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720 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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Created by the literary genius Satyajit Ray, Professor Shonku is primarily an inventor rather than a scientist engaged in a specific field (much like Edison). He is quite a prodigy, having a double honours in Physicss and Chemistry, and being able to fluently converse in 69 languages. Yet the man within is quite like any other middle class erudite Bengali. He lives with his 24 year old cat Newton, and a forgetful man-servant, Prahlad.
With his inventions, he visits many science conferences around the world, or goes out for scientific expeditions, where he gets caught up in mysterious dealings and crimes. With the help of his wit and inventions, and sometimes with the help of his friends Somerset, Saunders and Kroll, he helps to establish the truth. Yet the stories never tend to become preachy. On the contrary, the adventures, and the fast pace makes them complete page-turners.
Each story is written in the form of a diary entry -- the format was such a novelty in Bengali literature at the time of it's publication, that it made the reader actually consider the possibility whether Shonku was indeed a lving person. Prrimarily targeted for young adults, another great aspect of this series is that you can learn so much about the different cultures of the world, which can be really great for a teen, who seeks information along with the thrill of a good story.
It is one of those books which shaped my growing up years and will forever be close to my heart! 5/5 stars!