A New World Romance

An accidental meeting at a seminar brings Ketaki and Aditya, two academics based in the United States, together. Well established in their careers, with romantic and marital relationships behind them, they are located in different cities in what the author calls the ‘new world’ or Navabhum, while the ‘old world’ or Purabhum has long been left behind. Neither is in search of a relationship, but they find themselves falling deeply and inexorably in love. Even as the new world opens up infinite possibilities, the old world casts its gentle shadow over their lives and touches everything. Where, the author asks, will their love take them? Susham Bedi’s moving and delicately crafted novel is brought to us in this sensitive and nuanced translation by Astri Ghosh.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Susham Bedi has left an indelible mark on Hindi literature with her nine novels, numerous short story collections, and poetry. Her writings, which often delve into the lives of Indian diaspora communities, have been translated into English, Urdu, French, and Dutch. She was honoured with prestigious awards from the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan (2007) and the Sahitya Academy in Delhi (2006). She also shared her knowledge and passion for Hindi language and literature as a teacher at Columbia University. Her academic journey, which began at Delhi University and culminated in a PhD from Punjab University, focused on Hindi language drama.  She also served as the Editor of Vishvā, a quarterly journal published by the International Hindi Association.

Astri Ghosh is a translator, writer, actor and teacher. Growing up in New Delhi with a Norwegian mother and an Indian father, Ghosh developed a deep understanding of both Indian and Norwegian cultures from an early age. This has enabled her to effectively bridge cultural gaps in her translations. She translates into Hindi, English, and Norwegian. She has translated works by Jon Fosse, Henrik Ibsen, Qurratulain Hyder, Rabindranath Tagore, Guru Nanak, Lars Saabye Christensen, and Per Petterson. Astri has also translated a collection of hymns from Sikh scriptures to Norwegian in Sanger fra Adi Granth. She has acted in two films.