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Withered Leaves

May 21, 2011 Sunil Poolani Books 12 Comments

Jayanta Ray

ISBN: 978-93-81115-34-3

Frog Books; Price: Rs 130; US $8; Pages: 130

Based on the multicultural experience set in a significant point in modern history, this novel starts with a scene in Heidelberg, in the then West Germany. Siddhartha, or Sid, an exchange student from India studying at the university, explores the progress made by the post-WW II German society, often contrasting the conditions back home. With his youthful energy and curiosity, Sid becomes a part of the Schulz family he stays with. Frau Schulz, her introvert husband Kurt, perhaps suffering from a sense of guilt about being part of Hitler’s Wehrmacht during WW II, and their friendly teenaged son bond with Sid in more ways than one, thus providing him with insights into contemporary German mind. The city and the charming Neckar that lazily flows past it come alive as he roams around with Barbara, his new-found friend and exchanges his experience with his ex-girlfriend back home. The Berlin Wall stands as a reminder of the nation divided and a symbol of stifled human aspirations. Sid returns to his homeland — sombre and uncertain — shackled by Emergency.

Using a variety of events and characters, the book narrates the time and life in a small town in the erstwhile West Germany in vivid details.

About the Author

Jayanta Ray, a foreign-language translator by profession, entered the world of creative writing with his first work of fiction A Town by the River (2009), followed by Withered Leaves. He holds a graduation degree in science, besides a post-graduation in the German language and a postgraduate diploma in journalism. He has been a recipient of the DAAD scholarship for studies at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. He has regularly contributed articles on the Indian translation scene to Professional Translator and Interpreter, London. He has been enlisted in the International Who’s Who in Translation and Terminology, published by Praetorius, UK, 1996. For his contribution to the promotion of scientific-technical translation in India, he was awarded the Scroll of Honour by the Indian Scientific Translators Association in 2005. He has a number of publications in professional journals (both national and international) including two German<>English technical dictionaries published by Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam. Jayanta can be contacted at ray.jayanta@gmail.com

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12 Comments to "Withered Leaves"

  1. Nagaraju Poluri

    June 2, 2011

    An attractive design of the cover and an interesting title. The contents of the book appear to be interesting with an Indian Student’s experience in Germany during the days of partition (Berlin wall) about the conditions and mindset of Germans. I am eager to buy one, once it appears on the stands of bookstores.

    Reply

  2. Debdulal Majumder

    June 2, 2011

    The design of the cover appears to be very soothing and the title of the book is appropriate. The experience of an Indian Student in Germany about the contemporary German mind during the days of partition (Berlin wall) appear to be interesting. I am eager to buy one, once it appears on the stands of bookstores. Thank you very much and congratulation to the author for his second published book.

    Reply

  3. S.D.Majumdar

    June 2, 2011

    The title of the book is really very interesting. The title “withered leaves ” has definitely generated curiousity to go through the content. I have read his earlier book and I really liked it. I expect this book will also draw lot of readers. I personally buy one book and will buy more copies to gift my dearest friends.

    I congratulate the author Mr. Roy for writing this book and also for the beautiful cover page . Wish him all success.

    Reply

  4. Y Godavari

    June 6, 2011

    I happened to have read author’s earlier book A Town by the River and was indeed impressed by his narration, prose and dispassionate style – no undue dramabazi about Naxalite movement. Going by the theme of the present book, I am eagerly waiting to read this book as well. However, going by the title of the book, Withered Leaves, does the jacket look a bit more green? Or is the spirit of withered leaves surreal and hence colors do not matter.

    Reply

  5. Vijayalakshmi

    June 6, 2011

    The Book seems to promise a nostalgic walk through issues of divided Germany and life during those times. I am keen and curious to read the book. Has he related these issues to those during the Emergency. Have to buy this book.
    The scenery on the cover seems deceptively serene -

    Reply

  6. P. S. Murti

    June 6, 2011

    In his book ‘A Town by the River’ the Author’s narration is at the back drop of a town in Bengal. Now his narration in this book appears to be at the back drop of divided Germany. In a way Division appears to be common to both places. I was impressed by his narration in the first book and also share the views of Y. Godavari on the title & Cover. I am eager to buy one, once the book hits the stands.

    Reply

  7. s.m.kumar

    July 14, 2011

    The book, ‘Withered Leaves’, authored by Jayanta Ray, appears to cover an important phase in the evolution of Germany, a great nation . Surely, this must have been written based on the author’s first hand experiences.
    I wish Jayanta Ray a successful launch of the book.

    Reply

  8. Saikat Sengupta

    July 24, 2011

    Looking forward to this book. Having read the previous book by Ray couple of years back, i am still reminded of the vivid imagery. I am hopeful that this book will also take me through a similar journey.

    Reply

  9. Debasish Majumdar

    August 17, 2011

    The lucid, flowing style of the author was very evident in the first book. Definitely looking forward THE WITHERED LEAVES will take us through a similar experience. The cover is impressive and shows the author’s fondness for details.

    Reply

  10. new york books

    August 25, 2011

    fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

    Reply

  11. Chronic Kidney Disease

    September 2, 2011

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    Reply

  12. P K Mandal

    September 7, 2011

    In this book of Sri Jayata Ray, through the eyes of young Sid we could visualise Germany. Sid’s experience of divided Germany takes me to the pathetic memory of West Bengal and East Pakistan including the condition of in between border. Sid’s return to India in “Emergency” will put him into another experience. Easy-to-understand language of this book is an added attraction.

    Reply

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