It’s a pattern all Nepali book readers have noticed. Our literature scene of late has been flooded with works based on social issues. While they have proven to be interesting reads, it also begs the question, why aren’t Nepali writers exploring other genres? It does seem rather peculiar that we have yet to come across Nepali books that are, for instance, thrillers, crime or science fiction. Priyanka Gurung posed this question to some writers to get their opinion on the matter.
Archana Thapa
I believe that in the past couple of years, Nepali literature has broadened its horizon. For instance, there are more books that carter to teens or 'chick-lit' as they call it. Similarly, you have writers such as Sanjeev Uprety, Nayan Raj Pandey and Kumar Nagarkoti who are adding diversity with their experimental style. Some have even boldly ventured into the controversial territory of erotic literature. Rajendra Thapa's 'Khelauna' comes to mind here.
But I do agree it's not enough. For some reason, to a large extent, Nepali literature is lacking in variety.
Sometimes I can't help but wonder that maybe it's because there aren't any creative writing courses. Perhaps we haven't been able to nurture our budding writers' creativity and give them the confidence to break out of the mold and pen some daring writings.
There also seems to be a trend. If an autobiography becomes a good seller, the next thing we know the market it flooded with more autobiographies. Perhaps it's also because some writers, and most importantly publishers, fear that other formats or out of the box style of writing don't have a big market. They think it's safer to stick to a formula that they know will work.
Of course, considering our country's situation and the challenges that Nepalis have to deal with on a daily basis, social issues are bound to creep in. But that reason alone is not enough to justify the dismal number of Nepali literary work in other genres.
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Sanjeev Uprety
There are multiple reasons why most of our country's literary works are based on social issue. First and foremost, let's just look at the history of Nepali modern fiction. It has progressed through social realism and psychological realism. These two have been the two dominant directions embarked upon by our Nepali writers for decades now. So no wonder we can see the influence today as well.
Besides, social issues have always found a way to leave an imprint on works of literature. This has been the case throughout the world from the beginning of time. Nepal has been through many ups and downs and it's after effects are still palpable everywhere. There was no way that literary products would remain untouched by it.
Nevertheless, there also seems to be some prejudice in our literary circle. Many writers tend to believe that the only way to shed light on social issues is via the time tested format of literature. Most haven't realized that the point can be put across just as effectively by experimenting with other genres and styles of writing.
Such self imposed restrictions can only hinder a writer's potential. Today's reality is complex. Living in the age of globalization, consumerism, and information overload, the society is far more complicated than it was ever before. I actually find it easier to interpret the ongoing changes in our society through experimental writing. So I do just that. Others might feel differently. I can only hope that once our country gets its act together, our literary scene will be able to move on to other more varied and exciting genres.
Kumar Nagarkoti
I find myself asking this question too. Why don't more Nepali writers try out different genres? There are very good Nepali novels out there but indeed, most of them are strictly based on social issues. In my opinion, this has created a void in the literature scene. The readers are not getting much variety from Nepali literature. It also poorly reflects on our writers' range.
I believe the way to break into different genres is to broaden our horizons. Granted as a writer we also take on the responsibility to represent our society, however, there are other interesting aspects in this world as well. As writers we can't afford to ignore them. We have to unleash our creativity and imagination. It almost seems like the Nepali literature scene has found a comfort zone with social issues based novels and it's afraid to venture out of that zone. There certainly is a need to push ourselves.
Further, it's pretty apparent that the lack of reading culture in our society also contributes in restricting the genres of our literature. We inevitably think, speak, and write what we know so I can't stress on the importance of consuming as many books as possible. When we read more, we know more, and that way we can expand our vision and tread into the unknown.
Sharada Sharma
What a writer wants to write about is his decision. The writer's knowledge, awareness, perspectives and motives certainly come into play but I doubt we can ask a writer to pen novels on certain subjects or ignore certain topics.
Sadly in Nepali context, we have never quite had the practice of catering to specific ages and interests. That was never a priority and it certainly is one of the reasons why Nepali literature is comparatively less diverse. I also sense a lot of resistance from writers to research new cultures and phenomenon and not just stick to what they know will work. Then again those who stick to the traditional style of writing are the ones who are more commercially successfully. This might have made some writers feel like there is no need to experiment and challenge themselves.
Whatever we say though, we can't deny that these social issue based novels are popular among our Nepali readership. It's the reason this trend has taken off in our literary scene. If we do wish to add more variety to what's offered in Nepali literature, the writers themselves have to take the initiative and dare to do something different.
Amar Neupane
A country's literature has always been a reflection of its time and conditions. As a nation, we Nepalis are still defined by our traditions, culture, ethnic divides. Then there are the developmental and political aspects. From the roads, healthcare, drinking water to electricity, cities and villages alike can't escape these factors. So it's only natural that writers are taking up these issues and being inspired by them to write novels. At the end of the day, our work is a representation of our country and people. If writers were not to document and celebrate them in their stories, then how would the upcoming generations learn about them?
Foreign writers may be looking for inspirations elsewhere because they don't have to deal with social issues like ours on a daily basis. If we pay attention though, we will notice that many foreign writers too still raise their pens for social causes that they believe in.
Having said that, I do agree, diversity would do Nepal's literature scene a lot of good. Writers are more than welcome to explore different genres. It would be a pleasure to read them. But while doing that, there is no need to disregard books based on social issues. In fact such works too can be experimented upon. Writers are free to play around with their styles, techniques, presentation and textures. I'd highly encourage it. After all, it's far more invigorating to be a creator then the replicator.
