Recently I read a book – recommended by a friend of mine – ‘The Rainbow Days’ by author Prabir Kumar Datta. I have to admit that at first I was reluctant to read the book – 376 pages! – But I must admit now it is worth reading. I now myself strongly recommend the book to you all.
‘The Rainbow Days’ is a touching story of a man’s exceptional journey and struggle through a teenage boy’s eye. The emotional saga revolves around a Bengali lower-middle class family with high moral values and impeccable honesty.
The uncompromising ex-revolutionary father, a bright student, a helpless mother, unconditional friendship, social injustice and struggle in the most critical period in independent Bengal history has been retold through protagonist Papu’s eyes. The book is indeed one of the best read in recent times.
‘The Rainbow Days’ could also be considered as a documentary of a contemporary history in Bengal during the critical period between 1967 and 1972. Most of the novels or stories so far have explored Kolkata lives during that period unlike this one. This book is actually an affectionate portrayal of the daily lives of that period in rural Bengal.
Post independence values – Post Partition struggle – Immigration from East Pakistan – Refugee problems - Beginning of Naxalite movement - and of course eternal corruption of power – the book unfolds untold stories with an adolescent freshness – kudos to the author!
“The Rainbow Days: An Eternal Story” presents a positive message which is still very relevant and very much needed.
Book Details:-
Title: The Rainbow Days: An Eternal Story
Author: Prabir Kumar Datta
Publisher: Partridge India
Year of Publication: 2013
ISBN-13: 9781482811643
ISBN-10: 1482811642
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 376
MRP: Rs. 676