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Jeevanka Rangharu: A blend of humor, satire, and realism

The year 2024 was exciting for Nepali readers, with several books published by Nepali authors based in Australia. I had the opportunity to read five books by such writers. Among them was a ‘Jeevanka Rangharu’, penned by Basanta Prabin.

Jeevanka Rangharu, meaning Colors of Life in English, is a collection of 19 short stories. Some of the stories deeply explore human tragedy and emotions, as seen in Hisaap, Barkha Ko Katha, Mauka, Prayeschit, and Ek Karyakarta Ko Katha, which address social issues and human suffering.

Written in simple language, the book incorporates expressions and words from daily life, lending it an authentic and local feel. The narratives are lively and entertaining, and some stories have adapted fairy tales and folklore styles, as seen in Sanatkumar and Yekadeshko Katha. Some stories, like Chavi 1 and Chavi 2, introduce an eerie yet captivating element.

Basanta Prabin also showcases his talent as a humorous and satirical writer. His stories expose social injustices, dilemmas, and the absurdities of society. For instance, Chalayaman Stutigan 1 and 2 humorously depict the overwhelming influence of mobile phones on our lives. Other engaging stories, like Bhancha, Ramro Ma, School, Samman, Jangar, Balbir, and Lokpriyata Ko Dhoko, further highlight his wit and observant storytelling.

True to its title, Colors of Life captures a spectrum of emotions—frustration, anger, confusion, helplessness, courage, regret, enthusiasm, and positivity. Most of the stories are short and handpicked from the author’s experiences, observations, and imagination, making his storytelling resonate deeply with readers.

Overall, the book reflects Basanta Prabin’s strong inclination toward humor, a genre that is relatively scarce in Nepali literature. His contribution in this area is commendable. Although Basanta Prabin previously published a collection of poems, this is his first venture into humor, and it successfully leaves readers laughing or, at the very least, smiling.

No doubt, readers can expect more engaging, humor-flavored selected stories from him in the future. Best wishes to him for his writing and continue experimenting with humor and satire.

To conclude, I would like to share a few lines from a poem written by one of his characters in a story:

That day, I was visiting Lumbini

to meet Buddha.

Suddenly, on my way,

I witnessed

a person slaying a pigeon.

My legs trembled,

body drenched in sweat.

I stopped the vehicle halfway

and turned back home—

silent, shaken.

Book Title: Jeevanka Rangharu

Author: BasantaPrabin

Language: Nepali

Genre: Short stories collection

Publisher: International Nepali Literary Society, Nepal Chapter

Published Year: 2024

Price: NRs 300

Pages: 90