Book Launch: Too Asian, Not Asian Enough
by Amardeep Sohi
The title of Tindal Street Press’ new collection of short stories, Too Asian or Not Asian Enough, presents the dilemma facing many British Asian writers today: how to navigate through their ethnicityand the limitations placed on them by the publishing world. As the book launched at the Free Word Centre in London, the debate certainly drew out many issues.
Poet and novelist Nikesh Shukla, novelist Niven Govinden, Londonstani author Gautam Malkani and editor Kavita Bhanot formed the panel, chaired by fellow contributor Bidisha.
Editor Kavita set out her reasoning behind the anthology, acknowledging that it was born out of various conversations she’d had with “good writers who are finding it difficult to be published because their stories don’t fit into formulas”. These formulas have over time, proved restrictive and impacted on the creative reach of these writers and their ability to gain recognition within the industry, she said.
This was picked up by the panel. Nikesh revealed the expectations of publishers and agents who “didn’t feel the characters were authentically Asian”, Gautam spoke of how discussions surrounding his work often centred on his authenticity as an Asian, as opposed to plot and characters, while Niven boldly stated that he always aims to “write the work and then find a home for it”.
Bidisha’s questions were followed by individual readings from the authors’ short stories. As each extract was read out, it was clear that there’s no singular voice within them – the stories, in effect, have created a diversity within diversity.
While neither the book nor the discussions offered one solution to the problem faced by British Asian writers, the anthology certainly provokes debate and asks the industry to re-examine its approach.
Too Asian, Not Asian Enough edited by Kavita Bhanot is published by Tindal Street Press.
(This blog is cross-posted from We Love This Book)
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