Top 5 books by Easterine Kire 2022 - Naga Author And Poet
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Books can portray almost everything. Whether they are about culture, tradition, technology, or any other field, books can enlighten us with knowledge and wisdom about the world. Since, I live in Nagaland, my interest on reading folklores about the culture and tradition of the different tribes living in Nagaland has become a never-ending quench.
This thirst led me to the works of different authors and writers, and
one of them is Easterine Kire. So in this article, I would like to highlight
five of her best works that is a must-read for everyone.
But before that, let us learn more about the author Easterine Kire and
why her work needs appreciation.
So without further ado, let’s dive deep.
Who is
Easterine Kire?
Easterine Kire is an author and poet currently based in northern Norway. Her
writings portray the lives of the Naga people in particular and North-East in
general. She was born in March 1959 in Nagaland, and belongs to the Angami
tribe.
Easterine completed her schooling in Kohima, and later studied in
Shillong and Delhi. She holds a phD in English literature from Savitribai Phule
Pune University and has written several short stories, novels, and poems on
Naga tradition and culture.
Her first book was published in 1982 titled “Kelhoukevira” which was a
collection of poems. This book became the first published book about Naga
poetry in English. Later her novel “A Naga Village Remembered” also became the
first novel written by a Naga writer in English.
Easterine
Kire Awards and Accolades
Easterine received many prestigious awards for her writings. She was
awarded the Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2018 by the Sahitya Academy for “Son of the
Thundercloud”. She also received the Governor’s Medal for excellence in Naga
literature and the Free Voice Award by Catalan PEN, Barcelona.
She was also shortlisted for The Hindu Prize for her novel, “Bitter
Wormwood” in 2013. Her works have been translated into many languages,
including Catalan, Uzbek, German, Croatian, Nepali, and Norwegian. These
accolades made her one of the famous English poets of Nagaland.
Now that you know more about Easterine Kire, let us take a look at some
of her best works.
Top 5 books by Easterine Kire 2022
1. Son of the
Thundercloud
“Son of the Thundercloud” is undoubtedly one of the best works of Easterine
Kire. The book earned her the prestigious Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2018. The
story revolves around a person named Pele who meets the tiger-widow, Mesanuo.
About the
Plot
After losing his family in a famine, Pele journeys for miles until he
meets two ancient women who have been waiting for rain for four hundred years. They
lead Pele to the weaver’s village where he meets the tiger-widow, Mesanuo.
Mesanuo’s seven sons and her husband had been killed by the
tiger-spirit. The book follows the prophecy where it is stated that Mesanuo
will be impregnated by a single drop of rain and the tiger-spirit will be slain
by her son.
Will the traveller help Mesanuo? Will Pele find a second home? What do
you learn from the novel, “Son of the Thundercloud”? I am sure you will be
curious to know these answers.
Kire’s work combines wisdom and magic with lyrical storytelling, and
this novel is no exception. Overall, it is one of the best works of Easterine
Kire and is undoubtedly worth considering.
Print Length: 152 pages
Language: English
Publication
Date: 11 December, 2016
2. When the
River Sleeps
This book is one of her best works and often considered as her
masterpiece. Kire’s mystic narration and storytelling fills the reader’s mind
with the beautiful terrains of Nagaland. The book earned her The Hindu Literary
Prize in 2015 and is undoubtedly a must-read for every folklore enthusiast.
About the
Plot
The story revolves around a lone hunter, Vilie, who sets out to find a
magical river. This river holds the power to wrest a stone that can give untold
power to him. However, his path is not straightforward and full of obstacles,
including vengeful sorceresses, demons, and unquiet spirits of the forest.
So will Vilie complete his quest? What obstacles will he face during his
journey? If you want to experience Kire’s powerful narrative and storytelling,
this book will leave you speechless.
Kire’s storytelling transports her readers to the natural and remote
mountains of Nagaland. She invites everyone to experience the lives of the
people of Nagaland. The book depicts how people in Nagaland live in perfect
harmony with their natural surroundings.
Print Length: 264 pages
Language: English
Publication
Date: 24 November, 2014
Be sure to check this post:
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3. Sky is My
Father: A Naga Village Remembered
This celebrated novel is the first Naga novel in English. The novel
talks about the legendary battle between the warrior village of Khonoma and
Britain in the 19th century.
Kire talks about the hardships faced by the people of Nagaland when the
British government recruited the Nagas as bonded labourers. The novel talks
about the sacrifice and valiant efforts by the Khonoma village warriors to suppress
the British invasion.
This book is a revised edition of the acclaimed novel “A Naga Village
Remembered.” It is one of the best works of Easterine Kire as it tells the
story of a remarkable and proud community of Nagaland.
Print Length: 200 pages
Language: English
Publication Date: 10 September, 2018
4. A
Respectable Woman
“A Respectable Woman” stitches a mother’s memory for her daughter about
the devastating results after the decisive Battle of Kohima. The book talks
about the hardship faced by the people of Nagaland after the battle.
Kire leads her readers into a world where memory and history meld. The
book talks about how a mother stitched her memories and passed them to her
daughter forty years after the battle.
Overall, it is a must-read for everyone who want to learn about the
challenges and devastation faced by the people of Nagaland after the Battle of
kohima.
Print Length: 192 pages
Language: English
Publication
Date: 28 February, 2019
5. Don’t Run,
My Love
This book fills the readers mind with grace, lyrical prose, and powerful
storytelling. Kire’s narrative tries to explain the profound understanding of
human nature and how a human can become a demon powered by anger and rejection.
About the
Plot
The story talks about the lives of a widowed mother and her daughter Atuonou.
Although they live a hard life mostly performing agricultural work, peace also
dwells in their life.
However, the story takes a turn when Kevi enters the scene. Kevi falls
in love with Atunuo and proposes to marry her. Unsure of her heart, Atuonuo
rejects the proposal, which agitates Kevi.
He turns against Atuonuo and a compeling tale of love reveals a dark
side.
What will Kevi do to Atuonuo? What happens to Atuonuo and her mother?
What moral is Kire trying to convey with this book? If you are curious to find
these answers, grab your copy and quench your thirst.
Print Length: 128 pages
Language: English
Publication Date: 10 November, 2017
Final Thought
Easterine Kire is one of the best and famous English poets of Nagaland.
Her storytelling and narrative will keep you engaged till the end. Each of her books tell a different story and will keep you wanting for more.
So which book are you excited about?
Please let me know in the comment's section. You can also suggest me other books that you
think should have been in the list.
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