Description
Holed in his tiny apartment, Deep Ganguly leads a monotonous life as a diligent scholar. As a Good Indian Boy on a Fulbright Scholarship in the United States, he finds solace only in the familiar faces of television presenters. Longing for the vibrant energy of his hometown, Kolkata, Deep feels lost in the quiet and emptiness surrounding him.
One day, while browsing the Spirituality section of a local bookstore, Deep encounters Devdasi (formerly Deborah), a captivating individual who sparks his curiosity. Simultaneously, Sarika, a well-meaning friend, attempts to introduce him to the talented but elusive Aditi.
However, Deep remains engrossed in his research on 1920s Calcutta, delving into the doomed relationship between an English writer and a young Indian man. Just as his focus remains unwavering, Deep’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is tasked with showing a reluctant student named Madhav around his new American home. To his surprise, Deep finds himself irresistibly drawn to Madhav on a sexual level.
This unexpected attraction brings buried secrets from Deep’s past, forcing him to confront and reconcile his history with his present desires. As Deep grapples with the complexities of his emotions, he wonders if history will repeat itself in his own life.
The Scholar by Niladri R. Chatterjee is a passionate and thought-provoking exploration of the transformative power of literature. It serves as a love letter to the enchanting city of Calcutta and its undocumented and constantly surprising queer past. Through Deep’s journey, Chatterjee unravels the interconnectedness of literature, personal identity, and the indelible impact of history on one’s own love story.
