European Authors Find New perspectives at Jaipur Literature Festival
The 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival celebrated the vibrant tapestry of European literature, showcasing its diversity and shedding light on the experiences of authors from different corners of the continent. The festival, deeply committed to fostering global literary exchange, partnered with the European Union to highlight this multifaceted literary landscape.
Ambassador Delphin, representing the European Union, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “For the EU, partnering with the Jaipur Literature Festival is not only about celebrating a shared love of literature with India—it’s about sparking conversations that impact society, fostering creativity, and strengthening our cultural ties,” he noted.
A Portuguese Author’s Journey
Gabriela Ruivo, the Portuguese author and translator, who is based in the UK and won the 2023 European Union Prize for Literature, shared her inspiring journey as a writer. “I have always written,but I never considered myself a writer until I won the prize,” she confessed. Moving to the UK presented both challenges and opportunities for her literary career.
“Being away gives you a different perspective on your own country and the world,” Ruivo reflected, adding that this distance allows for a deeper understanding of both her own culture and the global literary landscape. Her award-winning novel, inspired by her family’s stories, was a testament to this enriching perspective. It took four years of dedicated work to bring her story to life.
Ruivo also highlighted the need for greater depiction of Portuguese literature in global translations, especially in India. “Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages, yet our literature isn’t widely known,” she observed, recognizing the lack of coordinated efforts among Portuguese-speaking nations as a contributing factor.
To bridge this gap, Ruivo actively promotes Portuguese literature by running an online book club that translates and shares Portuguese works in english. “We aim to bridge this gap and share our literary richness with the world,” she emphasized.
Cross-Cultural Reflections
German Book Prize winner Tonio Schachinger, Austrian author born in New Delhi, offered a unique perspective on the reception of his work in different countries. His book enjoyed important success in germany after winning the prestigious German Book Prize, but he noted a more reserved approach in Austria. “In Austria, successful authors first gain recognition abroad before being accepted at home,” he observed.
Swiss writer Peter Stamm, renowned for his explorations of universal emotions, emphasized the power of literature to transcend cultural boundaries. “There is a basic understanding of emotions everywhere, but certain themes take on new significance depending on the region,” he said, citing his novel on illegal immigration, which resonated deeply in Mexico but received a muted response in Germany.
Stamm acknowledged the challenges faced by German literature in breaking into the English market, despite occasional recognition thru awards like the International Booker Prize. He also noted that his Swiss identity leads to greater readership in Germany compared to Austria, “Austrians are deeply engaged with their own literature and frequently enough look more towards Eastern Europe.”
Polish Literature Takes Center Stage
The 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival also featured three prominent Polish authors: Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Olga Drenda, and Agnieszka Iskra. Their presence enriched the festival with a distinctive Eastern European flavor,deepening the literary dialogue between Poland and India,two nations with a rich heritage of storytelling.
Crime fiction master Zygmunt Miłoszewski,known for his gripping “Prosecutor Szacki” trilogy,shared insights into his writing process,research methods,and the solitary nature of his craft.
The Jaipur Literature Festival continues to be a powerful platform for celebrating the world’s literary diversity, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring new voices. Thes European authors, with their diverse experiences and perspectives, have enriched the literary tapestry of the festival, leaving audiences with a deeper recognition for the power of storytelling to connect us all.
Exploring Polish Literature at the Jaipur Literature Festival
The Jaipur Literature Festival, a renowned global gathering of literary minds, once again provided a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. This year, Poland made a significant contribution, showcasing the depth and diversity of its literary landscape through the participation of three prominent figures: Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Olga Drenda, and Agnieszka Iskra.
A Master of Suspense and Self-Reflection
Zygmunt Miłoszewski, a celebrated Polish crime fiction writer, captivated audiences with his gripping tales of suspense and intricate plots. During his panel discussions, he reflected on the unique challenges and rewards of being a writer.“Being a writer means you are really alone,” he acknowledged. “You don’t have colleagues to share coffee with at the office. You want to believe that what you are doing has some sense.”
