HarperCollins Publishers is proud to announce Hymns in Blood by Nanak Singh, Translated by Navdeep Suri
NEW DELHI: "Nanak Singh's deeply felt novel, written in the immediate aftermath of the Partition of 1947 carries the raw stamp of an intensely felt and lived tragedy which broke apart not only two countries but also hearts, relationships, friendships, homes and trust," said Urvashi Butalia.
"Suri's translation of Singh's stunning classic is a breath of fresh air. The world has never needed this illuminous novel more," said Anjali Enjeti.
"Sensitive and rich, it embodies the spirit of undivided Punjab, and seventy-five years on, serves not only as historical narrative, but also a timely reminder of the consequences of manmade divisions,"said Aanchal Malhotra.
1947, Chakri. An idyllic village on the banks of the Soan near Rawalpindi, surrounded by stalks of golden wheat and festive songs. Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs eagerly await the end of winter and get together to prepare for Lohri. Amidst this joyous bustle, Baba Bhana, the erudite village elder, worries about the future of his foster daughter, Naseem, even as a tender love blossoms between young Naseem and Yusuf, the errant son of the blacksmith.
Life comes to a halt when news of a possible partition of India reaches the village. Amid a frenzy of communal violence, Baba Bhana and his family must reluctantly leave their beloved village. They embark on a long and dangerous journey, slowly coming to terms with the fact that their lives may be changing forever. Khoon de Sohile, first published in February 1948, and now translated for the first time into English, provides a timely reminder of the grief and trauma that a religious divide brings in its wake.
Navdeep Suri, says, "Translating this book gave me a rare insight into the texture of life in a part of rural Punjab that now lies on the other side, a glimpse into its sights and sounds, into its colours and contours. It also revealed the way my grandfather uses his characters and storyline to tell his readers that a commitment to humanity is sacred, while adherence to religious faith is a personal matter. The tide of communal violence that swept through Punjab in 1947 and the havoc wrought upon the hapless Hindu and Sikh communities of the Pothohar was real, but so was the raw courage of some of the Muslim protagonists while trying to save their neighbours. The unshakeable bond between Baba Bhana Shah and Chaudhry Fazal Karim is a deeply emotional balm on the wounds of Partition."
Sohini Basak, Commissioning Editor, says, "Nanak Singh's contribution to Indian literature is immense and we're very pleased to present Hymns in Blood in Navdeep Suri's superb translation. With an forgettable cast of characters and written in beautifully paced prose, this classic Punjabi novel from 1948 will resonate deeply with readers in 2022 and beyond, and also hopefully act as a cautionary tale. This is a story that will add to the richness of Partition literature, and a book that we at HarperCollins are proud to be publishing."
