In this interview, novelist Johary Ravaloson tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative for #MadagascarLitMonth about his novel Return to the Enchanted Island, translated into English by Allison M. Charette, why did he write the book, how long did it take to write it, surprises he came across while writing … Continue reading #MadagascarLitMonth: Johary Ravaloson interviewed by Abhay K.
Kabary: Traditional Malagasy Speech
Kabary is a highly stylized form of speech delivered in a loud voice in a public gathering which has been a vital part of Malagasy culture for centuries. The Malagasy word 'Kabary' comes from the Arab word 'Kabar' which means a way of thinking. It has to be accompanied by proverbs (Ohabolana) and sayings so … Continue reading Kabary: Traditional Malagasy Speech
Naivo, the first Malagasy novelist published in English, interviewed by Abhay K.
In this interview writer Naivo tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative's #MadagascarLitMonth about his book Beyond the Rice Fields, the first Malagasy novel ever translated into English. why he wrote the book, what were his challenges in writing it, and his favourite Malagasy writers. Beyond the Rice Fields, by … Continue reading Naivo, the first Malagasy novelist published in English, interviewed by Abhay K.
Ohabolana: Malagasy Proverbs
Ohabolana or Malagasy proverbs show the wit and wisdom of the Malagasy people distilled from the rich experience of living. There are hundreds of Malagasy proverbs and sayings. I have selected a few which impressed me the most. Hope you too will find these proverbs enlightening and imbibe the wisdom they offer to live better … Continue reading Ohabolana: Malagasy Proverbs
Allison M. Charette interviewed by Abhay K.
In this interview translator Allison M. Charette tells Abhay K., the guest editor of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative for #MadagascarLitMonth about the books of Malagasy authors she has translated so far, why did she choose to translate them, challenges in translating the books and her future translation projects. Abhay K.- Tell us about the … Continue reading Allison M. Charette interviewed by Abhay K.
Poet-diplomat Abhay K. celebrates #MadagascarLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative is thrilled to welcome an exciting guest editor for December 2021, Abhay K., who is a poet and diplomat in the tradition of Pablo Neruda and Octavia Paz. With only 12 possible spots available throughout the year, Ambassador Abhay K.’s selection as a guest editor for Global Literature in Libraries … Continue reading Poet-diplomat Abhay K. celebrates #MadagascarLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative
#WITMonth-that’s a wrap!
It has been a joy and honor to have been the Guest Editor for #WITMonth for the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative blog. I hope you have enjoyed the 26 books I have chosen as much as I have choosing them. I started this my book project two and a half years ago not knowing … Continue reading #WITMonth-that’s a wrap!
Day 24: 🇲🇰 A Spare Life
In a Nutshell: A coming-of-age epic from Two Lines Press, a publisher of translations. It is 1984 and twins, Zlata and Srebra, live in communist Yugoslavia, their bodies are conjoined at the head. The novel spans from their impoverished childhood in Skopje to 2012 Skopje with some time spent in London. I completely escaped into … Continue reading Day 24: 🇲🇰 A Spare Life
Day 23: 🇲🇺 Silence of the Chagos
In a Nutshell: What a gem of a book this is. It tells the story of Charlesia and Désiré, both from the island of Diego García. It is also about the plight of the Chagossian people, expelled from their archipelago to enable the United States to build one of their main military bases. The book … Continue reading Day 23: 🇲🇺 Silence of the Chagos
Day 22: 🇨🇴 Holiday Heart
I read this in an evening and a half. What a treat.Robayo’s prose is cutting, sardonic, precise and witty, brilliantly translated by Charlotte Coombe. In a Nutshell: Lucía and Pablo are a married couple, originally from Colombia they now live in the USA with their twins, Rosa and Tomás. We meet the family just as … Continue reading Day 22: 🇨🇴 Holiday Heart
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 