Pather Panchali
Pather Panchali
Book Brief
360
Novel • Fiction
Rural Bengal • Early 20th Century
1929
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
Pather Panchali by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay follows the impoverished Roy family in a Bengal village as they strive to improve their lives. Harihar, a dreaming priest, struggles to provide for his wife Sarbajaya, son Apu, and daughter Durga. Despite their poverty, Apu and Durga enjoy a carefree childhood until tragedy strikes. The family ultimately decides to leave the village for a better future in Kashi. The novel contains themes of loss, poverty, and familial obligations.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
6,971 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's Pather Panchali is praised for its vivid portrayal of rural Bengal and its deeply moving narrative. Critics commend its rich character development and evocative depiction of poverty and simplicity. However, some feel it can be slow-paced, and the focus on daily struggles may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it remains a beloved classic in Bengali literature.
Who Should Read Pather Panchali?
Fans of poignant, coming-of-age stories set in rural landscapes will appreciate Pather Panchali by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. Comparable to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series and Rabindranath Tagore's The Home and the World, this novel offers a rich portrayal of familial bonds and hardships in early 20th-century Bengal.
6,971 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pather Panchali was adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Satyajit Ray in 1955, which is considered a cornerstone of Indian cinema and won multiple international awards.
Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's Pather Panchali is often noted for its detailed depiction of rural Bengali life in the early 20th century, providing rich cultural insights.
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Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, the author of Pather Panchali, was initially hesitant to publish the novel due to its unconventional narrative style and was encouraged by his friend Tarashankar Bandopadhyay to submit it for publication.
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360
Novel • Fiction
Rural Bengal • Early 20th Century
1929
Adult
16-18 years
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