A collection of nine short stories blending horror, sci-fi, and the supernatural, these tales explore themes of technological advancement, existential dread, and human vulnerability in both dystopian and near-future settings. Standout stories like "খরগোশকে মারো," "রুকিতা," and "অরোরাল্যান্ড" use unsettling scenarios and speculative concepts to question reality, identity, and the consequences of progress.
This book is a collection of nine short stories blending horror, science fiction, and elements of the supernatural, written in Bengali by Masudul Haque and published in early 2025. The stories are set in various futuristic and speculative contexts, often exploring themes of technology, dystopia, and existential unease. Notable stories mentioned by readers include 'খরগোশকে মারো', 'পারফেক্ট কেক', 'রুকিতা', 'সাইকোপ্যাথ', and the longest story, 'অরোরাল্যান্ড', which expands on a narrative from the author's previous work 'ডায়াসপোরা ব্লুস'. The collection is compared by several readers to the animated anthology series 'Love, Death & Robots', with stories that evoke feelings of helplessness and anxiety rather than traditional horror. The book has received an average rating of 3.46 out of 5 from 50 ratings and 20 full reviews.
Readers appreciated the book's diverse range of stories and the blending of horror and science fiction elements. Several reviewers highlighted specific stories as favorites, such as 'খরগোশকে মারো', 'পারফেক্ট কেক', 'রুকিতা', 'সাইকোপ্যাথ', and 'পাখিপ্রেমী'. The futuristic settings and the way the stories provoke thought about technology, loneliness, and obsession were noted positively. Some readers enjoyed the emotional impact of the endings and the way the stories prompt reflection on human behavior and society. The cover design and the inclusion of tributes to other Bengali literary figures in certain stories were also mentioned as positive aspects.
Criticisms focused on the perceived inconsistency in story quality and execution. Multiple reviewers felt that only a few stories stood out, while the rest were described as average or below average. The story 'অরোরাল্যান্ড', despite being the longest and most ambitious, was frequently cited as unsatisfying due to its rushed conclusion and unresolved questions. Some readers expressed disappointment compared to the author's previous works, citing weaker plots and endings in this collection. There were also comments about unnecessary page usage at the beginning of the book and a desire for more substantial story lengths throughout the collection.
The book is positioned within the horror-sci-fi genre but is noted for not relying on typical science fiction tropes such as simulations, alternate realities, or robots, instead offering a different take on speculative fiction. The collection is accessible to both new and experienced readers of the genre, though those familiar with similar works may find fewer surprises. The stories often evoke a sense of unease and contemplation rather than straightforward fear. The book's structure, with a mix of short and longer stories, and its connections to the author's earlier works, are recurring points in reader feedback.