I'm currently in Nepal trying to promote my debut story collection, Leech & Other Stories. Given that my last name does not sound like a Nepali name, I constantly run into mishaps with media people and bookstores. During a recent visit at a Kathmandu bookstore, I noticed that my book was not displayed under "New Nepali Authors." When asked why, the manager delightfully remarked that she had assumed I was a foreigner (read Indian). "No, I am a Nepali, born and raised," I said in Nepali. "Oh," she said. The next day, I was happy to see that the book had been moved to where it rightfully belongs.
Citizenship and national identity can be a contentious issue in Nepal. We are a small country that shares an open border with India, and the implication that someone might be Indian can evoke suspicion, awe, fear as well as warmth. Though many last names are common in both countries, a lesser known name like Adiga usually arouses a wide spectrum of curiosities. Well, all publicity is good publicity, I hope.
May 19, 2024
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