Rebati : the story in multiple translations

by Fakir Mohan Senapati

Rebati, the famous Oriya short story by Fakir Mohan Senapati, is considered as the first Oriya modern short story.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

Fakir Mohan Senapati (Odia: ଫକୀର ମୋହନ ସେନାପତି), often referred to as Utkala Byasa Kabi (Odisha's Vyasa), was an Indian writer, poet, philosopher and social reformer. He played a leading role in establishing the distinct identity of Odia, a language mainly spoken in the Indian state of Odisha. Fakirmohan Senapati is regarded as the father of Odia nationalism and modern Odia literature.
(courtesy: wiki)

Reviews

[Kadbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story translated by Oriya on the female right to education and the problems faced.

Loved it. Also can I just BURN the grandmother in a pit?

[Tavleen Kaur (Travelling Through Words) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebati by Fakir Mohan Senapati is a short story that was originally written in Odia. The story addresses the caste and class system in India, the treatment of the girl child, and the denial of education to her. The writing style of the story deserves special mention as well as the character of the cruel grandmother who's words that ended the story still echo in my mind.

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[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even the old hag's death at the end doesn't make up for her sickening character.

[Ami 乁⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠o⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠ㄏ (written by Jane Austen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story which to most modern readers like myself might seem a little pointless for it has no internal message. It is, in fact, the depiction of the reality certain classes of people face. Rebati is the story of a young girl who was born, it would seem, to face the atrocities of a cruel world.

While the translation was a bit iffy to read and the author's way of writing is particularly detached and emotionless, I still found the flow pretty well and while it was no thrilling page-turner, it was certainly impactful in showcasing lives, most of us middle-class privileged people could not fathom to understand.

It was one of those reads that would stay with you as a gruesome reminder.

[Vaibhavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebati and her story is just awesome and inspiring. A must read for all.

[Sunanda Behera · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is very good

[Anjali Singh]

Heartwrenching