Looking Through the Splintered Glass

The book is an exhaustive evaluation of the poetry of Pradip Kumar Patra. Although Patra is a man of few words who likes to remain low-profile, his poems are evocative and powerful enough to mesmerize the readers. After having read his poems, a reader develops the most fundamental thinking relating to self, art and the issues surrounding the day-to-day human life. The reader develops the feeling that poetry is not just a cup of tea of a learned few, it is rather participatory unconsciously. Chandrima Sen deftly brings to light the poet's individual growth and development in relation to the phenomena around. In the process of growing up of Patra, time and place play a pivotal role. Nation and region figure prominently in his poetry. Poetry for Patra is something holistic. Needless to say, reading this book is as good as experiencing life fresh and new. The border-line between art and poetry gets erased in Patra's poetry. One savours the life which used to be dull and insipid. It is the 'splintered glass' which forms the kernel of the title of the book responsible for the mystery regarding the poetic philosophy of Patra. Chandrima Sen unravels that for readers for better understanding of Patra's poems.