Despite the many hurdles, an impoverished lifestyle and continuous racism faced, Ghalib Islam persevered to become a celebrated artist of the contemporary world of literature and a rising star in Canada’s list of published authors…writes Sumaiya Iqbal
SONY RAMANY
The common misconception, that literature in the age of modernity would not measure up to those in the times before, is one that is based more on ignorance as the contemporary literary world brings with it not only brilliantly creative stories but also unique styles of writing, some to be soon learnt as their own branches in literature. The works now reflect more individuality, as artists do not stick to the rigid structures that dominated previously.
One name that cannot but be mentioned when modern literature is discussed is Ghalib Islam. In his early 30s, this young man has proved himself to be one of the most original artists in today’s time and age. ‘Fire in the Unnameable Country’, published in 2014, is his first novel and with his debut came acclaim as well as controversy. With that said, it is truly a book like no other with its characters, uniquely written language and convoluted plot full of twists and turns that may leave the reader slightly terrified of social networks and even paranoid of being monitored and watched constantly.
The plot is such that, amidst its frenzied confusion and eschewed realism, it highlights the abuse of digital surveillance technology, a concern to numerous writers around the world. Ghalib is one of the many artists who are struggling to feel free in their art, their means of expression. It was only in 2013 that 500 writers signed a petition to the UN to establish an international law to prevent the abuse of digital surveillance technology. The group of 500 also included 5 Nobel laureates. This threat in Ghalib’s life played the prime role as an obstacle for he felt constantly being monitored and still feels so.
The main character and novel’s narrator, Hedayat, is a young man who is troubled, has the magical ability to turn into an owl and also a glossolalist with the gift of speaking many tongues. Hedayat finds himself living in a country, unnamed but similar to most going through devastating situations in the Middle East. The land is one going through fictionally chaotic circumstances as he mentions terrorist attacks, bloodthirsty ghosts, and underground cells of politicised animals. A part with the character’s grandmother who works at the ‘Collections Subdivision’ of a government agency depicts a most shocking revelation of how the thoughts of the citizens are being recorded continuously.
Most readers at first may find the work too fast and confusing with Ghalib’s inventive use of his unique language but with time the narrative does reveal itself. With each page, it gets easier to follow Hedayat and understand his plight. At the end of the novel, the reader’s mind is left racing with thoughts, questions and doubts of the real world.
While it is true that Ghalib can be slightly understood through his novel, learning about his childhood would help one understand the author even better. The literary genius passed his humble days as a child at Narinda road, Puran Dhaka. Sharing a house with his mother, a humble school teacher; little sister and uncle in cramped and impoverished conditions, he recalls the busyness of the people, the chipa golis (narrow streets) and the beautiful old locality enriched with years of history. He struggled throughout his time in Bangladesh and the only means by which the family remained updated with the world outside was a radio. Ghalib does not remember how it appeared but was thankful that it did as he used to listen to the many channels, particularly BBC, to try and learn English. Ghalib remembers the festivities of Dhaka, the fun loving people and the many cultural events he used to attend. Memories of his days flying his kite on his roof with the other children of his neighborhood bring a smile to his face. Ghalib’s family used to also frequently visit Comilla, home to his mother’s parents. He mentions how much fun he had with the open air, large fields and enough space for a child to run around in for days.
Ghalib moved to Toronto at the age of seven in 1988 leaving behind his half urban half rural life. Even though they could now access the basic facilities, which lacked in Dhaka such as sufficient food, clothes on their backs, clean water and electricity, they were still in comparison a poor immigrant family who struggled to make ends meet. He was a Muslim and brown which left him vulnerable to racism in school and the many instances of being bullied played their parts in shaping his life.
As he grew older, he was more able to explore his interests and with a degree in Political Science at McMaster University followed by a Masters in English in the Field of Creative Writing under the University of Toronto, the young individual fuelled his interest in the arts.
Music was also a major part of Ghalib’s life as a child and he hopes to pursue it, if allowed he mentions, in his future. He engaged in tape music but was often teased and even abused in school whenever he tried to record the different sounds in the environment around him in the classroom.
Despite the many hurdles, an impoverished lifestyle and continuous racism faced, the young man persevered to become now one of the celebrated artists of the contemporary world of literature and a rising star in Canada’s list of published authors.