Prajwal Parajuly comes of up with Chitralekha Chaurasi

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 4: Author Prajwal Parajuly has released his second book, ‘Chitralekha ko Chaurasi'’which is a Nepali translation of his famous book ‘Land Where I Flee’. 

Parajuly, a beloved author among English readers, is renowned for portraying Nepali cultural environment worldwide.

Similar to his earlier book, the short story collection ‘The Gurkha's Daughter’, this novel has also garnered critical acclaim and has been titled 'the best book of the year' by leading newspapers worldwide.

Parajuly, originally from Sikkim but with strong ties to Nepal, often delves into taboo topics within South Asian society, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.

 His debut book, ‘The Gurkha's Daughter’ was nominated for the ‘Dylan Thomas Prize’ shortly after its UK release in 2012. 

Prajuly has also served as a judge for the same award in 2018 and 2023.

In 2015, Publications Nepalaya, which brought the book to the Nepali language readers under the title ‘Gorkha ki Chhori’ has also prepared Prajuly’s second work.

The novel is based on the experiences of children from around the world gathered for Grandmother's Chaurasi (Chaurasi is a worship performed when a person reaches the age of 84), as explained by author Parajuly during the release ceremony. 

The book has been translated into Nepali by Bibhu Luitel.

The novel received a nomination for the ‘Emile Guimet Prize’ three years ago, and its French translation was also nominated for the country's First Noble Prize the same year.

 It has earned acclaim from renowned publications, including the British ‘Independent’,  the American ‘The Kansas City Star’ and the Indian Hindustan Times’,  all of which named it the best book of the year in their reviews. 

India's ‘Vogue’ magazine also listed this book among the eight best novels from South Asia.

'Chitralekha Chaurasi' is available from Publications Nepalaya at a price of Rs. 875 and consists of 388 pages.