DR. RATAN BHATTACHARJEE’S "Twilight of Love" A Monumental Tapestry of Human Experience PROFESSOR ELISABETTA MARINO

Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee’s Twilight of Love:  A Monumental Tapestry of Human Experience

PROFESSOR ELELISABETTA MARINO 

Book Title: Twilight of Love (Silhouette: A Collection of 100 Short and Long Stories)

Author: Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee

Publisher: Partridge Publishing, Singapore

Publishing Year: November 2025

ISBN: 978-1-5437-8519-7

Pages: 566

In Twilight of Love (Silhouette: A Collection of 100 Short and Long Stories), published by Partridge Publishing in November 2025, Dr Ratan Bhattacharjee offers an especially wide-ranging and valuable contribution to both contemporary Indian English and world literature. The 566-page anthology consists of 100 stories which vary in length, tone and richness of theme and demonstrates how the author has the ability to navigate emotional landscapes from the very private to the very philosophical. We learn from these 100 stories that they represent not only a collection of fictional pieces but instead a true ecological system of literature based on life experiences, historical awareness, moral investigation, spiritual contemplation, and an overwhelming sense of compassion for mankind. As a noted scholar, multilingual columnist, poet, fiction writer and former Affiliate Faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University (and a cherished colleague), Dr Bhattacharjee brings with him to this anthology more than 20 years of teaching experience and academic wisdom that help shape the thematic structure and narrative artistry of the collection. Twilight of Love is a continuation of Dr Bhattacharjee’s previous outstanding book, Six Feet Distance (AuthorHouse, USA, 2023) which received high praise as one of the best literary works to arise from the pandemic era solidifying him as a member of the current wave of cutting-edge literary stars.

A key feature of Twilight of Love is the way that it uses imagery seductively. For example, in "Pink Sunset" and "Love in Golconda Fort" you will see two of the most beautifully composed stories in this collection. In "Pink Sunset" the author uses Imagery as an artistic tool to elevate the narrative to a level of beauty and artistry that can only be described as lyrical. In ‘Pink Sunset’, lines such as “Fatehpur Sikri – always a promise, never a presence,” and “Fatehpur Sikri rose from the ground like an archaic epic,” create a high-emotional feeling, transforming a historical landscape (which I was also able to experience) into an emotional, memory-laden, and longed-for symbolic Space. The description of a character “smiling like a man who has just discovered eternity” illustrates the author’s ability to see things on many levels, metaphysically speaking. You can view the development of the story as a slowly painted Watercolor at twilight, and the muted colors represent the deeper levels of emotional complexity. This is not simply telling stories; it is sensory literature, a writing style that makes you feel like you are in a place where the Past lives through the Present via the music of words

Similarly, "Love in Golconda Fort" is an ode to temporal and architectural majesty. When Dr.Bhattacharjee writes, “Golconda stood like a sentinel of time—its ramparts weathered, its arches echoing centuries,” he breathes life into stone. Descriptions such as “This place feels like a library of souls” lift the narrative beyond a love story into a contemplation of heritage, permanence, and the silent witnessing performed by historical spaces. The fort becomes not merely a setting but a character, custodian of countless human tales. Dr. Bhattacharjee’s narrative technique here fuses romanticism with historical sensibility, offering readers a richly textured experience that blends archaeological grandeur with emotional intimacy

Beyond aesthetic beauty, Twilight of Love is an exploration of faith, divinity, and spiritual continuity beyond boundaries. Stories such as Miracles of Kailash bear testimony to the author’s deep engagement with the metaphysical. Reminiscent of the tragic Kedarnath deluge of 2013, the story evokes not simply natural calamity but the resilience of faith amid devastation. 

The narrative does not sensationalize tragedy; instead, it illuminates how divine presence, humility, and hope anchor human endurance.Dr.Bhattacharjee’s portrayal of pilgrimage, belief, and the inscrutable workings of the cosmos reflects a worldview rooted in spiritual ethics and cultural memory.