Despite the inherent solitude of the writing process, Miłoszewski found immense gratification in connecting with readers from around the world. These interactions provided him with validation and encouragement, solidifying his belief in the power of literature to transcend borders.
unveiling the Layers of Modernity and Nostalgia
Olga Drenda, a renowned writer, essayist, translator, and cultural anthropologist, offered a multifaceted perspective on contemporary Polish life. Her insightful observations on nostalgia, modernity, and the everyday intricacies of human experience resonated deeply with attendees.
As a translator for a book on the legendary Polish train EN57, Drenda spoke about the unique challenges of “operating between different modes of language, from factory workers to graffiti artists.” She highlighted her own work, which explores deeply rooted Polish themes, but believes her book “Wyroby” might resonate globally.“It explores a pan-human spirit of ingenuity, much like the Indian concept of jugaad,” she explained.
Shaping Literary Horizons: Innovation and Internationalism
Agnieszka Iskra, a seasoned professional with a background in sociology and media innovation, provided valuable insights into the future of publishing. Her expertise in navigating the evolving landscape of digital transformations and autonomous journalism resonated strongly with Indian audiences.
Iskra’s participation in discussions about the future of publishing shed light on how literary traditions are adapting to the dynamic forces shaping the global narrative.
A Bridge Between Cultures
The Polish Institute’s Director, Malgorzata Wejsis-Gołebiak, expressed her enthusiasm about the festival’s success in fostering cultural exchange: “The Jaipur Literature Festival once again proved to be a remarkable platform for cultural exchange, bringing together literary voices from around the world. We were honored to showcase the richness of polish literature through the participation of Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Olga Drenda, and Agnieszka Iskra.Their diverse perspectives—spanning crime fiction, cultural anthropology, and media innovation—sparked engaging discussions and deepened the dialogue between Poland and India. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.”
The presence of these Polish literary figures at the Jaipur Literature Festival served as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect cultures, inspire dialogue, and broaden our understanding of the world around us.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing the publishing industry today?
Exploring Polish Literature at the Jaipur Literature Festival
The Jaipur Literature Festival,a renowned global gathering of literary minds,once again provided a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. This year, Poland made a importent contribution, showcasing the depth and diversity of its literary landscape through the participation of three prominent figures: Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Olga Drenda, and Agnieszka iskra.We had the chance to sit down with these talented authors and delve deeper into their works and experiences.
Zygmunt Miłoszewski: Unveiling the Gripping World of Crime Fiction
Q: Your “Prosecutor Szacki” trilogy has captivated readers with its intricate plots and gripping suspense. What draws you to the crime fiction genre?
Zygmunt Miłoszewski: I’m fascinated by the psychology of crime, by the questions it raises about morality, justice, and the human condition. Crime fiction allows me to explore these themes in a compelling and thought-provoking way.
Q: Many of your novels delve into the darker aspects of Polish society. What message do you hope to convey through your work?
Zygmunt Miłoszewski: I believe that great literature should hold a mirror up to society, reflecting both its beauty and its flaws. By exposing the shadows, I hope to encourage dialogue and a deeper understanding of the complexities facing our country and the world.
Olga Drenda: Reflecting on Nostalgia, Modernity, and the Everyday
Q: Your work frequently enough explores themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. what significance does the past hold for you as a writer?
Olga drenda: The past shapes who we are and influences how we perceive the present. By exploring memories and lost worlds, I hope to capture the ephemeral nature of time and the enduring power of human experience.
Q: Your background as a translator has influenced your writing.How does that experience shape your approach to language and storytelling?
Olga Drenda: Translating has taught me the incredible nuances of language and the power of words to bridge cultures. I strive to use language in a way that is both evocative and accessible to a wide audience.
Agnieszka Iskra: Shaping the Future of Publishing
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the publishing industry today?
agnieszka Iskra: The digital revolution has transformed the way we consume and create content. Publishers need to embrace innovation and find new ways to connect with readers in a rapidly changing landscape.
Q: What role can literature play in fostering cultural understanding and dialogue in our increasingly interconnected world?**
Agnieszka Iskra:
Literature has the power to transport us to different worlds, to expose us to new ideas and perspectives. By sharing stories, we can build bridges between cultures and create a more inclusive and understanding world.
The presence of these Polish literary figures at the Jaipur Literature Festival served as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect cultures, inspire dialogue, and broaden our understanding of the world around us.
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