Geetanjali Shree’s Novel ‘Tomb Of Sand’ Becomes The First-Ever Indian Language Book To Win International Booker Prize
One of the most prestigious literary awards that are awarded every year to the best book translated into English – the International Booker Prize (not to be confused with the Booker Prize) was recently held in the United Kingdom. And this year, history was written when author Geetanjali Shree’s translated Hindi novel, Tomb of Sand, became the first book written in an Indian language to win the 2022 International Booker Prize.
Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand was first originally published in Hindi as Ret Samadhi and then was translated into English by Daisy Rockwell. Speaking about winning the International Booker Prize, the author said that it was not something she dreamt of and she is honoured as well as humbled by the recognition.
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the #2022InternationalBooker Prize is ‘Tomb of Sand’ by Geetanjali Shree, translated from Hindi to English by @shreedaisy and published by @tiltedaxispress@Terribleman @JeremyTiang @mervatim @VascoDaGappah @VivGroskop pic.twitter.com/TqUTew0Aem
— The Booker Prizes (@TheBookerPrizes) May 26, 2022
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Geetanjali Shree said that she never thought she could ever win the International Booker Prize and now that she has won, she is “amazed”, “delighted”, and “honoured” by the huge recognition she has received for her book – Tomb of Sand.
In her acceptance speech for the International Booker Prize, Geetanjali Shree, “There is a melancholy satisfaction in the award going to it. ‘Ret Samadhi/Tomb of Sand’ is an elegy for the world we inhabit, lasting energy that retains hope in the face of impending doom. The Booker will surely take it to many more people than it would have reached otherwise, that should do the book no harm.”
Also Read: Geetanjali Shree’s Book ‘Tomb Of Sand’ Becomes First Hindi Literary Work To Be On The Booker Prize Shortlist
As per reports, Tomb of Sand was one of the 13 long listed novels which were translated to English from 11 languages and originated from 12 countries across 4 different continents. Now that Geetanjali Shree has won the award, she will be awarded GBP 50,000 which will be evenly split between her and the translator.
Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand, tells a tale of an 80-year-old woman who struggles with deep depression after the death of her husband. With time, she overcomes her depression and makes a decision to visit Pakistan to finally confront the past that she had long left behind during the Partition.
First Published: May 27, 2022 11:31 AM