 In  ‘Challenges From the Prey’, the author turns to the ecological world with a keen observational lens.The protagonist Deepak, a zoologist, is drawn towards the Royal Bengal Tiger not out of bravado but scholarly fascination. His journey to the Sundarbans becomes a meditation on human-animal relationships, ecological respect, and the flawed narratives that often demonize wildlife. Deepak’s conclusion that tigers are not natural man-eaters echoes Jim Corbett’s nuanced understanding of these magnificent creatures. The story is layered with environmental consciousness, scientific insight, and moral reflection—a reminder that literature can serve as a bridge between ecological realities and human ethics. 

In ‘The Mystery of Fatehpur Sikri’, Bhattacharjee demonstrates his expertise in both history and architecture through his intricate depictions of Mughal architecture, as well as through the author’s stylized writing. The early sections of the book provide a rich description of the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri, while also providing a travel story about the author’s travels to India. As time passes and events play out, the plot takes a thriller-like turn when the story of the author and a fellow tourist assimilates into the mystery of a missing tour guide. This transforms the originally educational tour into a compelling narrative that unites a newlywed couple, imbuing the story with both romantic and dramatic elements.Similarly, in the Shillong story, the conflict and tension arise out of a husband's disappearance. The detective’s suspicion of kidnapping is present, as is the lack of closure on any individual character's fate at the end of the book. These two examples of ambiguity allow readers to draw their conclusions based on their experiences and to trust the reader's ability to interpret the story, rather than having to rely on a single, prescribed interpretation.

Themes of love, sacrifice, and moral choice are woven delicately throughout the collection. In Disguise, the author reveals the emotional truth that love outweighs material possessions. The story’s emotional core rests in subtle gestures, unspoken attachments, and sacrifices that reaffirm the human need for acceptance over affluence. In contrast, ‘One Diwali Night’ highlights communal bravery through an account of how villagers thwart a terrorist attack. The narrative, simple in structure yet powerful in impact, foregrounds collective courage and the instinctual solidarity that binds rural communities. Dr. Bhattacharjee also addresses systemic injustices with a resolute voice.’ The Bell Tolls For Them’ is one of the most socially charged narratives in the anthology, exploring themes of dowry, alcoholism, corruption, and judicial delay. Hari Mahato and his daughter endure years of wrongful imprisonment due to the collusion of greed and power. Yet the story’s arc bends toward justice, enabled by a young lawyer’s dedication. The tale resonates with the belief that truth, though buried, eventually resurfaces. This narrative reflects the author’s deep concern for societal ethics and the common people who often suffer in silence.

Interpersonal relationships form another major thematic axis in the collection, particularly the corrosive effects of envy. ‘The Jealous Singer’ is a moving portrayal of how professional rivalry erodes deep friendship. Two talented singers, once bonded by music and affection, drift apart due to jealousy’s silent poison. The story’s poignant resolution, encapsulated in Arindam’s line, “If jealousy kills love, let love forgive jealousy,” signals the author’s belief in forgiveness as a moral imperative and a path to emotional liberation. Loneliness as an existential condition appears prominently in stories such as ‘Terribly Alone’, where the emotional void experienced by parents when children leave home is portrayed with exquisite sensitivity. The story becomes a meditation on the silent ache that accompanies aging, change, and the shifting architectures of family. Dr. Bhattacharjee’s depiction of loneliness is neither melodramatic nor bleak; it is reflective, acknowledging the ache while honoring its universality.

A different form of disillusionment shapes ‘Elusive Peace’, which charts actress Seema’s journey from hopeful starlet to forgotten figure. Discovered by a director for her innocent and fiery eyes, Seema enters Mumbai’s film world with aspirations of becoming “The New Star of Indian Cinema.” Yet betrayal and abandonment shatter her dreams, forcing her into menial jobs for survival. Her realization—“Fame is noise, peace is music”—captures the hollowness of stardom and the inner quietude necessary for spiritual well-being.The story critiques the glamour industry without resorting to cynicism, focusing instead on personal awakening and emotional healing.

