Almost three decades ago, a literary marvel emerged, shrouded in experimental poetry and unconventional narrative. “Book One,” the debut creation of the remarkable voice in literature, Sharmistha Mohanty, initially faced skepticism due to its avant-garde nature. The poetry within the book challenged traditional norms, presenting readers with a unique and daring literary experience.
Undeterred by the criticism, poet Sharmistha Mohanty and her husband, filmmaker Kabir Mohanty, displayed unwavering determination. They undertook the initiative to republish the book, rallying funds and garnering support from friends such as renowned Film Director Mani Kaul and Psychoanalyst Udayan Patel.
In the face of adversity, the reissued “Book One” found allies in Dom Moraes, a distinguished editor, biographer, and poet, along with Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, an Indian poet and literary critic. The rejuvenated edition received widespread acclaim, captivating readers across poetry, fiction, and experimental literature genres.
Sharmistha Mohanty’s writing in “Book One” defies conventions, inviting readers on a journey not just through a narrative but through a tapestry of sentences that are unflinching, tender, and unexpectedly aphoristic. The prose is both violently observant and restrained, compelling readers to turn the pages not merely for the story, but to unravel the mysteries of her sentences.
The book delves into the poet’s life, the stories of her ancestors, and the evolving traditions that somehow remain inherently unaltered. With great sensitivity and originality, Mohanty weaves tales of weather, water, and intimate relationships, tightening her words around each situation to vividly manifest them in the reader’s mind. Renowned literary figures such as Arvind Krishna Mehrotra acknowledge Mohanty’s contribution, praising her sentences for their clarity, unsentimentality, and their ability to lead the reader to a place “as clear and unsentimental and right as life.”
In the tradition of Tagore, Sharmistha Mohanty stands as a modern discovery, infusing her writing with originality and contemporary relevance. Her works, including “Book One,” transcend time and tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of experimental literature.
Sharmistha Mohanty’s literary journey continues with subsequent works like “New Life,” “Five Movements in Praise,” and “The Gods Came Afterwards,” showcasing her versatility in prose and poetry. Her translations of Tagore’s fiction, particularly “Broken Nest and Other Stories,” further demonstrate her commitment to bridging literary traditions.
In her most recent endeavor, “Extinctions,” a collection of prose poems, Sharmistha Mohanty continues to captivate readers, solidifying her place as a literary force to be reckoned with.