Particle.news
Download on the App Store
22 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

Banu Mushtaq's 'Heart Lamp' Wins International Booker Prize

The Kannada short story collection, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, is the first of its kind to win the prestigious award, with both author and translator sharing the £50,000 prize.

Banu Mushtaq's writing stems from the progressive movements in Karnataka and her involvement in Bandaya Sahitya movement,
Banu Mushtaq, author of 'Heart Lamp' left, and Deepa Bhasthi pose for photographers upon arrival for the International Booker Prize, in London, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Banu Mushtaq, author of 'Heart Lamp' holds her book as she poses for photographers upon arrival for the International Booker Prize, in London, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Image

Overview

  • Banu Mushtaq's 'Heart Lamp' is the first short story collection and first Kannada-language title to win the International Booker Prize.
  • The 12 stories, written over three decades, explore the lives and struggles of women in patriarchal communities in southern India.
  • Deepa Bhasthi, the translator, becomes the first Indian translator to win the prize, praised for her 'radical translation' that introduces a 'plurality of Englishes.'
  • Judges highlighted the collection's vivid, life-affirming narratives and its ability to challenge Western stereotypes about Muslim life.
  • The £50,000 prize was awarded at a ceremony in London, with the amount split equally between Mushtaq and Bhasthi.