Unravel the Tales of Bombay and Bangalore: Dive into Brothers Sen Gogh

What Secrets Lie Within?

 

Step into a world where the vibrant pulse of Bombay clashes with the introspective charm of Bangalore. In Manik Bal’s Brothers Sen Gogh: Odd Tales From Bombay and Bangalore, Book Two, prepare to be captivated by a collection of narratives that delve into the heart of the Indian middle class, exploring their dreams, their struggles, and the intricate bonds that tie them together.

But this is not just a collection of ordinary stories. Within these pages lie odd tales, glimpses into lives touched by the unpredictable currents of passion, ambition, and the ever-present undertow of human relationships.

Brief Synopsis

• Two brothers, Soubhik and Sourav, their lives deeply intertwined yet taking divergent paths. Their bond is a bedrock of their personalities, a constant in their changing circumstances. Sourav, working in the dynamic indie music scene in Mumbai, is a pragmatic force, consistently worried about his brother’s well-being and supporting his artistic endeavors. Soubhik, on the other hand, searches for his voice in Bangalore, navigating the challenges of pursuing his post-punk musical style while grappling with a sense of dependence. Their relationship, likened by their father to the “Van Gogh brothers of the modern age,” is filled with both support and underlying tensions.
• Sourav finds love and partnership with Nethra, a strong and supportive woman he meets through the music industry. Their relationship evolves from a professional connection to a loving bond, built on shared interests and mutual affection. Nethra becomes a source of stability for Sourav amidst the chaos of Mumbai and his concerns for Soubhik.
• Soubhik’s journey takes an unexpected turn through his intense but ultimately fractured connection with Indrani, a woman he meets while working as a musician. Their relationship explores themes of passion and vulnerability against a backdrop of societal constraints and personal insecurities, leaving a lasting impact on Soubhik.
• Encounters with unforgettable characters, including Prashant, an enigmatic and flamboyant indie artist. A maverick and a manipulator, Prashant enters Soubhik’s life in Vasai, bringing both creative stimulation and personal turmoil. Their volatile friendship challenges Soubhik’s artistic choices and leads to unforeseen consequences.
• A journey through the pulsating veins of Mumbai, from cramped apartments echoing with unspoken dreams to the dimly lit pubs where music and aspirations collide.
• The raw energy of the indie music scene in India, its passionate creators, its elusive audiences, and the constant battle between artistic integrity and commercial pressures.

Brothers Sen Gogh is more than just a book; it’s an immersive experience, a journey into the hearts and minds of individuals navigating the unique tapestry of modern India. It’s about finding your place, chasing your passion, and the enduring power of human connection in a world that is both exhilarating and unforgiving.

What Readers Are Saying

Here’s what readers are saying, based on the provided excerpts, about other works by the author Manik Bal:

• “The realistic and traditional story-telling reminded me of some famous Telugu authors like Yuddhanapudi Sulochana Rani and KoKu.”
• “I thrive in books that make me feel. This book did. Each story made me go through the journeys of the protagonists. I was in their heads, seeing through their eyes, feeling through their hearts, crying, laughing and even was terrified. I felt overwhelmed.“
• “I found almost all the stories to be relatable on some level or the other. Kudos to the author for having touched such a wide range of topics. I liked how the author holds a mirror to the society without the whole Holier- than-thou attitude. He paints a very realistic picture of our society – with all of its goods and bads.”
• “It deals with almost every card that an individual comes across in one’s life in India. Whether it has to do with finding your passion, the long gone bond or the yearnings of a family.”
• “Phew, what an emotional roller coaster ride! If you are interested in taking a journey thru an entire spectrum of colors, be sure to read this collection of short stories by author Manik Bal. There’s a story and an emotion for everyone, bringing the flavor of college friendships, worrying about status and peer pressure, tensions and responsibilities that hover over a middle-class family, middle-age crisis, a look into the Indian diaspora who actually celebrate Indianness much more than all the Indians put together, loss of a friend and the sadness it leaves behind…. YES, there’s definitely something for everyone here.”
• “The sense of reading has never been so profound and more so in a debut novel. It is rare that the entire gamut of the different stories feels like different chapters of a single novel. The impression is similar to reading Alice Munro.”

Meet the Author: Manik Bal

Ready to discover these odd tales?

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Or, learn more about the author and the world of Brothers Sen Gogh at www.manikbal.com