The Poison Tree

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel The Poison Tree (1873) is a story about widow remarriage. It follows Nagendra, who sets out on a journey by boat down the river and comes across the ruined home of Kundanandini, a young widow caring for her father. He falls for her, but struggles with the demands of family, religion, and tradition. The book is a classic of Bengali literature and utopian science fiction reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's renowned work "The Poison Tree" was first serialized in the esteemed literary magazine Bangadarshan, which was founded by Chattopadhyay himself in 1872 and later edited by the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. The Poison Tree is a captivating narrative that delves into the complex theme of widow remarriage. The river flows gracefully, exhibiting a lively and unrestrained nature, as it leaps, dances, and cries out. On the riverbank, herdsmen tend to their oxen, with one seated under a tree singing, another engaged in smoking, some engaged in quarrels, and others enjoying their meals. In the interior, husbandmen are hard at work, plowing the fields and exerting physical force upon their oxen, often exchanging abusive words with their owners, who participate in this abuse.

With his wife's consent, Nagendra embarks on a journey by boat along the river. However, a sudden storm necessitates his departure from his vessel, leading him to discover the dilapidated abode of Kundanandini, a young widow who is diligently caring for her elderly father in his final days. When the old man passes away, Kundanandini pleads with Nagendra to accompany her to Calcutta. As Nagendra begins to develop feelings for the captivating woman, he grapples with the pressures of family, religion, and tradition, recognizing that love holds a formidable influence over them all. The Poison Tree is a poignant and enduring tale, characterized by its tragic and timeless nature. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is widely regarded as a legendary figure in Bengali literature, and this edition of his work, featuring a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, stands as a classic of Bengali literature and a reimagining of utopian science fiction for contemporary readers.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513132730