Set on a Bengali noble's estate in 1908, this novel is both a love story and a tale of political awakening. The central character, Bimala, finds herself torn between the duties owed to her husband, Nikhil, and the demands made by the radical leader, Sandip. Her attempts to resolve the irreconcilable pressures of the home and the world reflect the conflict in India itself, and the tragic outcome foreshadows the unrest that accompanied Partition in 1947.

This edition provides an engaging narrative that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and national identity in a time of political turmoil.