That's In My Library!

There are some books you read and put away; and then there are others, like Gora, that you absorb. You get sucked into it, you feel everything the characters go through, and you come out of it as a better person altogether. Gora is one of the finest and the most complex of the Tagore's writing. It is not merely a novel; it is an epic saga of India, in a troubled time, questioning the basis of caste, tradition, filial piety, patriotism and marriage. Gora (Gourmohan), the protagonist, is intensely patriotic and a strong advocate of Hinduism. He practices his religion with thorough conviction and strict austerity, making him seem an arrogant, self-asserting, aggressive and violent person who thrusts his opinions unto others. On the other hand, Binoy, Gora's best friend, is soft spoken and compassionate gentleman who initially comes across as a shadow of Gora, but subsequently emerges as genuine and self-analyzing. The two boys come in contact with Poresh Babu, a spokesper...