Like all timeless masterpieces, these classic novellas and short stories by the renowned Assamese writer Homen Borgohain highlight at once the uniqueness and universality of human life. Carefully and sensitively translated by Homem’s son, Pradipta Borgohain, the works included in this collection are gems from Homen’s repertoire of fine writing. Whether it be the very famous novella Matsyagandha/ The Fisherman’s Daughter (now also a motion picture) or short stories such as ‘The Curtain and the Strom’, these stories show Homen’s keen understanding of the human psyche, relationship and society in general. With ‘The Homecoming’, Homen gives us a very realistic glimpse into the mind of a married man and his stifling existence and how he slowly learns to cherish what he had always had, giving readers an insightful look into sustaining relationships. In ‘A Servant of the People’, Ratna Goswami, an aspiring politician, in his attempts to cheat people is forced to have a taste of his own medicine. ‘Despair’ is a heart-wrenching account of the lonely existence of an old woman and her attempts to keep going and find some meaning in the life through trivial pursuits. Rooted in realism, steeped in irony and underlined with humour and pathos, these are stories that are sure to leave an unforgettable imprint on the mind.
