the elephant girl

There is a mystique and charm associated with this book. This story is based in British India about two provinces one in Bengal and other one in Assam. The story revolves around raj the crown prince of Paschim Behar, the forest reserve of Kachugaon and the stories of superstition and mystery associated with it. Raj decides to visit the Goalpara forest tramway whose journey reveals the myriad wealth of the Himalayan foothill forest on Jenkins invitation. Raj being a wildlife enthusiast was elated and fulfilled his desire to gaze wildlife. It is here when the story takes real turn.

Plot and characterization are phenomenally good, the expanse of story is elaborate yet the story telling is precise and crisp. This book is well contrived and clearly indicates the hard work put in. there is a vast array of characters some penned simple some complex and few complicated yet the all fulfill the purpose. The existential quality of book is labyrinth cobwebs woven around Raj. The writing is utterly convincing as the mystery deepens with every chapter and very difficult to find the culprit behind the murder and nuisance, there are no loose ends what so ever.

His writing transcends you into the beautiful forest reserve. The description of forest and wild life is vivid and personified. I have been to the state of Bengal and Assam and couldn’t agree more with writer’s description. I was amazed to read how beautifully the reality superstition and unknown were used to weave the plot of the book. There are 2 different stories written with same characters and Raj in pivot, in the end both the stories converge in perfect sync. 1^st story is about dynasty politics conspiracy illicit relation trust and betrayal with Raj in epicenter and 2 possible murders in the tussle of power. The story unfolds as the book gradually proceeds making the murder mystery more complicated. The book features some great deception and unpredictable twist.

While the second story is about the elephant girl the myth and superstition. This part of the story intelligently builds on the folklore of jungle and taboo associated with it. I was awestruck with the lively and surreal description of forest wild life and soul hunters. Both the stories are individually captivating and there convergence is a proper confluence.