Dalchhut by Mandakranta Sen [Hardcover]

The novel "Dalchhut" (The Drifter) is a poignant tale of love, struggle, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of urban and rural Bengal.

The protagonist, Bitan, is a village boy and a former political activist who moves to Kolkata for work. His initial years in the city are suffocating—an endless cycle of office to the boarding house and back. However, his monotonous life takes a turn when he stumbles upon Nandan, the cultural hub of Kolkata. There, he befriends a vibrant group of young poets and intellectuals—Saikat, Shantanu, Pritha, Chandan, Anindita, and Manisha.

Among them, Manisha is the most unique—restless, passionate, and deeply romantic. As Bitan and Manisha grow closer, their relationship takes a complex turn, shaped by emotional turmoil, jealousy, and inner conflicts.

Meanwhile, in Bitan’s village, Ranidihi, political unrest intensifies. Corruption, violence, and the greed of political leaders create an explosive situation. Witnessing these injustices, Bitan becomes a rebel at heart, determined to return and fight for his homeland. However, upon reaching Ranidihi, he realizes he can no longer enter the village—his past and the turmoil have shut the doors on him.

Defeated yet transformed, Bitan returns to Kolkata, seeking solace in Manisha’s love, poetry, and dreams.

"Dalchhut" is a heartfelt narrative about the dilemmas of today’s generation—love, disillusionment, rebellion, and the search for faith and belonging.