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Our Santiniketan
Series: The India List
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
A brief, evocative memoir from one of India’s greatest writers.
“Like a dazzling feather that has fluttered down from some unknown place... How long will the feather keep its colours, waiting? The ‘feather’ stands for memories of childhood. Memories don’t wait.”
In Our Santiniketan, the late Mahasweta Devi, one of India’s most celebrated writers, vividly narrates her days as a schoolgirl in the 1930s. As the aging author struggles to recapture vignettes of her childhood, these reminiscences bring to the written page not only her individual sensibility but an entire ethos.
Santiniketan is home to the school and university founded by the foremost literary and cultural icon of India, Rabindranath Tagore. In these pages, a forgotten Santiniketan, seen through the innocent eyes of a young girl, comes to life—the place, its people, flora and fauna, along with its educational environment, culture of free creative expression, vision of harmonious coexistence between natural and human worlds, and the towering presence of Tagore himself. Alongside, we get a glimpse of the private Mahasweta—her inner life, family and associates, and the early experiences that shaped her personality.
A nostalgic journey to a bygone era, harking back to its simple yet profound values—so distant today and so urgent yet again—Our Santiniketan is an invaluable addition to Devi’s rich oeuvre available in English translation.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Our Santiniketan by Mahasweta Devi offers a nostalgic exploration of her childhood at the Visva-Bharati school, capturing the essence of an enchanting educational experience reminiscent of Hogwarts. Expertly translated by Radha Chakravarty, this memoir is both fragmentary and luminous, providing valuable insights into the innovative education system conceived by Rabindranath Tagore.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780857429018
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 23 September 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Seagull Books London Ltd
Contributors:
- Translated by Radha Chakravarty
- Introduction by Radha Chakravarty
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 120
About the Author
Mahasweta Devi (1926–2016) was a writer and social activist. She was the author of numerous novels, essays, and short stories. Radha Chakravarty is a writer, critic, and translator.
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