The Great Indian Review of Books

Bhaswar Mukherjee's novel, 'Scarred Earth,' is a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of two adolescents. The two characters, Baruni and Muneim, navigate through the complexities of their worlds, marked by adversity, societal issues, and personal struggles. The novel is set against the backdrop of Banguran village, Kolkata, and Siliguri. 'Scarred Earth' immerses the readers in a world that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Bhaswar Mukherjee does that with the natural ease of a storyteller. In the picturesque village of Banguran, Baruni and her family find themselves entangled in the whirlwind of ethnic strife, enduring the harsh repercussions of their unfortunate situation. The story unfolds as Baruni encounters the cunning police officer Kalicharan, whose actions leave a lasting impact on her life. The narrative then shifts to Kolkata, where Muneim, a teenager from a wealthy family, grapples with his own set of challenges and eventually intersects w