Sneha reviews Vision of a Summer Past, a book on magic realsim by Avishek Gupta. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Author:  Avishek Gupta

Genre:  Magic Realism

My Ratings:  ☆☆☆☆☆

Some books leave you reeling from its effect, long after you finish it. I don’t remember the last time I read a book on magic realism genre, and that too from an Indian author. This book is a treat to read in a real sense.

The story is set in pre–independence Dhaka, and present day India and USA mainly. The story juggles between 1940 to 2016 and is spread over five generations.

The story is set in pre-independence Dhaka, and present day India and USA mainly. The story juggles between 1940 to 2016 and is spread over five generations.

In 1946, Prafulla Sen, a lawyer of Dhaka High Court, who lives with his family in Dhaka was anxious about the future. He meets Asmani Bibi, a magical woman, through a friend’s suggestion. She bestows a special power upon him and it changes Prafulla’s life forever. He is smitten by this intriguing lady. Soon, however, the partition of India compels him to shift to Kolkata. He never saw Asmani again.

In 2016, USA, Rohit meets Celeste, a stranger, who seems to know all about him. Intrigued, Rohit delves deeper, and the striking revelation blows his mind. Soon, they are in love

In 2016, USA, Rohit meets Celeste, a stranger, who seems to know all about him. Intrigued, Rohit delves deeper, and the striking revelation blows his mind. Soon, they are in love; but work commitments compel Rohit to return to India. He starts getting visions of his past life and maintains a long-distance relationship with Celeste, until she goes missing one day. Will Rohit be able to find her back? Why is he getting those visions? How is their story intertwined with Prafulla and Asmani? To know all this and much more, you have to read this magical tale of estranged soul mates.

The story has multiple folds and the author has done a tremendous job in narrating it meticulously.

The author doesn’t let our attention divert from main plot.

The language used is flawless yet simple. The events keep happening, although the partition and the freedom movement is there in background, and we can feel it in the air. The author doesn’t let our attention divert from main plot .

The character of Prafulla and Rohit are strong-willed and hard working. The character of Asmani and Celeste are loving and kind.

There are different themes of partition, heartbreak, love, and understanding.

There is a strong sense of family bonding

There is a strong sense of family bonding also.

I really loved the style of this novel.

An amazing read!

Photo sourced by the author