Book Review: Nobboi Doshok by Koushik Ranjit

Koushik Ranjit’s Nobboi Doshok (The Nineties) is a reflective and emotionally grounded literary work that revisits one of the most transformative decades in recent social history. Rather than presenting the 1990s as a fixed historical period, the book approaches the decade as a lived experience shaped by memory, emotion, uncertainty, and youthful aspiration. It is both personal and collective in nature, capturing the inner world of a generation that came of age during a time of transition.

The 1990s marked a crucial shift in social, cultural, and political life. It was a period when traditional structures slowly gave way to new influences brought by liberalisation, global media, and changing social values. Nobboi Doshok situates itself within this moment of flux, focusing on how these changes affected everyday life. The book does not rely on dramatic historical events alone; instead, it explores the subtle ways in which time reshaped relationships, ambitions, and identities.

One of the defining qualities of the book is its strong sense of nostalgia, carefully balanced with realism. Ranjit recalls college life, friendships, cultural discussions, and intellectual curiosity with warmth and intimacy. Yet the nostalgia never becomes excessive or idealised. Alongside moments of joy and hope, the author acknowledges confusion, frustration, and the emotional weight of unmet expectations. This balance gives the narrative credibility and emotional depth, allowing readers to trust the honesty of the reflection.

The book places significant emphasis on youth and political awareness. Student politics, ideological debates, protests, and collective dreams form an important backdrop to the narrative. For many young people of the nineties, politics was not distant or abstract. It was deeply personal and intertwined with identity. Ranjit reflects on this engagement thoughtfully, showing both the passion it inspired and the eventual disillusionment that followed. This nuanced treatment prevents the book from becoming either nostalgic propaganda or cynical commentary.

Ranjit’s writing style is simple, fluid, and sincere. He avoids heavy literary ornamentation, choosing instead a conversational tone that feels intimate and accessible. This stylistic choice strengthens the book’s emotional impact, making readers feel as though they are listening to a personal recollection rather than reading a formal historical account. The clarity of language also ensures that the book remains engaging for a wide audience, including readers unfamiliar with the specific cultural context of the decade.

While Nobboi Doshok will resonate most strongly with readers who grew up during the 1990s, its appeal is not limited to them. Younger readers can approach the book as a window into a pre-digital era, one where communication was slower, relationships were shaped by physical presence, and introspection played a larger role in daily life. In this sense, the book also serves as a quiet commentary on how time, technology, and social rhythm have changed.

At its core, Nobboi Doshok is a meditation on memory and generational identity. It reminds readers that personal stories are inseparable from the times in which they unfold. Koushik Ranjit does not attempt to define the nineties in absolute terms. Instead, he allows its contradictions to remain visible. This openness is what gives the book its lasting value.

Overall, Nobboi Doshok stands as a thoughtful and emotionally resonant work that captures the spirit of a generation in transition. It is not merely a book about the past, but a reflective lens through which the present can also be understood.