The 2nd South Asia International Book Fair, held at Kathmandu's Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall, has become a beacon for multicultural literary exchange, with this year's theme focusing on 'Connecting Multiculturalism Through South Asian Literature.' Among the event's highlights was the independent booth of Xue Mo, an author whose works have transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, earning him the 2024 New York City Book Award and the 2024 Independent Press Award.
Xue Mo's participation in the fair was marked by a book sharing session on January 4, titled 'Let Literature Touch Hearts, and Culture Unite the World.' His presence has resonated deeply within Nepal, where he is celebrated as 'the novelist who sings for the soul.' The fair showcased a range of his works, including Desert Rites, Desert Hunters, and his latest publications, Into the Desert and Suosalang, highlighting his literary versatility and depth.
Further bridging cultures, Selected Stories by Xue Mo, translated by Nepalese Sinologist Sarswatham Shrestha and writer Malla K. Sundar, has made his narratives accessible to a broader audience. The global appeal of his literature is underscored by translations into over 20 languages and the Sinhala edition's receipt of the 2022 Sri Lankan National Literature Prize.
Adding a creative dimension to his booth, the 'Cultural Creativity Zone' featured items like travel flasks and scarves inspired by his literary themes, blending art with everyday utility. This innovative approach has drawn particular interest from younger attendees, showcasing the dynamic ways literature can influence daily life.
A Nepalese reader's reflection on Xue Mo's work as 'insightful and warm, as majestic as the Himalayas, and as hopeful as the rays of the New Year sun' captures the essence of the fair's mission. Through events like these, literature serves not just as a bridge between cultures but as a spark that ignites connections across the human spirit. For more on Xue Mo's literary contributions, visit http://www.xuemo.com.
