Nafis Anwar

My train just started / I found my seat / When she called me

Review of the Bangla translation of ‘A Strange Library’ (Knopf, 2014) by Haruki Murakami

My introduction to the Bangla translation of Japanese books happened during my visit to Baatighar Chittagong. It was there that I encountered the Bangla translations of works by one of my favourite Japanese writers, Haruki Murakami, back in 2021. Then last year, I found myself enchanted with the promise of Morisaki Boighorer Dinguli (Abosar Prokashona, 2023); the allure of the black edition of the book boasting ebony pages and stunning artwork had me yearning for the book months before its scheduled release.

“It’s a type of Brazilian music, this elevator is playing The Girl From Ipanema.”