'First Light' could also be a good choice. Although it has depth, the basic plot and the relationships between the characters are presented in a clear manner. Beginners can get a taste of his unique way of storytelling and his exploration of the human condition.
One of his well - known novels is 'Those Days'. It beautifully depicts the social and cultural scenario of a bygone era in Bengal. The characters are vividly portrayed and the narrative takes the readers on a journey through time.
One of his well - known short stories is 'The River of Lost Footsteps'. It's a story that beautifully weaves together themes of memory and change. Another great one is 'The City of Shadows' which has a very atmospheric and mysterious setting.
One of his well - known romantic novels is 'Those Days'. It beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era and the love stories within it.
His romantic novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, in many of his works, the setting of Kolkata is vividly described, and this backdrop enhances the romantic elements. The love stories seem to be a part of the very fabric of the city.
Love and loss are common themes. His stories often depict the pain of losing a loved one or the unrequited nature of love.
There is 'The Postmaster'. It tells a poignant story of a postmaster in a small village and his relationship with a young girl. The story is rich in emotions and gives a great insight into rural life as depicted by Narayan Gangopadhyay.
I would recommend 'Christy' by Catherine Marshall. It's a very accessible novel for beginners. The story is easy to follow and it really gives a good sense of how faith can be a part of daily life, especially in a challenging environment like the Appalachian mountains where the main character is teaching.
'Ella Enchanted' could be a good start. It's a fairytale - like story with a romantic plot. Ella is a likable character, and her relationship with the prince is charming. The story has elements of magic and adventure along with the budding romance, which makes it interesting for those new to romantic novels.
I would recommend 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman. It has a great mix of adventure and comedy. The characters are really funny, like Inigo Montoya with his famous line 'You killed my father. Prepare to die.' It's easy to follow and very entertaining.
'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury could also be a good start. Although it's not a typical alien novel, it has elements that can be related to the idea of alienation and the search for something more, like how we might think about searching for alien life or understanding different forms of intelligence.