Reading Shapes Us
The discussion about the significance of reading commenced with insights from Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Barbara Kingsolver. She highlighted
how books served as a window into different lives during her upbringing in a small American town, and how this broadened her perspectives. Kingsolver also expressed her belief that empathy is the remedy to the prevalent division and unkindness in the world. She provided a powerful testament to the role of literature in developing empathy and combating societal issues. Following the publication of her book, she encountered instances of humiliation, abuse, and trolling. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her work as a writer, emphasizing the importance of her identity as a Muslim woman and a human being, underscoring the universal aspects of the human experience.
Words Question Empires
Banu Mushtaq, a writer and International Booker Prize winner, spoke at the 14th edition of the Exide Kolkata Literary Meet, where she emphasized the irreplaceable value of reading in a world plagued by division and anxiety. She contended that literature fosters a practice of deep listening and that a society that prioritizes deep listening is inherently capable of facilitating change. Mushtaq elaborated on how reading promotes patience and resists simplification. She also illustrated how literature facilitates a deeper understanding of the world's complexities. Mushtaq also added how words have always questioned the status quo and reimagined society. It has helped provide shelter for the wounded imagination.
Slow Down, Read
Mushtaq further detailed that in a world marked by speed and spectacle, the act of reading introduces slowness. It allows for the development of patience in an age dominated by instant opinions. Reading encourages the examination of complex issues, avoiding easy answers. It also allows one to acknowledge the intricate nature of the world. Moreover, Mushtaq reflected on her personal experience, sharing her encounters with humiliation, attacks, and trolling due to her writings. Despite these challenges, she maintains a stance of resilience and emphasizes her unwavering commitment to the power of words.
Language, Thought, Alienation
British-American author Jhumpa Lahiri also shared her experience of shifting from writing in English to Italian, indicating her exploration of writing in a new language. She reflected on the relationship between language and thought, sharing her belief that thought and emotion are intertwined. She highlighted the diversity of languages. Lahiri also explored the theme of alienation, viewing it as a prevailing theme in literature, which connects individuals, despite their cultural and linguistic differences. She emphasized that all individuals, irrespective of their background, are, in some sense, outsiders. Lahiri's reflections underscore the universal experience of feeling alienated, which frequently appears in literature.
Women, Patriarchy, Answers
In discussing her collection of short stories, 'Heart Lamp,' which garnered the International Booker Prize, Mushtaq highlighted the challenges faced by women writers. She mentioned how often male writers set standards for female characters. Mushtaq discussed the rights of women and the fight against patriarchy. She mentioned that her female characters challenge the status quo and seek answers. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging both the challenges and the resilience of women. She clarified that her work does not promote hatred towards men, but rather, addresses the societal structures that limit women's autonomy. She wants to question societal norms with her writing.