Stories such as’ The Brave Come Back’ delve into conflicts between personal passions and societal expectations, especially in choosing between science and literature—disciplines often framed in opposition though both demand curiosity and imagination. Bhattacharjee addresses this dilemma with empathy, illustrating how scientific rationality and creative expression enrich rather than contradict each other. Communal harmony, one of the most significant sociocultural concerns of contemporary India, is addressed with perceptive nuance in ‘The Bridge of Faith’.. Set in Dhansiri, the narrative examines how tensions between Hindus and Muslims emerge over the proposed expansion of a mosque. What begins as bitterness and division ultimately evolves into mutual understanding and reconciliation when a school—the Bridge of Faith—is built for children of both communities. This transformation rests on the author’s conviction that shared education fosters unity

Dr. Bhattacharjee refuses simplistic portrayals of communal conflict; instead, he emphasizes the complex negotiations, shared histories, and compassionate dialogues that sustain social harmony.

Twilight of Love showcases a breadth of thematic content, which is among its greatest strengths. The range of themes includes mythology, nature/environment, romance, spiritualty, social realism, psychological nuance, historical remembrance, adventure. Unlike other anthologies, the stories in this book are held together by several recurring motifs: twilight as a metaphor for transformation; remembrance as a place of truth; love as an entity of connection; and faith as a source of direction.The term “twilight”" in the book’s title is meant to denote liminal space: the place where endings meet beginnings; where the visible and the invisible coexist; where experiences of the human condition have an element of light. The writing style present in this collection is marked by clarity, restraint, and elegance, and reflects academic sensibilities.The author, Bhattacharjee, uses rhythm in his writing to create intentional flow, much of it created through metaphor; however, he consistently grounds his work in reality. The purpose of dialogue within the stories is to draw out insight and understanding rather than drama. Descriptive passages include sensory and emotional resonance.

The way that Dr. Bhattacharjee paces the narrative allows for the gradual unfolding of each theme, affording the reader time to consider all of the ethical, cultural, and emotional implications embedded within the narrative. The majority of the stories are based in geographical areas that have historical significance—examples include Fatehpur Sikri, Golconda Fort, Sundarbans, Kedarnath, Shillong—and thus, represent both geographical context and social-historical context for the emotional trajectory of the characters. From a scholarly perspective, Twilight of Love may be situated within the broader tradition of Indian short fiction that foregrounds ethical humanism and pluralistic consciousness. Like R.K. Narayan, Bhattacharjee often builds narratives around ordinary individuals confronting moral dilemmas. Like Ruskin Bond, he invests landscapes with emotional significance. Yet his voice remains distinct—rooted in spiritual reflection, literary erudition, and a profound empathy for human frailty and resilience. The stories collectively highlight how literature can illuminate cultural coexistence, interpersonal understanding, and the ethical contours of everyday life.The collection’s significance lies not merely in its literary craftsmanship but in its philosophical commitment to compassion.

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s characters, regardless of background or circumstance, are grounded in the idea that human dignity emerges from empathy, courage, forgiveness, and faith. Whether confronting natural disaster, social injustice, personal loss, or spiritual yearning, they embody the belief that moral clarity and emotional depth remain the guiding lights of human existence.Thus, Twilight of Love stands as a monumental testament to storytelling as an ethical and cultural practice. It offers readers a vast emotional landscape—sometimes serene, sometimes turbulent, but always reflective of the complexities and beauties of human life. The anthology invites contemplation, encourages empathy, and reasserts the timeless relevance of ethical humanism in a fragmented world. Through its intricate depictions of love, loss, faith, memory, and coexistence, it positions itself as a lasting contribution to contemporary Indian literature—a work that both scholars and general readers can return to for insight, solace, support, and inspiration.

About the Reviewer:

Professor Elisabetta Marino, is a professor of English Literature at the University of Rome Tor Vergata