between several prominent personalities of that time and the fictional characters of the book to make it more realistic.
Highlights Of Translation: Those Days/Sei Samay
One of the biggest challenges of translating a literary work is to ensure that its essence remains unchanged. Aruna has done a great job in this context through the correct use of words and phrases. Be it the characters, the situations, or the storyline, Aruna has maintained a much-desired proximity to the original text. Just like the original novel paints a vivid picture of nineteenth-century Bengal, the translated version is equally descriptive. Similarly, the concepts of orthodoxy, the plight of child marriages and child widows, and the evils of polygamy and womanizing rampant among the zamindars during those times have been presented with the same level of (dis)taste and poignance as in the original text. The overall tone and the feel of the book have also been retained to a great extent and this is one of the biggest achievements of this book.
Plot Setting: Those Days/Sei Samay
Aruna has succeeded in maintaining the rustic beauty of the times during which events of the book take place. She has showcased the Revolt of 1857 and the Bengal Renaissance movement with the same subtlety and sensitivity in the background as the original writer. Moreover, the blend of real-life and fictional characters, that forms the core of the book, is also not lost in the translation.
Who Should Read It: Those Days/Sei Samay
The book is recommended for people who like Bengali literary works but don’t know the language. It is also an interesting book for people deeply interested in the history and culture of Bengal in the feudalistic era. Most importantly, the book will be a great read for people who love a good novel penned by a renowned author.
Final Verdict: Those Days/Sei Samay
I consider Those Days a must-read book for all, especially lovers of Bengali literature. I give it a rating of 4.5/5. I will also not deny the fact that I read the Bengali original version of the book when I was perhaps in 9th or 10th standard. It impacted me so much that I decided to give the translated version a try to read and Aruna Chakraborthy impressed me completely.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by Samata Dey Bose and Rakhi J
“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile“
Those Days seems to be a book that transports the reader into the days of vintage Calcutta, oozing with old-world charm. I am sure to love this book, as I love these old Bengali classics and their setting.
I too believe that the most difficult task in translations is to maintain the essence of the story and it really requires a skillful translator to carry on the emotions. Kudos to all these translators who bring to us these beautiful works in a language we can understand !!
Those Days” by Aruna Chakravarti, the English translation of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s “Sei Samay”, offers readers a captivating glimpse into the tumultuous period of Bengal’s history during the 19th century. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous translation, Chakravarti brings to life the vibrant characters and rich tapestry of cultural and political upheavals of that era. As readers journey through the pages, they are transported to a world of intellectual fervor, social reform, and political intrigue, where the clash between tradition and modernity shapes the destiny of a nation.
I would love to read this novel. Since I am admitted in the hospital with mom and have nothing to do this would be a real good way to kill the time and do some wishful reading.
Nice job, Samata … what a wonderful read! Your new blog post on ‘Those Days’ by Aruna Chakravarthy – The English Translation of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s ‘Sei Samay’ is truly captivating. Your insights into the Bengali literary works, in this case, the essence of Gangopadhyay’s work are truly enlightening. Thank you for sharing such enriching content with us. Looking forward to more of your insightful posts!
I genuinely appreciate such authors who translates some mind blowing books and stories from other languages and to make it available for wider audience by translating in well known and well spoken languages broadly across world. This story looks interesting so will definitely hive it a read.
Enjoyed reading your review of “Those Days” by Aruna Chakravarthy. Your insights are compelling and make me want to dive into this book. Thanks for sharing! 📚
Translation can be a difficult task for authors coz there is so much to keep in mind like the essence of the original work or the sentiment of the author or the people reading the book. But I’m sure from your review that the author has been justice to the original author work. Thanks for sharing
I so agree that the translator has a more difficult job–one of retaining the main story and second of stepping into the author’s shoes. Making a book appealable in all languages is an art. I haven’t read much of Bengali literature, so this does sound like a promising read. But I find the feudal days very distressing, so suffocating to always walk over people.
Amazing book review! Love that you’ve given great insights. I loved how you explained how you loved it as well. Well done and great writing!
I am a big fan of the Bengali Literature and love to read Bengali books. I have read a few books by Sunil Gangopadhyay. He has a unique writing style, his stories just flow like we are sitting and chatting with the characters. I am also a big history buff, I love reading books on Indian History. Sei Somoy seems to be an interesting read. I will definitely look forward to read it soon.
