Review of Beyond the boundaries Rajat Kanti Das

Book Name           - Beyond the boundaries

Author                  - Rajat Kanti Das

Publisher              - Leadstart Publishing

Number of Pages - 396

Publishing Year   - 2015

Edition                  - Paperback

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Rating : 3.0

Blurb

Ajoy was searching for an ideology to find the meaning of life, but Sabitri kept the ideals aside to keep her family survive through economic constraints, while a section of Bengalis of the northeast India had lost connections with their ancestral land due to country's partition in 1947. The former generation had their old doctrines of faith, based on caste anbd creed, and unlike them, Ajoy, the next generation youth, developed his faith in Marxism to live for a cause, while Sabitri's living without choice compelled her to leave aside the age-old social values and customs. Both of them had to confront the fast changing social scenario surcharged with communal antagonism due to political upsurge of religious fundamentalism. With the conflicts and contradictions, they had to straddle through a relentless journey of life beyond the boundaries to find new horizons of romance and aspirations.

My review

The historical fiction unveils the most turbulent age of India since independence. The political, geopolitical, communal and emotional scenario of a nation that invited every religion, caste, creed, language, showing the unreal dream of unity in diversity. The male protagonist Ajoy, a hardcore believer of Marxism is confused with the mental tug of war. The female protagonist Sabtri, succumbs to pressures of supporting a family, and subjects herself to exploitation. The author had put forward the folly of centuries old barbarian practices.

The discussion between Ajoy and his various acquaintances regarding proletariat, bourgeoisie masses, discussion on the geo polotical scenario in various countries and the analysis provides a new light to the thought process of the new generation. Some of the philosophies discussed were distorted. Author put forward the important message that above all beliefs including religion, humanity should reign

There were a lot of sequences that were dragged too much, which forces the reader to skip a few pages. The twist in the story for a happy ending was unwanted.

Overall the book will attract readers who have hunger for a serious read, especially with a historical framework. The cover image is misleading. 

Reviewed for the publisher

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

About the author

Born in mid-fifties of the last century, Rajat Kanti Das is a committed reader of literature and has inclination towards creative writing. Following his graduation from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, he has worked in diverse fields, such as teaching in the remote village schools of Meghalaya or serving in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies; he did various jobs. These migrations, from one field to another, were the result of his unbound inquisitiveness to see and feel the lives in the diverse areas of the northeastern region. He has written articles based on the diverse subjects including economics, science, religion, cinematography, art, literature, and other topics. ‘Beyond the Boundaries’, is his debut novel based on observation of the society, in which he lives.