Malaysian Author’s Debut Novel Long-Listed In Prestigious Dublin Literary Award 2023
Viji Krishnamoorthy’s debut novel was years in the making and the story have captivated many readers.
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Despite getting published in 2021 during the pandemic, author Viji Krishnamoorthy’s debut novel – 912 Batu Road – published by Clarity Publishing, was received very well.
912 Batu Road tells the story of two Malayan families surviving World War 2 and the early 2000s, when their descendants carried on a secret love affair that threatened to tear both families apart.
The book has already been reprinted twice, publisher Rosalind Chua from Clarity said. It’s also long-listed for the Dublin Literary Award 2023.
Viji’s reaction to being long-listed in the prestigious award was total disbelief.
It still feels surreal and unbelievable that a little book written at my dining table all those years ago would breathe the same air as Anthony Doerr, Elif Shafak Claire Keegan, Colm Tóibín and Geetanjali Shree (to name a few). Seems completely insane!
Viji Krishnamoorthy said in an interview with NST
The Dublin Literary Award is presented annually for a novel written in English or translated into English that promotes excellence in world literature. It’s solely sponsored by Dublin City Council and administered by Dublin City Libraries.
The winning author gets a literary prize of €100,000. If the book is an English translation, the author receives €75,000 and the translator, €25,000. The winner also gets a trophy provided by Dublin City Council.
What’s the story about and how did it all begin?
Viji’s story is centred on a Tamil Brahmin family because she felt there had been tons of stories about Indians moving to America and the West, but hardly any stories about them moving to Southeast Asia or this part of the world.
As such, the story is completely based on her observations of people in the community and outside of it.
Interestingly, it all began 15 years ago when she gifted her husband the first chapter of the story as a birthday present.
While her husband saw promise in the story, she was hesitant and the idea was shelved away.
He eventually managed to convince her to keep writing the story, hunkered down with her and got down to researching.
Little did she know, she would be long-listed for a book award and is currently working on Book 2.
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