GORA - Rabindranath Tagore

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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 spokesperson of the Brahmo Samaj, formed to counteract orthodox Hinduism as well as Christian attacks against polytheism and idol worship. Sucharita and Lolita, his two daughters, are the heroines who are educated ladies and have their own point of view in life. The story revolves around these, and some more prominent, characters as all their lives get transformed during a time when there was a political and ideological turmoil in the entire nation.

Rabindranath Tagore is a master-crafter of stories. Although the original is written in Bengali and has been translated into English by various writers throughout the years, the essence is still captured. The writing is lyrical and poetic in nature. Gora represents nationalism, Binoy intellectualism, Lalita feminism, Poreshbabu wisdom, Anadamoyi motherhood, and Borodasundari orthodoxy. All the characters are very well researched and developed.

It cannot be considered the best book in terms of capturing events or the plot, but that never seems to be the intention. Rather, Tagore surprises you by describing the true feelings of the characters, be it perplexion, curiosity, distress, joy or all of it together. The plots and sub plots are so elegantly woven between the characters that you may find yourself marvel at the sheer brilliance of the writer.

The book is voluminous and the story too serious to make do for light reading. The main plot thickens after around a 100 pages, and it can get too descriptive at a few places. However, it is one of those books which make you think and reflect.

All in all, very highly recommended. An obvious five star material.

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