KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 3

Nepalaya, a book publication house in Kathmandu, released Prajwal Parajuly's second book 'Chitralekha Ko Chaurasi' amid a special ceremony on Saturday.

In a statement, Nepalaya said the author handed over the book to prominent litterateur Narayan Wagle as its official launch. This is the translated version of the novel 'Land Where I Flee'. Bivu Luitel translated the novel.

On the occasion, the author said that the book portrays the suffering of family members who have come together from across the world to celebrate their grandma's chaurasi pooja, a religious function organised once one approaches the age of 84. 'I find the title of the translated Nepali version more suitable than the original English one,' Parajuly shared.

'I had already read the English version of this novel, ' said writer Saguna Shah while reviewing the book during the launch, adding, 'The characters and circumstances have added extra flavour in the artistically translated Nepali version.'

Parajuly's pioneer book 'The Gurkha's Daughter' was nominated for Dylan Thomas Prize upon its release from England in 2012. Since then, Parajuly also served as a jury member of the prestigious award in 2018 and 2023.

Later in 2015, Nepalaya released the Nepali version of that book, titled 'Gorkha Ki Chhori'.

Land Where I Flee is drawing positive feedback from critics. Some of the leading newspapers around the world have even awarded it 'Book of the Year' title, reads the statement.

According to Nepalaya, the book containing 388 pages is priced Rs 875 and is available on amazon.com for worldwide readers. In Nepal, one can buy it from thuprai.com also.

Prajwal Parajuly is a Sikkim-based writer whose works focus on Nepali-speaking people and their culture.