London, February 25: Karnataka-based writer, activist, and lawyer Banu Mushtaq's short story collection Heart Lamp has been named on the longlist for the prestigious International Booker Prize 2025. The collection, originally written in Kannada, was translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi.
This marks the first time a Kannada book has made it to the longlist for the renowned Booker Prize, highlighting a significant achievement for regional Indian literature on the global stage.
The judging panel praised Heart Lamp for its evocative storytelling and deep moral resonance. The collection of 12 stories, originally published between 1990 and 2023, offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of marginalized communities within South India's Muslim society. The stories explore complex themes of identity, resilience, and humanity through richly layered narratives.
Speaking about the recognition, Mushtaq expressed her gratitude, stating, "This is a tremendous honor for Kannada literature. It feels like a dream to see my stories being acknowledged internationally, bringing the voices of our communities to a global audience."
The International Booker Prize celebrates the finest works of fiction from around the world that have been translated into English, with a strong emphasis on recognizing both the author and the translator. The shortlist for the award will be announced in April, followed by the winner's announcement in May 2025.
