Shimul Mahmood, one of the most powerful contemporary storytellers in Bengali literature, published his collected works in February 2024 under the title Golposangraha (Story Collection), by Nalanda Prokashan. This collection includes selected stories from his previous four books: Ilshikhri o Onnantho Golpo (Ilshikhri and Other Stories), Mith Momi Athoba Onibary Manob (Myth Mummy or Inevitable Human), Hoyto Amra Sokole Oporadh (Perhaps We Are All Criminals), and Monobikolon (Psychosis). The collection features a total of 29 short stories, reflecting the writer's diverse and unique storytelling universe.
The Narrative Style
Shimul Mahmood's narrative style has always been distinctive and exceptional. He creates a unique flavor with the nuances of words. His writing is profound and sensitive, with an impeccable use of metaphors and figures of speech in every sentence. The fluidity of his language enhances the reader's experience, making it more enjoyable.
Experimental Approach
One of the most defining characteristics of Shimul Mahmood's stories is his experimental approach to narrative. Breaking conventional narrative structures, he uses new forms of language. Sometimes, he arranges sentences unconventionally to capture the reader's attention; at other times, he introduces repetition, rhythmic elements, and regional components to create a fresh angle. His experimental style adds variety not only to the language but also to the structure of the stories.
At times, he consciously creates dissonance in the story's arrangement, and at other times, he uses the stream of consciousness technique to add psychological depth. Readers, when they start reading his stories, find themselves confronting a new kind of reading experience, beyond the limits of conventional prose. This experimentation heightens the uniqueness of his stories.
The author believes that the intricacies of the human psyche cannot be captured through straightforward narrative. This is why he constructs his stories in experimental forms. His works often feature magical realism, psychological depth, and nonlinear storylines, allowing readers to uncover layers of meaning beyond the surface of the narrative.
Magical Realism
Magical realism is a dominant feature in Shimul Mahmood's writing. His prose blends reality, imagination, and myth, creating an entirely new world for the reader. In this magical realist realm, the boundaries of time, characters, and reality slowly become indistinct. His works display an extraordinary use of imagination, setting him apart from other contemporary storytellers.
Myth
The interplay of myth and reality is a significant aspect of the author's stories. The settings, psychological analysis of characters, and plot twists often place the reader in a state of perplexity. Sometimes these elements align with myths from the past, while at other times, they clash with the harsh realities of the present.
Themes
The themes of his stories are multifaceted. Some delve into psychological analysis, while others critique societal, historical, and political realities. Some of the stories are influenced by existential thought, while others explore the mysterious aspects of human life. The author's perspective is sharp and deep, compelling the reader to reflect on various issues.
Philosophical Thought
The influence of philosophical ideas is evident in Shimul Mahmood's stories. His works often raise questions about reality, existence, and the deeper issues of human life. Themes of existential crisis, identity uncertainty, moral dilemmas, and societal constructs play a significant role in his narratives.
At times, his writing brings up ethical questions, while at other times, it explores the philosophical depths through the characters' inner conflicts. The themes of existential uncertainty, aimless life, and the ongoing clash between humans and time are central to his stories.
He is inspired by Borges, whose stories are known for their compact narrative style. Borges packed multi-layered meanings and implications into single sentences. A similar trend can be observed in Shimul Mahmood's writing. Readers of his work soon realize that the story is not merely what is explicitly stated, but also the multiple layers of meaning that each sentence carries.
Literary Value
This collection marks an important contribution to the evolution of Bengali short stories. Stepping somewhat outside the conventional literary tradition, Shimul Mahmood has opened new horizons in storytelling and narrative structure. His works carry not only the psychological analysis of human characters but also deep philosophical reflections. His unique blend of imagination and magical realism creates profound artistic quality, which captivates the reader's mind and stimulates curiosity.
Reading Experience
Each story in this collection helps reshape the reader's thought process. For those seeking something new beyond traditional storytelling, this is an exceptional experience.
Shimul Mahmood demonstrates his mastery as a storyteller, guiding the reader through each layer of the narrative. At times, he leads them into a mysterious world; at other times, he confronts them with the harsh reality of life's structures. His works showcase new linguistic experiments, where words sometimes become dense and other times transparent and flowing.
Conclusion
Golposangraha is not just a collection; it is a brief yet expansive portrayal of Shimul Mahmood's world of storytelling. His language, narrative structure, use of magical realism, incorporation of myth, and connection with reality offer readers a unique experience. For those who appreciate new approaches to Bengali literature and exceptional narrative styles, Golposangraha is a must-read. Furthermore, for those who wish to explore contemporary Bengali literature, this collection is an important addition.
Shimul Mahmood's collection proves that the power of Bengali short stories is still intact, and with the integration of new languages, imagination, and reality, Bengali storytelling is moving toward new horizons.