The Devil's Teacup and Other Ghost Stories Paperback – 25 January 2024

When it comes to unifying the glory of living and the shame in living, I think noone puts it to stories so beautifully as Bibhuti Bhushan Bandopadhyay. His complicated plots become simpler through his writings. I have read a lot of his Bengali books, and when I saw Prasun Roy had translated this book, I was really happy.The book did not disappoint me. I have read it twice by now.Some stories I have read in Bengali as well, but then reading them in English seemed no different... that's how beautiful the translation work is. The criticality of thinking and the simplicity of living are well portrayed in the work.Each story holds significance, and what holds true is the fact that I was capable of reliving a few past moments when people could lament losses and move on, dreamt of having new lives, and thought new ways of living were better ways. His stories talk of beginner's luck well and also talk of the courage of moving ahead. The Devil's Teacup, that story is so simple and yet fresh. Read it once or read it twice. The book is going to be with you for so many more moments when you would want to understand again why the author said what he said.

"The Devil's Teacup and Other Ghost Stories" is a gripping anthology of bone-chilling tales that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality and the supernatural world. Written by renowned Bengali author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and translated by Prasun Roy, this collection of thirteen stories takes readers on a journey through the realms of ghosts, the paranormal, and the unknown.What sets this collection apart is its diversity. Each story explores a different facet of the paranormal or supernatural. The author's ability to build anticipation and evoke fear is truly exceptional, making this anthology an absolute delight for fans of the horror genre.Author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's writing style is atmospheric and captivating, building suspense and mystery throughout each tale. From the first page, readers will find themselves engrossed in the dark and eerie world of the supernatural. Overall, "The Devil's Teacup and Other Ghost Stories" is a thrilling anthology that combines suspense, mystery, and the supernatural to create an unforgettable reading experience.

In this anthology, the author marries the eerie with the poignant, highlighting the author's genius in creating chilling stories through atmospheric tension sans the traditional elements of horror. The 13 stories set in the realms of paranormal and supernatural, bring out the cultural nuances of early 20th-century Bengal and how! Author doesn't rely on jump scares but rather builds a quiet, creeping unease through settings and eccentric plots, reflective of human emotions, moral dilemmas, or societal critiques.This is a well-written anthology, with tales that linger in the reader’s mind for the author’s imaginative prowess and richness of language. The thrill here is more psychological than philosophical or physical, and that makes this a promising venture for enthusiasts of the genre, and also for those new to the genre.

This story pulls readers into a world full of historical intrigue and mystical undertones, without being excessively frightening.One such tale that has stayed with me is "The Sword of Ronkini Devi."Every story in the book is meant to captivate readers and evoke a strong sense of resolve in them. It provides not only with exciting moments but also a profound feeling of connection with the characters and their adventures.Rich cultural backgrounds mixed with paranormal themes make for an extremely appealing book that will keep you interested all the way through.

A delectable treat for horror nerds. Fires up your imagination with wonderful imagery and storytelling. Not all stories are spooky; some have a supernatural element, while some have intriguing folklore.The writer has ended several stories with unanswered questions, it becomes repetitive after a while if you are reading the book in one go. But overall, the stories were wonderfully crafted, also, thanks to the deft translation. Overall, horror nerds should give it a read.

Having read only Tagore and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, I was looking forward to reading another great writer and that too a very different genre. I was not at all disappointed. The stories are simple yet make you feel uneasy deep inside. The backdrop of Bengal 70 years ago adds to the mystery. You feel transported to an era where bullock carts, trains , letters were how people moved themselves or information, in small towns where the belief in the supernatural was very strong. Prasun has done a fantastic job of translating not just the Bengal of 1950's but also characters who are husband, wives, aunts, uncles ,their relations , their reactions to events. Be it the tantric who is instructed by a spirit to let a child due or a cursed teacup or a poor man who is rescued from abject poverty to live in a house full of ghosts ( and is happy), the stories are all simple yet beautifully translated. A must read for Indian horror fiction fans.

The stories in this collection are written by a variety of authors and woven together in an intricate web of horror fiction genres.Every reader can find something to fascinate them, whether they choose to explore the profound, the spooky, or the pleasantly humorous.This book is perfect for brief moments when you require a captivating distraction, such as during your lunch breaks or while commuting.The variety of spine-tingling stories in this book will please readers who enjoy supernatural horror and spooky ghost stories.