First Light by Sunil Gangopadhyay

Description

“First Light” is a novel written by the prominent Bengali author Sunil Gangopadhyay. The book was originally published in Bengali under the title “Prothom Alo” in 1967, and it has been translated into English by Aruna Chakravarti. The story is set in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, and revolves around the life and experiences of the protagonist, Amitabha, who is a young man searching for meaning and identity in a rapidly changing world.

“First Light” is a coming-of-age novel that captures the cultural, social, and political transformations taking place in Bengal during the 1950s and 1960s. Amitabha’s journey is intertwined with the broader narrative of the times, as he navigates the complexities of his family, relationships, and society. The novel explores themes of love, idealism, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

Sunil Gangopadhyay is a highly regarded figure in Bengali literature, known for his extensive body of work that includes poetry, novels, and essays. “First Light” is one of his notable works, appreciated for its evocative storytelling and its ability to capture the ethos of the period in which it is set. It continues to be studied and celebrated as a significant work of Bengali literature.