The Fragrance of Chhatim
by Subhechcha Chatterjee

This is such a beautifully written story. It is poignant and quietly haunting in its revisiting of young adulthood – the small, fleeting moments when love begins to bloom from friendship, even before it is fully understood or named. It leaves behind a bittersweet ache, capturing the innocence, intensity, and confusions of first love with great sensitivity.

The imagery of quintessential Kolkata – Kal Baisakhi storms, monsoons, and Durga Puja – is rendered so vividly that you are effortlessly immersed in its sights, sounds, and smells. There is a strong sense of place and memory that lingers well beyond the final page.

A remarkably mature and compelling work from a first-time author. Highly recommend!