Description
The Shadow Lines presents a rich tapestry of plots and characters that trace several decades of events from the perspective of the anonymous narrator. It follows the life of a protagonist from a middle-class background and dissects as many as seventy years of his life, traversing back and forth between the cities of Calcutta, Dhaka, and London.
The author introduces a host of interesting characters, such as the narrator’s knowledgeable uncle, Tridib. He highlights the narrator’s sexual attraction to his cousin, Ila. The bond between the narrator’s family and the London-based Price family is also emphasized. The narrator’s grandmother, Tha’mma, who has emerged from a dreadful past, plays a crucial role as the plot progresses.
The narrative is set against the backdrop of several historical events such as the Second World War, the Swadeshi Movement, the Partition of India, and the communal riots that hit Calcutta and Dhaka in 1963–1964. It demonstrates the far-reaching impact of political events on private lives.
The plot is built on a multitude of perspectives, demonstrating how the same experience can have innumerable shades depending on the diversity of the perspectives involved.
Endorsements
Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Winner of the Ananda Puraskar.
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