Jayanta Ray

A Town by the River Jayanta Ray

Publisher Marketing: A Town by the River is a fictional tale that revolves around Anirban, the protagonist, his college days, his first love and brief flirtation with left-wing politics considered fashionable in those days and his childhood. The first few chapters of the book dwell at length on the prevalent political situation when political parties were tremendously hostile to one another. Vendettas by way of slaying were a common sight. Several young lives were lost in such turbulent political situations. Stringing together a variety of events and characters in a narrative canvas, the book focuses on the time and life in a small town, where the townsfolk, especially the kids, always welcomed carefree excitements from otherwise subdued life, be it in the form of festivities, football matches or simple outings. The strength of the book lies in its descriptive details of the milieu, the people and more importantly, the charming river. Earthy smell and myriad of colours and the river that lazily went past the town held a special attraction for the young and old. Notwithstanding the undertone of caste and religion, the townsfolk cherished human relationships that transcended the religious divide. Its poignant style of narration would appeal to a wide readership beyond the geographical boundaries.