Contemporary literature is a vast and ever-expanding realm that encompasses a wide array of voices, styles, and perspectives. It is a dynamic landscape that is constantly evolving, with new authors and works emerging to challenge and redefine our understanding of what literature can be. In this article, we will explore seven international indie publishers that are pushing the boundaries of contemporary literature and bringing diverse voices to the forefront.
One such publisher is Tilted Axis Press, based in Sheffield and London, which focuses on promoting the Global Majority by translating literature from a variety of languages and cultures into English. Their list includes works from countries such as Bangladesh, China, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of global storytelling. Two standout titles from Tilted Axis Press are „Delicious Hunger“ by Hai Fan, a collection of dark and absurd tales inspired by the author’s experiences as a Malayan Communist Party soldier, and „Elevator in Sài Gòn“ by Thuận, a mind-bending exploration of genres and histories set in Vietnam.
Another innovative publisher is Unbound, a crowd-funding platform that allows readers to support the publication of books they are interested in. By backing a project, readers not only help bring a book to life but also receive unique rewards and experiences in return. One recommended title from Unbound is „Seven Days in Tokyo“ by José Daniel Alvior, a long-distance love story that delves into the complexities of modern relationships and personal boundaries.
In Ireland, Tramp Press stands out for its commitment to championing overlooked voices and redefining Irish literature. Their Recovered Voices series brings forgotten works by Irish women authors back into print, shedding light on hidden gems such as „The Horse of Selene“ by Juanita Casey and „A Struggle for Fame“ by Charlotte Riddell. Two recommended titles from Tramp Press are „Old Romantics“ by Maggie Armstrong, a collection of interconnected short stories that explore themes of love and disenchantment, and „This Plague of Souls“ by Mike McCormack, a novel that delves into questions of memory, history, and existence.
In Malaysia, FIXI Novo, an imprint of Buku Fixi, is a powerhouse in independent publishing, focusing on Malaysian crime novels, story anthologies, and translations of international authors into Malay. One standout title from FIXI Novo is „KL Noir: Magic,“ an anthology of pulpy crime stories set in Kuala Lumpur that blend elements of fantasy and mythology. Another recommended title is „The Sum of Our Follies“ by Shih-Li Kow, a gentle and humorous novel that chronicles the lives of quirky inhabitants in a Malaysian town on the brink of modernity.
Zubaan Books, based in New Delhi, is a feminist press that publishes books by and for South Asian women, spanning fiction, nonfiction, academic tracts, and children’s literature. One recommended title from Zubaan Books is „Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam,“ an anthology of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual stories by women and transpeople from the Northeastern Indian state of Assam. Another recommended title is „The Feminisms of Our Mothers,“ a collection of essays from Pakistani women that explores the evolution of feminism across generations.
Blaft, an Indian publisher of English translations, specializes in genre fiction from India and Africa, bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the forefront. One recommended title from Blaft is „The Blaft Anthology of Gujarati Pulp Fiction,“ a collection of genre fiction from Gujarati writers that showcases the vibrant literary culture of the region. Another recommended title is „Conversations Regarding the Fatalistic Outlook of the Common Man“ by Kuzhali Manickavel, a collection of conversations that blend satire, social commentary, and surrealism in a unique and engaging way.
In Singapore, Epigram Books is a champion of English-language writing in Southeast Asia, publishing a wide range of genres and formats, from children’s literature to poetry. One recommended title from Epigram Books is „The Waiting Room“ by Choo Yi Feng, a collection of stories that blend the fantastic with raw human experiences in the urban landscape of Singapore. Another recommended title is „Gus: The Life and Opinions of the Last Raffles‘ Banded Langur“ by Jon Gresham, a novel that follows a talking monkey named Gus as he navigates a post-apocalyptic Singapore.
In conclusion, these seven international indie publishers are at the forefront of contemporary literature, bringing diverse voices, perspectives, and stories to readers around the world. By supporting independent publishers and exploring their curated lists, readers can discover new literary landscapes and expand their understanding of what literature can be. Whether you’re interested in crime fiction from Malaysia, feminist literature from South Asia, or genre fiction from India and Africa, these publishers have something for everyone. So take a journey through the literary world and discover the endless possibilities that contemporary literature has to offer.