--- title: "রোমন্থন (Romonthon) Book Review: Thorns of Memory" url: https://deifiedpublications.com/book-reviews/romonthon-book-review-thorns-of-memory publisher: Deified Publications, Lucknow, India --- Review[Poetry](/book-reviews?topic=Poetry) # রোমন্থন (Romonthon) Book Review: Thorns of Memory TDReview by**The Deified editors** Published 20 September 2026 Reading time 7 min Readers 12,354 views · 11 shares In this review5 sections রোমন্থন (Romonthon) Genre Poetry Language Bengali Published 2026 Price 440/- Our rating ★★★★★★★★★★**4.5**_out of 5_ Reviewed by The Deified editors Reviewed on 20 September 2026 I often spend my Sunday evenings sitting by the window with a warm cup of cardamom tea, watching the rain wash over the city streets. It is during these slow hours that I find myself reaching for poetry, searching for words that capture the complicated textures of our existence. Recently, a slender volume of Bengali verses landed on my desk here at Deified Publication, where I serve as the Editor-in-Chief. This book, titled রোমন্থন (Romonthon), which translates to recalling the past, immediately caught my attention with its understated elegance. As someone who has spent more than fifteen years reading everything from sweeping fiction to delicate stanzas, I appreciate books that speak with a gentle, unhurried sincerity. In this রোমন্থন (Romonthon) Book Review, I want to explore how these verses connect with our shared human experiences. The poet begins with an introductory note that struck a chord with me, explaining that remembering is not merely about looking back. Instead, looking back is about searching for the hidden meanings buried beneath our everyday experiences. Our daily hustle hides countless moments of laughter, tears, and pain, waiting to be awakened by a sudden sound or a familiar face. This perspective made me think about my own life, how we push away our memories to survive the busy present, only to have them rush back when we least expect it. Honestly, I did not expect this thin volume to carry such a heavy emotional weight, because the poet seems determined to face the cold truths of our collective existence. ## A Glimpse into the Pages of Romonthon When considering a book summary of this work, one might ask what is it about and what themes does it hold. In its essence, this collection is a deeply personal chronicle of human relationships, familial love, and the bitter struggles of the marginalized. Mohammad Dabir Hossain divides his creative energy between intimate personal reflections and fierce social commentary, making the book feel like a mirror held up to both the heart and the world. We see poems dedicated to a friend, verses exploring the complex character of an elder sister, and deep laments about lost dreams. In the poem titled স্বপ্নের বিভীষিকা, or the nightmare of dreams, the writer paints a vivid picture of a grieving father, showing us the domestic tragedies that happen behind closed doors. Beyond personal boundaries, the book shifts its gaze toward the wider world, addressing systemic injustices with a raw, unfiltered intensity. In the poem titled তুমি কী দেখেছো ভাই, which translates to what have you seen, brother, the author confronts the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and political division. He writes about global conflicts, mentioning the suffering of innocent people in Palestine and the destructive nature of communal riots. This mix of the personal and the political gives the collection a unique structure, alternating between gentle whispers of nostalgia and loud cries for justice. For anyone trying to understand what is it about, the book represents a sensitive mind struggling to make sense of a fractured world. ## Rhyme, Rhythm, and the Weight of Social Realism What stood out to me in terms of craft was the author's adherence to traditional Bengali poetic structures, even when dealing with very modern, jarring subjects. Mohammad Dabir Hossain uses classic rhythmic patterns that might remind some readers of the legendary social poets of Bengal, such as Kazi Nazrul Islam. There is a musicality to his verses, a steady beat that carries the reader forward, even when the subject matter is deeply painful. This stylistic choice creates an interesting tension throughout the collection, as the smooth rhythm contrasts with the jagged, painful realities being described. For instance, in the poem titled দিদির বৈশিষ্ট্য, the rhymes are playful, capturing her complex personality with a gentle humor. However, this traditional approach to style is not without its drawbacks, which brings me to a mild criticism of the book. At times, the rigid rhyme schemes feel a bit old-fashioned, restricting the free flow of the poet's modern ideas. There are moments where a line feels slightly forced just to complete a rhyme, breaking the emotional connection for a contemporary reader. I found myself wishing that Drabir had experimented more with free verse, allowing his raw emotions to spill onto the page without constraints. Despite this minor flaw, his command over the Bengali language is