Kunal Roy
Name of the EBook : Trouvaille
Editor : Sreetanwi Chakraborty.
Publisher : Penprints Publication.
Price : INR 30.
Available site : Online.
Buying link – Click here
Penprints Publication has always believed in introducing novelty in whatever venture it undertakes. There is always a touch of inspiration to bring forth the best in the upcoming and experienced authors of today. What is the most noticeable factor here is the present Travelogue is edited by the poet and academic Sreetanwi Chakraborty. She has taken a meticulous care in the matter of dealing with the finest details of this interesting anthology.
This anthology has enshrined some of the best pieces from some of the best authors across the country and beyond. It is worth mentioning that the whole attempt has been showcased in an e mag mode, without sacrificing the literary taste and quality! Travel write ups is a completely different domain. It does not bear any similarity with the other genres, but has the privilege of indulging in the immaculate flavour of poetry, rhythm, poetic prose and many more served on the delectable palette to earn accolades from far and wide. Keeping the anachronism at bay, we can move ahead with measured steps to bring you the vivid description that runs through the common thread of the Ebook.
Ketaki Datta’s Lisbon visit is replete with the splendid details of the place that eventually takes pride of its vivacious city, eternal fountains, embellished palaces and many more. Coming to Sunil Sharma and Gopal Lahiri, the narration is potent enough to conjure up the images of Niagara Falls, City roads, flamboyant culture and above all the intricately designed mansions. The readers will hopefully take a break from the tedium of work to enjoy every bit of their works. Writers like Aneek Chatterjee, Gayatri Majumdar and Paramita Mukherjee Mullick are not only experienced but also innovative as they voyage from one plane to another. The narrative style is incisive and can help one look beyond the obvious borders. Coming to the pristine elegance of Maldives, Sangeeta Sharma has blissfully enlivened the far-flung appeal through the apt coinage of words and terms. The flora, fauna , the parading clouds in the vanilla, the sun awash beaches sow the seeds of desire to visit and acknowledge what the benevolent nature has in store for us. However, Rajorshi Patranabis has wished to be a bit domestic. Pondicherry, the spiritual hub of Sri Aurobindo. The crisscross culturalism, the ethos, the prevalence of peace and harmony and above all an intense passion is at work. The natural flow of experiences has been encapsulated in the finest manner, making the readers glue to their seats before they aptly finish and go for a coffee break to boost up their sinews. A perfect fettle of bliss. A “UTOPIAN” feel as the editor adroitly terms it. Authors Prasasti Pandit and Jagari Mukherjee have endowed their readers with the richness of experience and observation of United States and Germany. There is a gentle flow of the narrative as the author shares the tunes of odyssey to the ‘Yellow Stone National Park’. The advent of the natural dimensions is often blended with the inner realms of the human conscience. Dark, Solemn, Unfathomable, Penetrating and Wild. However, nature always emerges victorious in the subtle battle waged against the tenderness of the human heart. Banality breeds an impediment! The German story of the latter one is confined in the summer celebration and a small town at Michigan. She takes us silently through the spots that redefine and rediscover the tired souls and the thirsty minds. The razzle dazzle of market, trade displays, dolls and an uniform key of happiness are offered in a basket. ‘Holiday’ itself is an enticing term and the author has just added a few logs to the fire to break the conventional shackles and spread the wings in the breeze that gently lashes against your face to brace up yourself. The three more authors Amanita Sen, Rolf E. Doppenberg and Ronnie Tucker have schemed their own paths to enthrall the audience. Amanita turns out to be undisputed as she reflects upon the undeniable axioms of life viz “justice, mortality, nihilism , existentialism and the Supreme Providence”. Ranging from history to mythology to the ravaging warfare to the common place man – all are cupped up to raise the feeling of togetherness. What I feel the author wants to make the readers realize the impact of totality running through the text and texture. Evidently nurturing a strong penchant for the spiritual expansion. Yes! talking about Rolf E. Doppenberg who takes us for a ride to the Anugraha Durga Devi Mandir at Vijaywada. It is remarkable to watch how the finest architecture has been matched up with the countless colours of divinity. As the readers move from one page to another the timeless honour and glory reminds of the one and absolute truth ” India is the land of Religion, Culture and Spiritualism”. De facto we are taken a back as Ronnie Tucker has chosen the silent graveyard his subject to focus upon. It is indeed a journey punctuated with all the essential ingredients of love, loss, pains and sufferings. The graveyard of his father gravely signifies death amid every grain of humour and happiness. Fleeting joys and sorrows are an inseparable segment of this mortal globe. The style which brings tears, heaves a deep sign and longs for the lost soul in the conundrum of eternity! However, Ashraf Aboul Yazid , the last contributor to this anthology has been able to fetch in a fresh set of smiles. Wedding at Vietnam is unlike us. The marriage takes place between two minds. Connecting the two souls to erect the edifice of love and romance. The art, rituals, victuals, guests and above all the glitter of embellishments are offered in a singular package to the readers. The reason is, if you are planning for a destination wedding, you can close your eyes and opt for Vietnam that gives you much more than you have ever imagined! Never nestle your trust in the staccato sentences of the Bard of Avon, ” Admit impediments. Love is not Love…”. Love is very much in the air, which never breaths the pangs of parting from your beloved.
Travel writings often become too intricate and complex for the common folk to fathom or drink to the lees. They are either awfully detailed with the geographical details or stuffed with pedantic syntax. This anthology is an exception. The orange glow of the horizon, the sun bathed wet beaches, the divinity resting peacefully on her throne or the anguish of losing the most favourite person on the earth are emphasized more to entertain and impart knowledge to the readers, keeping the cascade of boredom at bay. The choice of vocabulary and the brevity of expressions count the most. An insightful travelogue. An asset in the realm of parallel literary work. A must read for the avid readers!!
– Kunal Roy.