Book Review: ‘Carnival’ by Sayam Bandyopadhyay and Arunava Sinha

Book Title: Carnival: A Novel
Author: Sayam Bandyopadhyay
Translator: Arunava Sinha
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Number of Pages: 168
ISBN: 978-8119635504
Date Published: Jul. 8, 2024
Price: INR 251

Book Review

“Carnival” is a captivating Bengali novel by Sayam Bandyopadhyay (Purana Purush) translated into the English language by Arunava Sinha, is a story set in colonial Calcutta.

The novel delves into the life of Rajaram, a landlord whose fascination with the enigmatic beauty of Krishnabhabini sparks a transformative desire to understand her and himself more deeply. Despite his aspirations to venture into the alcohol business, Rajaram’s path is fraught with fear and self-doubt, internal barriers that stymie his progress. His struggle to approach Dwarkanath Tagore for a business partnership, plagued by recurring dreams that symbolize his inner turmoil, underscores his profound internal conflicts.

Krishnabhabini serves as a symbol of mystery and transformation in Rajaram’s life, her presence igniting a yearning for personal and professional growth. As Rajaram contemplates shifting to the tea business, a series of promising opportunities infuse his life with a renewed sense of purpose. However, it is his encounter with the mysterious figures Mephisto and Banabehari at a carnival that sets him on a path of profound change. These encounters mirror Rajaram’s inner conflicts and uncertainties, propelling him towards a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The story intricately blends magic realism, post-colonialism, and modernism, reimagining the Faustian legend where the protagonist grapples with ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Against the vibrant backdrop of colonial Calcutta, characters navigate cultural clashes, societal norms, and the profound impacts of colonialism on their lives and identities. As the protagonist’s quest for knowledge unfolds, themes of existentialism, morality, and the human condition emerge.

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The carnival event is a pivotal moment in the narrative, acting as the catalyst for Rajaram’s ultimate transformation and passage into the unknown. This turning point, marked by his mysterious journey and eventual demise, encapsulates the themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the quest for fulfillment. “Carnival” masterfully explores these themes through vivid characters and symbolic encounters, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the human condition and the pursuit of purpose. Acclaimed for its unique blend of genres and thought-provoking narrative, “Carnival” has achieved near cult status among readers.

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