Here is a Bangladeshi writer who is active in the international fiction scene. Farah Ghuznavi's short stories have appeared in two consecutive volumes of Curbside Splendor, a literary magazine from Chicago.
Digging deeper, I discover that Ms. Ghuznavi's stories have also appeared in several other anthologies including "Woman's Work: Short Stories" (USA), "The Rainbow Feast" (Singapore) and "Journeys"(UK). Another short story recently won a "Highly Commended" honor in the Commonwealth Short Story Competition.
I think of Ms. Ghuznavi as the writer of "Food for Thought", the long-running column in the Star magazine (The Daily Star.) While she still writes that, Ms. Ghuznavi is now focused on writing fiction and thinks of herself primarily as a fiction writer.
The transition came about in 2005, when she was enraged upon reading about the abuse of a maid in a well-off home. She thought about writing a column attacking such abuses but realized it would not be effective in reaching those she wanted to target. So, on the advice of her editor (the inimitable Aasha Ameen), she decided to write a story, her first. It was about a young girl who comes to work in a home in the city. The poignant, powerful story is here.
This opened the floodgates of her story-writing, many based on her experiences as a development worker, and she has never looked back.
Curbside Splendor is available from the publisher and also from Amazon, both in paper and Kindle form. The publisher has a special offer on the two volumes in which Ms. Ghuznavi's stories are featured. Go get them while they last!
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6 comments:
I've always enjoyed reading the "Food for Thought" columns on Star and am delighted to learn of the achievements of the writer Ms. Ghuznavi for taking the name of Bangladesh over fictional pieces on international grounds. Thanks for sharing :)
Farah Ghuznavi's column "food for thought" has always brought a smile on my face. her sophisticated humour is unique and i thoroughly enjoy her pieces.
She is such a great writer! The way she makes the words dance around is so unique,her sense of humour is awesome. I have had the pleasure of reading her work for a couple of years now and i am looking forward to more!! Congratulations Ms Ghuznavi. :-D
I like her subtle, understated humour.
I never miss an opportunity to read Farah Ghuznavi's writing. The quality and depth of her writing does Bangladesh proud. She is a true Storyteller.
I never miss an opportunity to read Farah Ghuznavi's writing. The quality and depth of her writing does Bangladesh proud. She is a true Storyteller.
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