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February 05, 2007
Generation - I
This was an interesting commentary by German writer, Claudia Kramatschek, who points out the next wave of Indian writers in English are not the same “spice and curry” types who had to churn out the exotic creations as “cultural ambassadors,” introducing India to a global audience. The running themes among the new writers are the issues of identity and the power they have in defining themselves as writers and as Indians.
She highlights Sarnath Banerjee’s “Corridor,” which is a graphic novel published by Penguin Books India about young urbanites between Delhi and Calcutta.
“We want to rediscover our own voices," says Banerjee, "which means telling the stories of our own lives. Definitely not tales of three generations, of cinnamon and papaya in little gardens in Tamil Nadu.”
There’s also Chetan Bhagat’s “One Night @ the Call Center,” which takes the pulse of a young generation with a lifestyle that fits neither here nor there, but is all its own. This is a generation with more disposable income, more sexual freedom and a greater awareness of the changes happening in the world, as they bring the change directly to India.
Another writer she mentioned was Samit Basu, who explores the genre of fantasy with his novel, “Simoqin Prophesies.” His novel weaves Indian and Greek epics, comics, spy novels and imagination.
There’s definitely more freedom and confidence among the young writers in India as they step away from the tradition. They don't seek to be literary greats like Rushdie or Roy, but want to bring the spotlight onto what is happening now.
Posted by Ashini J. Desai at February 5, 2007 09:18 PM
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Posted by: Anonymous at February 5, 2007 09:18 PM
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