Book Review: Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono Khete Asenni

Introduction:
Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono Khete Asenni is a book written by Mohammad Nazim Uddin. Book’s Bengali name “রবীন্দ্রনাথ এখানে কখনও খেতে আসেননি”  is translated to English as “Rabindranath Never Came Here to Eat“. I purchased this book nearly two years back with collection of other books written by the same writer. At the time of purchase I was not aware of the writer or his works. I went to the bookshop to browse the book and find something new. After sometime the shopkeeper asked me whether I have read any books written by Nazim Uddin. Once he learned that I have not ready any books, he put around 7/8 books written by him and suggested me to ready. He also said that the writer is very good and his books has huge demand. I should purchase the entire collection of books written by him. I noticed his books are quite big and was not sure whether it would be a good idea to purchase entire collection. But because I have bought several books earlier with their recommendation, I decided to buy the entire collection. Later I shared a picture of the books to one of my friend and received a positive feedback about the book and the writer. I read one book earlier and decided to complete the entire collection by this year. Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono Khete Asenni is the first book of the year I have decided to read and second book of the writer. I also came to know that a web series has been produced with the same name based on this thriller novel and its sequel.

About the writer:
Mohammad Nazim Uddin is a Bangladeshi writer, publisher and translator. He gained much popularity as a writer in Bangladesh and India for his book Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono khete Asenni. Mohammad Nazim Uddin was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh and graduated from Dhaka University. His first published book was ‘Nemesis’, which was able to attract the attention of the reader as his original writing. It was the popularity of this book that inspired him to write four sequels ‘Contract’, ‘Nexus’, ‘Confession’ and ‘Karachi’. A total of 11 thriller novels have found a place in the whole of Mohammad Nazim Uddin’s book till date (according to Wikipedia).  His other notable novels are ‘Jhal(Fake’), ‘1952 – Nichok Kono Sonkha Noy’, ‘Pendulum’, ‘Keu Keu Kotha Rakhe’ etc.

Plot Summary:
The story begins with a peculiar named restaurant, Rabindranath Ekhane Kokhono Khete Asenni. Everything about this restaurant is uncanny and untypical, the name, the luscious and enticing food items and mainly the restaurateur Muskan Zuberi who enchants people with her special and secret recipes. Some people assume that she is a witch and hypnotizes others with her witchcraft. The book is not about the restaurant or its food. It’s about Muskan Zuberi and the dark and eerie secrets of her past that’s hidden behind her fascinating face and gets unraveled at the end. [From review of Sanchita Patra at goodreads.com]

Review:
The novel has a very interesting name which is able to raise curiosity of the reader. It started with an interesting storyline which continued to progress gradually. Story progression was very interesting till the 2/3rd of the books and then the writer suddenly rushed for the conclusion. There were lots of plot twist and some of which were very good. Writer has been able to narrate the surroundings very clearly. Other than few small glitches, the storyline is very good. Writer used simple sentences for everyone to understand. He also used contemporary words and demographic information that made the storyline relatable for the modern audiences.

Rating:
Writing pattern: 8/10
Storyline: 7/10
Character development: 7/10
Overall Rating: 7.5/10

To purchase the book, visit rokomari.com.