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The Bengalis
- A Portrait of a Community
- Narrated by: Anindya Chakravorty
- Length: 18 hrs and 8 mins
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The Bengalis
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Publisher's Summary
The Bengalis are the third largest ethno-linguistic group in the world, after the Han Chinese and the Arabs. A quarter of a billion strong and growing, the community has produced three Nobel laureates, world-class scientists, legendary political leaders and revolutionaries, iconic movie stars and directors and an unending stream of writers, philosophers, painters, poets and musicians of the first rank.
But, bald facts aside, just who are the Bengalis? What is the community all about, stereotypically and beyond stereotype? In order to find the answers to these and related questions, the author (a Bengali born and steeped in his own culture but objective enough to give us a balanced reckoning of his fellows) delves deep into the culture, literature, history and social mores of the Bengalis. He writes with acuity about the many strengths of the community but does not flinch from showing us its weaknesses and tormented history. He points out that Bengalis are among the most civilized and intellectually refined people on earth but have also been responsible for genocide and racism of the worst kind. Their cuisine is justly celebrated, but few remember the cause and effect of millions of Bengalis dying of famine. Renowned for their liberal attitudes, they are also capable of virulent religious fundamentalism.
Argumentative and meditative, pompous and grounded, hypocritical and wise, flippant and deep - Bengalis are all this and much, much more. With erudition, wit and empathy, this book manages to capture their very essence. Unarguably, it is the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most vibrant and distinctive communities.
What listeners say about The Bengalis
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Somtirtha
- 06-07-21
Well Performed and great flow
An interesting mix of history and story. Suggested for anyone interested in the Bengalis' History.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Manmohan Sharma
- 07-09-20
Know thy Bengali
A brilliant insight into the heart, mind, history and life of the most interesting people on the planet. Exceptionally well narrated.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amzon Prime Customer SR
- 05-05-21
Too good for non literature driven person
First encountered with such laureate narration and and soothens my ears with such base of voice. Four star is for that!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rahul
- 20-09-21
Must read
Must read for the bongs and the ones who want to know the bongs… made me understand more about myself and where I come from and why 😇.
I highly recommend the book.excellently researched , written and performance … I could visualise it while listening.. thank u very much …
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Arvind Deshmukh
- 28-08-20
Excellent!
Best ever book on the Bengalis! Must read for every Bengali as well as non Bengalis of India.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SM
- 18-04-20
Excellent book, narration could be better
Sweeping, insightful and funny, Sudeep Chakravarti's book is top notch and a must read for all who wish to understand the Bengali ethos. While the narrator's English pronunciation is swell, the odd Bengali pronunciations and stumbling pauses mar the experience a bit. Feels like the narrator is reading the book for the very first time in the recording studio. With an improved reading, this book could become an Audible bestseller.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Harshi
- 12-12-21
Excellent narration of an interesting book
The content is engaging. But the excellent narration by Anindya Chakravorty makes the listening so much more interesting! Perfect pronunciations of English as well as Bengali words. Enjoyed it!
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