Synopsis Originally written in Bengali, these nine sensitive and poignant short stories depicts the sordidness, degeneracy and boredom of the dispossessed middle class in Bengal. These nine stories by Somen Chanda portray with great realism and sensitivity the anguish, frustrations and concerns of the rural middle class in Bengal during 1940s. Though realistic, these stories also have a certain lyrical quality about them, which is a hallmark of Bengali literature.