Geetanjali Shree’s ‘Our City That Year’ Makes the Longlist for the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation

Celebrated Indian author Geetanjali Shree’s novel Our City That Year, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell, has gained recognition by being included in the longlist for the prestigious Warwick Prize for Women in Translation. This marks the 10th annual edition of the award, which carries a prize of £1,000 and aims to highlight the contributions of female authors and translators in the largely male-dominated field of translated literature.

Our City That Year, originally published in Hindi as Hamara Shahar Us Baras in 1998, tells a compelling story that resonates with readers across cultural boundaries. The novel’s inclusion in this year’s longlist of 13 titles underscores its significance and the increasing appreciation for international women’s voices. Daisy Rockwell, who is not new to accolades, previously collaborated with Shree to win the International Booker Prize in 2022 for their work on Tomb of Sand, translated from the Hindi novel Ret Samadhi.

The Warwick Prize, established by the University of Warwick in 2017, seeks to rectify the gender disparity within literary translations and promote female authors from diverse backgrounds. This year, the prize has seen a remarkable turnout with 164 eligible submissions spanning 37 languages, marking the highest number of entries to date. The longlist features a diverse array of literary forms, including fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction, reflecting the rich tapestry of global storytelling.

The judging panel for this edition comprises prominent literary figures such as Arifa Akbar, Véronique Tadjo, and Boyd Tonkin. Their expertise and insight are expected to shine a light on the longlisted titles, which not only represent various languages but also embody unique perspectives from women writers around the world. Other notable entries in the longlist include works from Palestinian, Swedish, and Hungarian authors, showcasing the breadth of women’s literature globally.

As the award ceremony approaches, the spotlight remains on Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell, whose previous win has set high expectations for their current entry. The recognition of Our City That Year not only elevates Shree’s status as an influential voice in Indian literature but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the importance of women’s narratives in the literary canon. With the longlist now announced, readers and literary enthusiasts alike await the final verdict with bated breath.

Source: scroll.in