BEIJING: “Pakistani Literature (Year 1994, Vol.2-3),” part of a collaborative project focused on mutual translation and publication of classic books between China and Pakistan, has garnered significant popularity in China and listed as a good book of Tencent in 2023.
The volume, comprising over 30 short stories carefully selected by the Pakistan Academy of Letters and translated and published by Yilin Publishing House, is the most comprehensive representation of contemporary Pakistani literature.
As an initial outcome of the China-Pakistan Classic Translation and Publication Project, overseen by the Import and Export Administration of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the release of this book plays a crucial role in fostering cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan. Moreover, it caters to the curiosity of Chinese readers seeking a deeper understanding of Pakistani literature.
The collection of thirty original novels spans ten local languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pashto. This diverse selection offers a rich tapestry of styles and themes, providing valuable insights into various facets of Pakistan, such as its history, economy, art, and cultural traditions. The anthology serves as a window into the mosaic of modern Pakistani society, offering glimpses into its past and future, as reported by CEN.
Most of the works within the collection center on the everyday lives of ordinary Pakistanis. The novels feature a range of protagonists, from a bride bringing good luck to her family to a gypsy girl patiently anticipating the blossoming of flowers under a fig tree. Other characters include an artist who breathes life into puppets but ultimately becomes one himself and a painter consumed by an obsession with nature.
Written in a subtle and witty style, the book skillfully conveys the observations and thoughts of contemporary Pakistani writers, significantly enriching the landscape of Pakistani literature.
Liu Guohui, Deputy Secretary General of the Taofen Foundation, praised the work for its authenticity, precise details, and profound portrayal of the psychological states of its protagonists.
“The dialogues in the book are simple, animate, and engaging. The short yet sharp novels profoundly reflect the richness and colorfulness of Pakistani life, the people’s desire for happiness, and the complex ideas and deep insights of Pakistani society. It is a successful collection of translated novels,” said Liu.
—APP
