Title: Bliss of Childhood
Author: Pushpak Sarkar
Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
Genre: Historical Fiction
First Publication: 2023
Language: English
Book Summary: Bliss of Childhood by Pushpak Sarkar
A light-hearted and funny novel that takes you back on a delightful journey from childhood to adolescence, bringing back memories of those early years when innocent friendships were struck, teenage crushes blossomed, love letters were exchanged, gossip circulated, and lessons of life were learnt.
Set in the turbulent 1970s, this coming-of-age novel tells the story of Tito, a precocious eleven-year-old, growing up in a sleepy railway town of Assam. Amidst fierce political unrest engulfing the Northeast and frequent transfers faced by his idealistic father for his futile resistance to government corruption, Tito dreams of becoming a poet one day. Both the political unrest and his father’s idealism transform Tito’s life, in more ways than he can imagine.
The book also highlights the need to root out widespread social problems like corruption, parochialism and authoritarianism from India.
Book Review: Bliss of Childhood by Pushpak Sarkar
Coming-of-age historical fiction novels offer a unique perspective on the human experience by combining the personal struggles of a protagonist with the historical events and settings of a particular period. These novels transport readers back in time, providing a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and heartaches of growing up during a momentous moment in history. From navigating first crushes and friendships to dealing with family issues and societal pressures, coming-of-age novels offer a rich tapestry of human experience. These novels explore the complexities of adolescence amidst larger societal upheavals. Some of these books delve into wars, important societal issues, civil right movements, and political unrest, while others focus on more personal struggles and self-discovery. By weaving personal stories into the fabric of historical events, these novels offer a compelling and relatable way to connect with the past and better understand the present. Whether focusing on real historical figures or fictional characters, coming-of-age historical fiction novels offer a distinctive and illuminating perspective on the human condition.
Bliss of Childhood by Pushpak Sarkar is coming-of-age novel that takes you on a delightful journey from childhood to adolescence, all while navigating the turbulent political unrest of the 1970s. The story follows Tito, an eleven-year-old with dreams of becoming a poet, as he navigates the personal struggles of adolescence amidst the political unrest of the time. Tito’s father, an idealistic man, faces frequent transfers due to his resistance against government corruption, which ultimately transforms Tito’s life in ways he could never imagine. Along the way, readers will be treated to hilarious and heartwarming anecdotes of childhood friendships, teenage crushes, and innocent love letters. However, beyond its delightful exploration of the joys and challenges of growing up, Bliss of Childhood also deftly sheds light on the pervasive social issues of corruption, parochialism, and authoritarianism that plague India.
Bliss of Childhood features a cast of colorful characters, each with their own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. At the center of the story is Tito, a precocious eleven-year-old with a passion for poetry and a heart full of dreams. Tito’s father, an idealistic man who resists government corruption despite the risks, serves as both a role model and a source of conflict for Tito. Whether grappling with the challenges of adolescence or navigating the tumultuous political climate of the time, each character brings a unique perspective and depth to the story. As the novel unfolds, readers will be captivated by the vibrant personalities and richly drawn relationships that make Bliss of Childhood a true gem of coming-of-age historical fiction.
Bliss of Childhood is a rich and nuanced exploration of a number of major themes, each of which contributes to the novel’s deep resonance and emotional impact. At the heart of the story is the coming-of-age experience, as Tito grapples with the challenges of growing up amidst political turmoil and societal upheaval. The novel also delves into the idea of innocence and realities. As Tito grows up and navigates the challenges of adolescence, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world around him, including political unrest, corruption, and parochialism. Through Tito’s eyes, readers are invited to witness the profound impact that these forces have on both the individual and the broader society. Alongside these themes, the novel also explores the power of creativity and self-expression, as Tito finds solace and inspiration in his love of poetry.
Finally, the novel also grapples with the idea of personal growth and transformation. Through Tito’s journey from an idealistic and somewhat naive young boy to a more mature and thoughtful adolescent, readers are reminded of the power of self-reflection and personal growth. Taken together, these themes offer a rich and layered exploration of the human experience, one that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Pushpak Sarkar is an accomplished writer, with a career that has spanned both the corporate world and the realm of literary fiction. Drawing on his deep understanding of technology and society, Sarkar’s early work focused on topics such as Big Data and data management, culminating in the publication of his book ‘Data as a Service’ with John Wiley and Sons. In recent years, however, Sarkar has turned his attention to the world of literary fiction, with his first novel ‘The Songwriter’ earning praise for its unique blend of music and storytelling.
With his latest novel, ‘The Bliss of Childhood’, Sarkar has once again demonstrated his skill at capturing the complexities of human experience, weaving together a poignant and evocative tale of childhood and growing up amidst political turmoil. As a writer, Sarkar brings a unique perspective to his work, drawing on his own experiences and insights to create stories that are both insightful and engaging. Above all, Sarkar’s writing is characterized by his passion for storytelling, his ability to capture the essence of the human experience, and his commitment to creating stories that resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, yet thought-provoking coming-of-age novel, look no further than Pushpak Sarkar’s ‘The Bliss of Childhood’. This book is a delight from start to finish, offering a glimpse into a world that is both innocent and turbulent, and reminding us of the power of hope, friendship, and resilience. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or coming-of-age novels, Bliss of Childhood is a must-read that will leave you feeling nostalgic, enlightened, and thoroughly entertained.
