KATHMANDU: It was a different kind of book launch as Quixote’s Cove and The Printhouse celebrated the release of The Country is Yours: Contemporary Nepali Literature by Manjushree Thapa at Alliance Francaise on October 9. The book is an anthology works translated by Thapa from Nepali and other regional languages into English of 49 different

contemporary writers and poets.

Thapa talked about how she felt the need to seek out contemporary Nepali literature when she was reading translations of foreign writers only. It was with the

encouragement of poet Manjul and others that she was introduced to Nepali literature and American poet Wayne Amtzis that she began to translate.

“It is mostly works of writers of our era, by which I mean 1990 and after,” she said. “It is such a beautiful book and it is an all Nepali effort, with the original writing, translating, editing, printing and production all coming from Nepal. It is a book we can all be proud of.”

Some of the eminent poets whose works have been included in the book read out their poems. Bairagi Kainla, Bimal Nibha, Manju Kanchuli, Shrawan Mukarung, Ahuti and Pratap Bal Tamang presented their poems and the translations were read out by Thapa. Poems by late Mohan Koirala and late Dr Dhirendra were also read by Thapa.

A slide show of the portraits of the writers included in the book by photographer Kumar Ale was also held. There was also a presentation by Ashmina Ranjit based on the theme of the book. The music for the performance was given by Biju Bajra while the words were penned by Viplob Pratik.

Royalties from the book was presented given to Down’s Syndrome Association Nepal. The book has been published by The Printhouse.