With a slight delay due to technical issues, in this week of dispatches from around the world our Editors-at-Large introduce the most impactful releases from their regions as of late. From Palestinian poetry that “transcends mere expression” in its beauty and purpose, to a number of works that promote public engagement with literature in Hong Kong, read on to learn more.
Carol Khoury, Editor-at-Large for Palestine and the Palestinians, reporting from Palestine
Ibrahim Nasrallah, the acclaimed Palestinian poet and novelist, has recently released a poignant collection of four new poems. The collection is now translated from Arabic by Huda J. Fakhreddine and will be published by World Poetry. Written in the shadow of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, these verses serve as a powerful indictment of global indifference towards the Palestinian plight, echoing the enduring tragedy of the Nakba that began in 1948.
“I write now so that I do not die,” Nasrallah asserts, emphasizing the urgency of his message. He believes that with each attempt to erase their existence, Palestinians become more defined, more visible. These poems, dedicated to Gaza—a small yet symbolically vast territory—transform its struggle into a universal fight against darkness and tyranny. As Pierre Joris notes, Nasrallah’s work transcends mere expression; it embodies a visceral scream of the body, mind, and spirit, affirming the existence of Palestinians while mourning the losses of those killed and the land that remains elusive.
In a conversation with Fakhreddine, Nasrallah describes the Palestinian experience as a “great wound,” from which these poems emerge as elegies that confront the suffering endured over the past seventy-six years. The translations by Fakhreddine not only honor the original texts but also resonate with their electric and devastating essence, capturing the depth of Nasrallah’s poetic vision.
This limited edition bilingual chapbook, set for release on October 1, 2024, spans forty pages and includes an interview with the author. For each pre-ordered copy, 10USD will be donated to KinderUSA, an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of Palestinian children, further intertwining art with activism in the face of ongoing humanitarian crises.
Charlie Ng, Editor-at-Large, reporting from Hong Kong
The Department of Literature and Cultural Studies and the International Centre for Cultural Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong have launched the “One City One Book Hong Kong 2024” campaign, running from September to December. This year, the featured book is The History of the Adventures of Vivi and Vera, penned by Hong Kong author Dung Kai-cheung. The campaign also highlights the picture book My Museum, created by local illustrator Joanne Liu. Both works aim to inspire public engagement with literature, encouraging readers to delve into the Hong Kong themes and imaginative narratives. Free excerpts from Dung’s novel will be made available in September. Combining fantasy and realism, the novel tells the history of a family spanning generations against the context of Hong Kong in the twentieth century, including reflections on technological innovations and metafictional elements. Liu’s My Museum offers a vibrant portrayal of a child’s imaginative experiences in a museum, demonstrating the presence of art through youthful eyes.
In related literary news, Hong Kong Baptist University recently announced the winners of the 10th Dream of the Red Chamber Award for The World’s Distinguished Novel in Chinese. The prestigious first prize was awarded to 燕食記, written by acclaimed Chinese novelist Ge Liang. The judging panel commended the novel for its well-crafted characters, rich details, and enthralling snapshots of daily life that resonate with readers. Meanwhile, the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa will welcome its writers-in-residence from September 1 to November 17, 2024. Poet Nicholas Wong will represent Hong Kong at the event. Known for his award-winning works such as Crevasse and Besiege Me, Wong will join a diverse group of about thirty writers from around the globe for an immersive intercultural experience, participating in readings, lectures, and other exciting activities throughout his residency.
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