Apsara
Rating: 4.3/5
Author: Suryakant Tripathi Nirala
Publisher: Rajkamal Prakashan
Publishing Date: 2007
Language: Hindi
Genre: Fiction
ISBN-10: 8126713984
ISBN-13: 978-8126713981
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 171
Cost: Rs. 136.50 (Kindle edition)
Plot:
Apsara is the story of a beautiful and determined young Indian girl. The plot is beautiful and immersed in art and love which leaves an imprint on everyone’s heart. The story also brings to light the determined mind set of the youth, their ambitions and struggle in making the society just and freedom loving. Indifferent to her occupation, she lends her heart to an artist and in the journey forward faces various vicious cycles.
The novel portrays the Indian backdrop of it’s vintage era and a determined mindset of the self-styled youth, which is a vivid example of Nirala's preferred social and political setting.
Review:
Apsara, which can be literally translated as a ‘nymph’ in English exposes the two most extreme sides of feminism – determination and tenderness. As one goes forward in the story, one can experience that the protagonist’s benevolent nature is revealed. Another quality of the character’s that is truly inspiring is- her perseverance.
The plot evokes rich, vivid pictures of imagination in the mind of the reader; infused with emotions.
Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’ was an important member of the Chhayavaad era of Hindi literature or the Neo-Romantic period of Hindi literature. His writings often reflected his thorough study of the Puranas. Most of his writings were unconventional and differed from the styles of his contemporaries. In fact, it was because of the fact that his style of writing was totally different from his contemporaries that Suryakant Tripathi received the title of ‘Nirala’ which means ‘unique’ in the Hindi language.
He was a firm believer in the life and ideologies of stalwarts like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramkrishna Paramahansa and Rabindranath Tagore. One accustomed with their style of writing can find glimpses of the same in ‘Apsara’.
About the Author:
Suryakant Tripathi Nirala was born on the day of Vasant Panchami, 1896 in the native state of Mahishadal in Medinipur district of Bengal. Residence in Gadha Kola village of Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. He gained his knowledge of Hindi, Bangla, English and Sanskrit independently apart from his studies. His first published poem was 'Janmabhoomi' (1920) and his first published book was 'Anamika' (1923). He edited 'Samardhan' (Calcutta) in 1922-23. After leaving Calcutta, he went to Lucknow, where he was associated with the bookmaking office and the monthly magazine 'Sudha' emanating from there until mid-1935. From 1942-43 AD, he started permanently living in Allahabad doing independent writings and translation works till death. He died on October 15, 1961.
His major works include poem collection namely Aradhana, Geetika, Apara, Parimal, Geetgunj, Tulsidas, Kukermutta, Bela, Archana, Naya Patti, Anima, Ragavirag, Sandhya Kakli; while novels include Billesur Bakriha, Apsara, Alka, Kullibhat, Prabhavati, Nirupama, Peak grips, Bhakta Dhruva, Bhakta Prahlada, Maharana Pratap, Bhishma Pitamah, Jasmine, Black Carnage, Indulekha (incomplete).
His brilliant story collections include Sukul Ki Biwi, Lily, Chaturi Chamar, etc., while list of essay collection comprises of Prabandha Statue, Prabandha Padma and Nirala Rachnavali, to name a few.
