Probably
one of the best translations of Rabindranath Tagore I have read, if I
may say so myself. Being a native speaker of Bengali and an English
professor, MA Quayum has been able to get into the innards of the
author's culture, language, history, humour and politics, to present the
stories intact, authentic and honestly, as is possible to be in a work
of translation. Some are funny, some are sad and some are horrifying,
not in a supernatural sort of way but in what man does to man (or
women). Some of the stories in this collection (hand-picked by the
translator) are so exquisitely multi-layered, so pregnant with the
unsaid, that they will leave the reader breathless. Here is a glimpse of
what an exceptional writer the man, popularly known as Gurudev (divine
mentor), was. For those who have only heard of Gitanjali, get a peek of
why so many Indians (especially Bengali speakers) love him so. In 1913,
he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.Quayum’s translation of Tagore’s stories is exceptional in its retention of the subtleties of Bengali expression. It not only transfers the colloquialisms commonly used in a daily Bengali household but brings alive the minutiae of the rural milieu … The other outstanding feature is … Quayum’s success with translating what is more complex – the intricacies of human relationships … Generally, the stories read almost as though they had been written originally in English. At no moment does the reader get lost in the translation, either linguistically, culturally or psychologically, and this surely is the ultimate test of a translation.
Transnational Literature, Australia
In any translation it is very difficult to keep intact the sense of each context. Quayum’s translation is as close as one can get: clear, contemporary and accessible to a modern English-reading global audience. It is not handicapped by the ignorance of the translator of certain delicate nuances of the Bengali language, especially in the context of intimate household expressions. There is commendable fidelity and honesty in Quayum’s translation. It once again opens up the possibility of discovering a relevance of Tagore's creations more than a century after they were composed…. Without hesitation I recommend Professor Quayum’s volume as an authoritative and eminently readable translation, an essential Tagore for collectors. It should find a place on every discerning reader’s shelf.
The Daily Star, Bangladesh
Quayum has a lifelong passion for Tagore's writing….. His translation shows a feel for Tagore's voice, vision and cultural milieu, and he is skilful with the suggestive undercurrents of Tagore's stories.
Cha: An Asian Literary Journal, Hong Kong
In this multicultural age, it is an absolute necessity for all of us to read diversely and think universally. Quayum’s highly readable translation of Rabindranath’s short stories will serve that cause, and also help to revive interest in the works of a literary genius who was once described by a French writer as “an eagle-sized lark.”
Humanities Diliman, The Philippines
I can safely vouch that in giving us a high quality rendition of some of Tagore’s best stories written over a span covering more than fifty years, Prof Quayum has filled more than just the simple gap of translation. Prof Quayum has now invited us to enjoy, rejoice and then, hopefully, act on the morality prompting both the creator of these rare gems as well as its current-day conveyor. Both deserve our undivided attention.
Professor Kirpal Singh, Singapore Management University
Trivia. Rabindranath Tagore was the only person to have written the national anthems for two countries: he wrote the songs which are now the national anthems: Bangladesh's 'Amar Shonar Bangla' and India's 'Jana Gana Mana'.
Available (soon) at all major bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore, or online (now) here: (This annotated edition will be well suited for colleges and universities. Please email Silverfish Books for more information.)
