Introduction to Kanza Javed’s Latest Work
Kanza Javed a Pakistani author and poet, has captivated the literary world once again with her latest collection of short stories, “What Remains After a Fire.” Set to be published by W. W. Norton & Company next year, this debut collection explores the multifaceted lives of characters navigating the complexities of tradition, identity, and the diaspora experience in the United States. “What Remains After a Fire” a must-read for literary enthusiasts is eagerly awaited.
The Journey to Publication
As Kanza Javed said, “I am beyond thrilled to announce that my new book, ‘What Remains After a Fire,’ will be published by W. W. Norton & Company and is set to release next year. Madness. Fury. Euphoria. Soaring through familiar and foreign wastelands in my brain. Diving headfirst into uncharted waters. Floating in the abyss. Toiling out of it. Changing homes. Moving countries. It has been quite a journey, to say the least. A massive thank you to my brilliant agent Lily Dolin for championing my work in the US, my UK agent, Lucy Luck, for her unwavering support and editor, Huneeya Siddiqui, for believing in this book– in all its Pakistani, raw, desi, and authentic glory. Finally, after 6 years of writing and revising, I can lull myself to sleep and say, ‘There. There.'”
New Short Stories Book Deal Announcement: “What Remains After a Fire” by Kanza Javed
Publisher: Norton
Imprint: Norton
Publication Date: June 21, 2024
About the Book:
“What Remains After a Fire” is the debut collection of short stories by Kanza Javed. This anthology takes readers on a compelling journey that oscillates between modern-day Pakistan and the diaspora in the United States. The stories feature characters who challenge societal expectations, striving for more than what is traditionally offered to them.
Themes Explored:
- Tradition vs. Identity: The characters navigate the complex interplay between upholding traditional values and forming their own unique identities.
- Autonomy and Family: The collection delves into the characters’ struggle for personal autonomy while balancing familial obligations and expectations.
- Desire vs. Reality: The stories explore the tension between characters’ desires and the often harsh realities they face.
- Cost of Pursuits: A central theme is the exploration of what characters must sacrifice in their pursuit of dreams and self-realization.
Acquisition:
The book was acquired by Huneeya Siddiqui at Norton, with representation by Lily Dolin at UTA (NA).
Genre: Literary Fiction
Deal Report
The announcement of this book deal highlights the significant achievement for Kanza Javed as a debut author. Her collection is poised to offer poignant insights and rich narratives that resonate with readers across diverse backgrounds.
Note:
The announcement was made on June 21, 2024, through Publishers Marketplace, signaling a promising entry into the literary world for Kanza Javed.
Kanza Javed: A Brief Biography
Early Life and Education
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Kanza Javed’s passion for storytelling was evident from a young age. She pursued an MFA in Fiction from West Virginia University, where she won the prestigious Rebecca Mason Perry Award. Her academic journey also included fellowships at the University of Massachusetts and Arizona State University, funded by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan.
Literary Career
Kanza Javed’s literary career took off with her debut novel, “Ashes, Wine and Dust,” published in 2015. The novel was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia Prize, marking her as the first Pakistani and the youngest writer to receive this honor. Despite facing visa issues that prevented her from attending the Indian Kumaon Literary Festival in person, she launched her novel via Skype, later presenting it at the Jaipur Literary Festival. Her short stories have been widely recognized and published in prestigious journals, including the American Literary Review and The Punch Magazine. Notably, her short story “Rani” won the 2020 International Literary inalist for the Salamander Fiction Contest 2020.
References
- “Author Kanza Javed on her debut novel, Ashes, Wine And Dust”. Elle (India). 22 January 2016.
- “Pakistani women at ASU provide glimpse of culture ‘Beyond the Hijab'”. ASU Now: Access, Excellence, Impact. 2015-07-28.
- Javed, Kanza (22 November 2015). “First fiction: a striking new novel from Pakistan”. Scroll.in.
- “‘Ashes, Wine and Dust’ – is but our reality! | Pakistan Today”.
- “Ashes, Wine and Dust: Unswerving, profound and painfully beautiful”. 16 November 2015.
- “A rare talent | Pakistan Today”.
- Malhotra, Aanchal (2015-12-01). “Ashes, Wine and Dust: Kanza Javed’s novel explores a love affair with Lahore”. Images.
- “Pakistani women’s status changing for the better: Author Kanza Javed (IANS Interview)”. Greater Kashmir. 4 April 2016.
- “Pak author Kanza Javed, denied a visa, launches novel over Skype | Dehradun News – Times of India”.
- “Pakistani author releases book over Skype at Kumaon Literary Festival”. The Hindu. 26 October 2015.
- American Literary Review. “Kanza Javed”. 2020-04-03.
- “Carry It All”. The Punch Magazine.
- “Salamander Magazine | a magazine for poetry, fiction, & memoirs”.
- “New Millennium Writing Awards 51 | 2021”. New Millennium Writings.
- “2022 Awards Program Results”. Santa Fe Writers Project.
Conclusion:
“What Remains After a Fire” promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging collection of short stories, exploring deep themes that are both timely and universal. Readers can look forward to a rich literary experience from this debut work.
More Updates: https://www.timelinetale.com/
