Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree becomes the first Hindi Language Work Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize
The Novel ‘Tomb of Sand’ written by Geetanjali Shree and translated to English by Daisy Rockwell is one among the 13 books shortlisted for this year’s International Booker Prize. And this Tomb of Sand becomes the first Hindi Language work that is shortlisted for the Booker Prize Awards.
The Novel Tomb of Sand written by short story writer and novelist, Geetanjali Shree is one among the 13 books shortlisted for this year’s International Booker Prize. And by this Tomb of Sand becomes the first Hindi Language work that is shortlisted for the Booker Prize Awards.
Originally published as ‘Ret Samadhi’ in 2018, Tomb of Sand was translated to English by Daisy Rockwell, a US-based writer and translator. “Tomb of Sand is a rich, beautiful, experimental work. It was an honour to work with Geetanjali Shree to create the English translation. I am beyond thrilled that the International Booker Prize jury has chosen our book for the long list,” Rockwell said in a statement.
Tomb of Sand follows an 80-year-old woman who travels to Pakistan after the death of her husband “confronting the unresolved trauma of her teenage experiences of Partition and re-evaluating what it means to be a mother, daughter, a woman, a feminist”. The book is set to be released on 22 March 2022.
Tomb of Sand was described by the judges as “an urgent yet engaging protest against the destructive impact of borders, whether between religions, countries or genders.” They added that “Daisy Rockwell’s spirited translation rises admirably to the complexity of the text, which is full of wordplay and verve. A loud and irresistible novel.”
If ‘Tomb of Sand’ wins, the author and the translator will split the prize money of GBP 50,000 equally. According to an Indian Express report, discussing her nomination in the Booker longlist, Geetanjali Shree said, “Writing is its own reward. But getting recognition as special as from Booker is a wonderful bonus. The fact that there is much that is dismal all around in the world today, adds to the value of positive vibes in fields like literature. Stands out in my heart.”
-Staff Reporter
