Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s books have been listed for three awards, including the National Book Awards, set up by the National Book Foundation in the US.
Many magazines and newspapers including the New Yorker have published the long list. Perumal Murugan’s Madhorubhagan — translated into English as One Part Woman by Aniruddhan Vasudevan — has found a place under the category of translated literature. It was only in March 2018, that Grove Atlantic acquired the copyright for the novel in the US, by signing an agreement with Kalachuvadu, the Tamil publisher of the novel.
“2018 marks the inaugural year for the National Book Award in translated literature, which means that all of the authors on the long list are first-time contenders. They have already attracted favourable attention outside of their countries of origin,” The New Yorker said.
Kannan Sundaram of the Kalachuvadu said it was a great achievement, since normally only English books by Indian authors would reach the long and shortlist of international awards. First published in English by Penguin Books, the book stirred controversy for Mr. Murugan, who was forced to shift his base of operations to Chennai. But the controversies also drew attention towards his literary works. “ Madhorubhagan has already been translated into German and will be released in the Frankfurt Book Festival and Perumal Murugan will participate in the event,” Mr. Kannan said.
The novel is also being translated into the Czech language. Another of his novels, Poonachi or The Story of a Black Goat has been listed for the JCB Prize for Literature.
“The prize aims to enhance the prestige of literary achievement in India, and to create greater visibility of contemporary Indian writing,” it said.
Mr. Murugan said he was delighted that Poonachi found a place in the long list. “She [Poonachi, the goat] was a simple ordinary soul. Today, she has received such an honour. Since I foregrounded her, my name too is honoured. I share this joy with her soul,” he said.
Another of his works, Goat Thief, is in the running for the Atta Galatta - Bangalore Literature Festival Book prize.