impressive, and his ability to evoke strong imagery is highly commendable. Confronting the Darkness of the Suicide Poem I must discuss the poem titled সু-সাইড, or Suicide, which the publisher specifically flagged for careful consideration. This is undoubtedly the most intense and devastating piece in the entire collection, requiring a highly sensitive reading. In this poem, the author describes an educated young man who searches for work, only to return empty-handed night after night. Plagued by sleeplessness, he cannot buy medicine for his ailing father, while a cold, indifferent society offers no help. Desperate and exhausted by the struggle, he decides to end his life. The poet challenges the easy labels we place on such tragedies, criticizing a society that dismisses these individuals as cowards. The poem does not stop there, as it also highlights the plight of a marginal farmer who hangs himself because he cannot get a fair price for his crops. It also mentions a young girl driven to the same tragic end after facing assault, seeking escape from the crushing weight of social shame. Drabir writes about these lives with a deep sense of anger and grief, turning private tragedies into a loud accusation against our collective apathy. Honestly, I teared up a bit while reading these lines, because they felt close to real-life news stories. It is a heavy, painful read, showing the author's deep empathy for those pushed to the limit. ## Who Will Find Comfort in These Verses This brings us to the question of who should read this collection and whether is it worth it for the average reader. I believe this book is primarily for those who appreciate traditional Bengali poetry and are not afraid to confront heavy, realistic themes. If you are looking for light, cheerful verses to escape from the worries of the world, this is a book you might want to skip. The emotional weight of poems like সু-সাইড and আর অপেক্ষা নয় can be overwhelming, demanding a reader willing to sit with difficult feelings. For those who value raw honesty and social consciousness, this collection offers a deeply rewarding experience. The book also requires some familiarity with the Bengali language and its cultural context, as much of the emotional nuance might get lost in translation. The author's academic background in English literature from Rabindra Bharati University influences his work, but his soul remains rooted in the soil of Birbhum. His poems reflect the struggles of rural Bengal, the beauty of its landscapes, and the harsh realities of its socio-political environment. For readers who share this cultural background, the book will feel incredibly personal. For others, it serves as a window into a world rarely discussed, making it a valuable addition in 2026. ## Some Final Thoughts on This Collection In the end, Romonthon is a brave, moving collection that does not shy away from the painful realities of our time. Mohammad Dabir Hossain has crafted a work that is both a personal archive of memory and a passionate call for social justice. While traditional poetic forms may occasionally feel restrictive, the sheer honesty of his voice makes this book a worthwhile read. It makes you look up from the pages and reflect on your own place in society, reminding us of our shared humanity. I am grateful to have spent time with these poems, and I recommend them to anyone who believes literature should do more than just entertain. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the main theme of the poetry collection Romonthon? The collection primarily focuses on the concepts of memory, nostalgia, and social realism. The author uses his verses to explore both the sweet and painful aspects of looking back at the past, while also confronting modern social issues such as unemployment, poverty, and political corruption. This balance between personal reflection and social critique forms the core theme of the book, making it a deeply conscious work of literature. ### Is the poem about suicide suitable for all readers? The poem titled সু-সাইড is a very intense and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by the marginalized, including unemployed youth and struggling farmers. Because it deals with heavy themes of despair and self-harm, it may be triggering for some readers. It is written with great empathy and social consciousness rather than sensationalism, but sensitive readers should approach it with care or consider skipping it if they find such topics distressing. ### What is the background of the author Mohammad Dabir Hossain? Mohammad Dabir Hossain, who writes under the pen name Drabir, was born in 1981 in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. He pursued his higher education in English literature, earning his Master of Arts degree from the prestigious Rabindra Bharati University. His academic background and deep roots in rural Bengal significantly influence his poetic voice, allowing him to blend classic literary sensibilities with a raw, realistic understanding of local social issues. 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