Beyond the drama: Books making waves at Boi Mela

Religious conflicts, period taboos, and political controversies—three surprises no one had on their 'Boi Mela' bingo card this year, yet here we are.

Still, beyond the unexpected events, it's essential to focus on what Ekushey Boi Mela truly represents—books and the bond between readers and writers.

There's something both innocent and exciting about seeing people of all ages roaming the book fair in February where longtime readers searching for anticipated titles and new readers navigating through the hundreds of stalls to discover something that speaks to them.

For those without a set list but looking for a place to start at this Boi Mela, here's a selection of books that have been creating quite the buzz in the reading community. They might be worth a glance—read the summaries and see if anything piques your interest.

Brishtyr Din Bhara Beshi by Tanzim Rahman
Genre: Horror

Publisher: Afsar Brothers

The story follows a rickshaw puller with an unusual responsibility—transporting the souls of the dead to their final destinations. He is a psychopomp, though he has yet to encounter others in this rare profession.

Just as he begins to adjust to the eerie sight of spirits crowding his rickshaw at night, a new and seemingly impossible challenge arises. A terrifying entity appears with a request tied to one of humanity's oldest dreams.

As he struggles with this supernatural burden, an existential philosopher, a ruthless businessman, and an incompetent gangster find themselves entangled in his fate, pushing him further into the unknown.

Da Vinci Club by Mohammad Nazim Uddin

Genre: Art Detective

Publisher: Batighor Prokashoni

Dr Z is a mysterious, solitary figure with an insatiable curiosity. To his admirers, he is a true polymath. His latest pursuit? Investigating a five-hundred-year-old painting—an endeavour that seems nearly impossible.

When he arrives in Rome from Dhaka, he is caught in a web of unexpected events. But as always, his relentless curiosity pushes him forward, leading to an astonishing and intriguing revelation.

In Da Vinci Club, readers join art detective Dr Z—Mohammad Nazim Uddin's unique creation—on a journey through secrets and discoveries that promise to surprise at every turn.

Shorbeshorba by Nabil Muhtasim                                                                                                    

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Chirkut

Have you ever felt like just a side character in a story far greater than yourself?

You—a weary young man stuck in an unremarkable private job, battling an undiagnosed illness, trapped in monotony. Before you can make sense of it all, you find yourself entangled with a secret society. 

A dashing young man speaks of a hidden shadow world, while a magnetic woman reveals that mysterious figures have been tracking your every move—without you ever noticing.

A manic psychiatrist warns that uncovering the root of your illness will change your reality forever. An eccentric conspiracy theorist, now your closest confidant, places a firm hand on your shoulder and whispers—nothing you see is real.

Before you know it, things spiral beyond your control. Now, an insignificant side character like you must confront the central figure of the world itself—and fight a battle where survival is the only victory.

Unmad Ashram by Obayed Haque
Genre: Magic Realism

Publisher: 52 (Bayanno)

The book revolves around a mysterious tale in which the protagonist, Zahir, encounters an unknown stranger. In their conversation, Zahir questions the boundary between reality and dreams. 

The stranger introduces the idea that perhaps the world we know is just a dream, and one day, we may wake up in another form in a different reality.

The story explores the profound thought that the entire universe could exist inside a tiny parasite, which could be destroyed in an instant, causing everything to cease to exist. 

With such deep and philosophical themes, the novel takes readers on a journey into new dimensions of thought.

Magur Macher Jhol by Wasi Ahmed
Genre: Dystopian, Philosophical

Publisher: Afsar Brothers

A new world, a supreme being;
Two books— life and an independent manuscript.

No one seeks melancholy in the sound of a wind instrument, nor does anyone find tranquillity in the colour of the sky through the half-moon curtain of the radium. Even when given the chance to wander the flower courtyard or circle with birds, curiosity never stirs within anyone.

Here, one can easily hear the sound of raindrops hitting the desert. One can savour the synthetic taste of any dish, all while sitting at home.

Yet, why does Raouf, during an existential crisis, long for the ancient 'magur' fish curry from the old world?