The Final Question

Source: Amazon

The book is centered around a conventional Indian Brahmin society. The characters are a set of intellectuals, some of whom hail from wealthy backgrounds, while others don’t. Kamal, the protagonist, is the radical in the society challenging the traditional views and customs of ancient India. Set in the post-independent era, during a time when the nation’s citizens were grappling for a sense of self, the author presents the need for a reformation in the society. 

He utilizes Kamal and other characters, including a group of Brahmacharis who have renounced the pleasures of life to portray this. Their conversations are filled with intellectual stamina, but unfortunately, the prolonged discussions and the lack of action is what causes the dampness in the book. Chattotpadhyay is an amazing story teller but, had he included a little more humour, the book would have been more appealing.