In the vibrant tapestry of modern Indian literature, Anjum Hasan stands as a beacon of creativity, weaving words into narratives that resonate with depth and brilliance. Born with a pen in her hand and fueled by a passion for storytelling, Hasan has carved a niche for herself as a novelist, short story writer, poet, and editor.
Anjum Hasan’s Literary Odyssey: A Symphony of Genres
Anjum Hasan’s literary journey commenced with the melodic verses of “Street on the Hill,” a collection of poems that earned her recognition from Sahitya Akademi in 2006. From the ethereal beauty of poetry, Hasan transitioned seamlessly into the realm of novels with her debut, “Lunatic in my Head” (Zubaan-Penguin, 2007).
Set against the backdrop of Shillong in the early 1990s, the novel garnered accolades and a Crossword Book Award nomination, with Siddhartha Deb praising its haunting and lyrical qualities.
The exploration of diverse themes continued with “Neti, Neti” (Roli Books, 2009), a novel that delves into the aspirations of 25-year-old Sophie Das in Bangalore. Longlisted for the 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize and shortlisted for The Hindu Best Fiction Award in 2010, the book painted a vivid portrait of the liberated yet lost middle-class youth of the evolving India.
Hasan’s penchant for short stories found expression in “Difficult Pleasures” (Penguin/Viking, 2012), a collection that resonated with readers and secured nominations for The Hindu Literary Prize and the Crossword Book Award.
The narrative prowess displayed in “Lunatic in my Head,” “Neti, Neti,” and “Difficult Pleasures” reached international shores through Brass Monkey Books in Australia.
Breaking new ground, Anjum Hasan presented “The Cosmopolitans” (Penguin Books India, 2015; Brio Books Australia, 2016), a novel hailed as “that rare thing: a novel of ideas.” Her commitment to excellence continued with the short story collection “A Day in the Life” (2018), a Valley of Words Award winner.
History’s Angel: A New Chapter Unfolds
In 2022, the literary world eagerly anticipated Anjum Hasan’s latest creation, “History’s Angel,” acquired by Bloomsbury India for publication.
As a testament to her narrative prowess, Hasan’s novels and short fiction have consistently graced award shortlists, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Hindu Literary Prize, the Crossword Fiction Award, and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.
Anjum Hasan: A Literary Luminary
Beyond her roles as a novelist and poet, Anjum Hasan has contributed significantly as an essayist, teacher, and editor. Her tenure as the literary editor at The Caravan added a nuanced perspective to the realm of book reviewing and criticism. In a thought-provoking interview with Scroll.in, Hasan shared insights on the evolving culture of literary critique.
Reflecting on the present state of book reviewing, Anjum Hasan highlighted the inchoate nature of the culture. While acknowledging polished and sophisticated writing, she emphasized the need for reviews grounded in conversations between editors and writers. Hasan lamented the assembly line approach to writing about books, calling for a more thoughtful and individualized approach.
Driving Change: Hasan’s Vision for Literary Culture
Addressing the need for local standards and contexts in literary criticism, Anjum Hasan, a fiction writer turned editor, advocated for the essay form. She stressed the value of exploring ideas over several thousand words, challenging writers to invest in their arguments and articulate them elegantly.
Hasan acknowledged the challenges in creating a literary culture in English within the vast landscape of Indian languages. She highlighted the importance of understanding the histories of connections, urging writers to embrace a self-awareness that transcends linguistic boundaries.
As the author of “Sitara Grows Up” for children and a New India Foundation Fellow, Anjum Hasan continues to inspire with her commitment to literary excellence. Her essays, short stories, and poems, published in prestigious journals like the New York Review of Books, Granta, and The Paris Review, showcase her versatility and depth.
In a world where literary landscapes evolve, Anjum Hasan remains a steadfast chronicler of modern India, leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of contemporary fiction. From “Lunatic in my Head” to the upcoming “History’s Angel,” Hasan’s literary legacy resonates as a testament to the power of words to transcend boundaries and captivate the human spirit.
Also Read: Alka Joshi: From Advertisements to Bestselling Novels