Translating Bengali writer Subimal Misra

Translating Bengali writer Subimal Misra


V Ramaswamy
Calcutta
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Dear Friends

I recently began translating the short stories of Subimal Misra, a critically 
acclaimed Bengali writer of India.

Misra (1943 -) has been writing for almost 40 years, and has published his 
writings only in non-commercial publications ("little magazines"). He has 
himself published his books of stories, novels, and essays. He disavows 
copyright (for non-commercial use). There is no price for the books, only a 
contribution of whatever the buyer considers appropriate for this book. If a 
buyer is dissatisfied with the book he can get his money back. 

Misra is the leading anti-establishment figure in contemporary Bengali 
literature, and the father of the experimental novel in Bangla. He is a very 
erudite scholar and cineaste. His writings over the years also move from the 
traditional forms to the completely experimental, the merging of fiction and 
non-fiction, and the very form of the book and even typography are played with.

I believe Debesh Ray, the highly respected Bengali writer had said: "We wait 
for a single line from Subimal Misra."

Critic and writer Mrinal Bose says: "Reading Subimal Misra has always been a 
learning experience for me. Of late Bengali authors are fast disappearing from 
my reading list. But Subimal Misra stays on - with glory intact. His strength 
as a writer is his irreverent and blasphemous voice and his ruthless and 
uncompromising portrayal of our life and times." 

But Subimal Misra's name is hardly known even in the reading public at large in 
Calcutta. His books are not easily available. His stories have appeared only in 
small circulation magazines outside the commercial market.

My translation project has the approval of Misra. I have so far translated 5 
short stories, all from his early writing period (late 60s). I would be happy 
to share these - still in pre-publication draft form - with anyone who is 
interested. I also have the original Bangla transcribed (in Roman / English), 
for those who might want to read the original.

I would be happy to receive feedback, on my translation as well as the stories.

I am also keen to work with talented and imaginative illustrators / graphic 
artists to produce graphic versions of the stories. Possessing a strong visual 
(cinematic) quality, they do appear to lend themselves to such graphic 
treatment. So I invite the interest and collaboration of graphic artists.