Being true to the original, and yet making the book yours is a tightrope that many translators have to walk. From your review it seems Aruna Chakravarthy has succeeded in doing so.
P.s. I read her Jorsanko ages ago and had loved it.
I remember there was a serial based on this book “Sei Samayrshan called “Yuganatar”.I do not recall much about the plot but I do recall those set the mood for reading Bengali classical literature. Your post is a reminder to get back to this iconic work, having a translated work that does justice to the original is a blessing for us non-Bengali readers.
Aruna Chakravarthy’s translation of Sh Sunil Gangopadhyay’s “Ei Samay” into “Those Days” is highlighted as an exemplary work that maintains the essence of the original.
I have heard of this book. I really like the title. I am very fond of Bengali literature. And now that I have started my journey as a translator, I am particularly interested in translations. Thank you for sharing the review.
Translation is the process of converting text or content from one language (the source language) into another language (the target language) while retaining the original meaning and intended message as closely as possible.
It involves preserving the original tone and ethical standards. Tone in translation refers to capturing the original text’s emotional quality and style. Here it seems that the translator is successful in carrying out this process.
I’m glad authors like Aruna Chakravarthy exist who make it possible for readers who aren’t well-versed with the original language of many books, are able to enjoy such gems. it’s interesting how you’ve read the original and the translated version and enjoyed both. That in itself has piqued my interest and I shall be checking this one out
Indeed it’s a challenge and a task at hand for the translator to maintain the essence of the original story and do justice to the book in its new language and convey the same message as the original book did. Kudos to such work.
Translation is an art and a good translator conveys emotions and maintains the originality of the author’s work. This book seems to be the perfect one for me. Thanks for the recommendation. Will pick this up as my next read
I know how to read and write Bengali but I am a slow reader. It’s strange that we are taught to be more comfortable in a foreign language like English rather than our mother tongue Bengali or even Hindi! I would love to read Seyi Samay.
I would love to read this book. The plot setting, premise and highlights all seems so promising. I’ve been lagging behind in reading for so long. Will need to pick up my pace soon.
I have read Sei Somay but have not read the translation! love how you have highlighted the book. Aruna Chakraborty’s translations are good and maintain feel, I have read other books translated by her!
Thank you for the insightful review! ‘Those Days’ by Aruna Chakravarthy sounds like a compelling read, with its rich depiction of the freedom struggle and deep exploration of familial bonds. I’m particularly intrigued by the blend of historical events with personal narratives. Looking forward to picking up this book soon!
Translation of a book into a different language is complex, and your review has addressed how the translation, in this case, has addressed those challenges to excite the readers. Sunil Gangopadhyaya is a name I came across in my college days while reading about Bengali literature, which stands out in comparison to that in my mother tongue. However, I haven’t read any of his books. Books set in the Zamindari cultures in India fascinate me and detest me, for they remind me of the unsavoury past of my country and women’s slavery in the sense that many of those injustices still stay with us socially. But, of course, it was an exciting introduction to the book.
definietely , Aruna has written some great translations. I have been reading her work since I was 15 years old. Quite a refreshing translated work indeed.
Your review of “Those Days” by Aruna Chakravarthy, translated from Sunil Gangopadhyay’s Bengali novel “Ei Samay,” is thorough and insightful. It’s wonderful to see how you appreciate the meticulous effort put into preserving the essence of the original work. Your emphasis on how Aruna captures the cultural and historical nuances of 19th-century Bengal, and her skillful portrayal of significant social issues, underscores the value of this translation.
The blend of real and fictional characters, along with the depiction of events like the Revolt of 1857 and the Bengal Renaissance, adds depth to your review. Your personal connection to the original version and your praise for the translated work make a compelling case for readers to explore this book. Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I look forward to discovering more of your recommendations.
Sounds like an interesting glimpse at history. And finding books that do well in translation is always a delight!
Thanks for this book recommendation. I did a 13-week course on ‘Modern Indian Literature’ earlier this year, so it ties into the course.
Your well penned review is completely insightful. I haven’t read this book but will like to read for sure. Bengali culture is worth reading.
Translators rarely get the recognition they deserve. Often the credit is relegated to the inside cover. Glad we have translators like Aruna Chakravarthy and Arunava Sinha. I am always looking for translated works and will check out the book for sure. Thanks for sharing about it, Samata.