Journey with people of an ancient Bengal- Review of Boltu

Just finished reading ‘Boltu’, a book penned by Dr. Debaprasad Mukherjee and published by Petals Publishers. Before I present my take on the book, let us know about the author.

About the author:

Debaprasad Mukherjee is a doctor by profession. Originally from Rourkela in the state of Odisha, he graduated form Berhampur in 1982. Then he went on to serve in different organisations inclusive of the Army Medical Corps, NHPC and Coal India Limited.

His first book, Pearl Oysters, a collection of short stories was published in 2011. His second book, Familiar Faces also has a collection of short stories was published in 2014. BOLTU is the author’s first novel.

The author has resigned from his last job as a medical superintendent in CIL and settled permanently at Bilaspur in the state of Chhattishgarh. Here he runs a private clinic and devotes a large chunk of time in creating his forthcoming literary works. He is an avid follower of writers like Anton Chekhov, RK Narayan, PG Wodehouse and Agatha Christie amongst others. Yet in his writings he follows a style absolutely original of his own.

The author can be contacted at: dpmsmailbox@rediffmail.com for feedback/suggestions.

The book:

The book deals with the lives of a few people in the backdrop of West Bengal in the 1970’s, of which Boltu, a young boy, is the main character. The book shows the life of the boy and the ups and downs that comes in it. He lives a rough life and is seen as a burden-on-earth by the society. Things turn bitter when he discovers the bitter truth that he is the illegitimate son of his parents. He is completely broken on hearing this. He leaves his house with his friends to loot a well-to-do doctor, and while they are executing the plan, something takes place and his life is changed forever.

I loved the theme of the story. We generally don’t find anybody write on such theme these days. The choice of words also are awesome. The characters have been portrayed very beautifully and in this regard, the author has done justice with every character involved. The minor grammar errors are negligible.

Regarding the title and cover page, I would say that the title is apt for the book as it contains the pet name of the protagonist- the name by which he is known the best. The cover page, however, doesn’t go much with the book.

Considering all the aspects, I would rate the book 4.6 out of 5.

I would, lastly, give my best wishes to the author for his future works. Sir, I have become your fan and am eagerly waiting for your next work!