Mrita Atma : Bengali translation by Arun Som of Russian novel Mertvye dushi (Dead Souls) by Nicolai Gogol

Book Details

• Original Author: Nikolai Gogol
• Bengali Translator: Arun Som
• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Language: Bengali
• Cover: Paperback
• Pages: 457

About the Book

Mrita Atma is the Bengali translation of Dead Souls (Mertvye Dushi), the celebrated masterpiece by the great Russian writer Nikolai Gogol. Translated into Bengali by Arun Som, this edition introduces Bengali readers to one of the most influential works of nineteenth-century world literature.

Widely regarded as a brilliant blend of satire, social criticism, and literary artistry, the novel follows the adventures of Pavel Chichikov, a mysterious and ambitious man who travels across provincial Russia purchasing the legal ownership of deceased serfs whose names still appear in official records. Through this unusual premise, Gogol exposes the corruption, greed, hypocrisy, and bureaucratic absurdities of contemporary Russian society.

The novel is renowned for its unforgettable characters, sharp humour, vivid descriptions, and profound observations about human nature. Beyond its satirical surface, Dead Souls offers a deeper reflection on morality, ambition, social values, and the spiritual condition of individuals and society.

Arun Som’s Bengali translation preserves the wit, narrative richness, and philosophical depth of Gogol’s original work, making this literary classic accessible to Bengali readers. Published by Sahitya Akademi, this edition is an excellent choice for lovers of world literature, Russian fiction, satire, and classic novels.