Devdas

Viac o knihe

One of the most enduring love stories of our times, this tragic tale first published in Bengali in 1917 explores the passionate, intense love between childhood sweethearts Devdas and Paro. Torn apart when Devdas is sent to Calcutta by his father, the local zamindar, he returns at nineteen to find Paro asking him to marry her. However, unable to confront parental opposition, he rejects her. Stunned, Paro agrees to marry an elderly widower. Devdas, now consumed by thoughts of Paro and his unfulfilled love, returns to Calcutta. In desperation, he seeks to elope with her, but she refuses. Heartbroken, he turns to alcohol and the company of the courtesan Chandramukhi, who falls in love with him. Yet, even in her presence, his thoughts remain solely with Paro. Devdas spirals towards self-destruction, ultimately dying from liver ailments brought on by alcoholism. He attempts to see Paro one last time, arriving at her doorstep in the middle of the night, where he dies unknown and untended. Paro learns of his death only the following morning. This timeless narrative has captivated readers and film audiences for decades, and this new translation brings the classic tale of star-crossed lovers to life for a new generation.