Nanak Singh

Nanak Singh (1897–1971) is widely regarded as the father of the Punjabi novel. Despite little formal education beyond the fourth grade, he wrote an astounding fifty-nine books, which included thirty-eight novels and an assortment of plays, short stories, poems, essays, and even a set of translations. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1962 for Ik Mian Do Talwaraan. His novel Pavitra Paapi was made into a film in 1968, while Chitta Lahu was translated into the Russian by Natasha Tolstoy.

His grand son, Navdeep Suri, has translated two of his novels to English: A Game of Fire and Hymns in Blood.

Other books by Nanak Singh include A life Incomplete and Khooni Vaisakhi.

Praises for books by Nanak Singh:

“A Game of Fire reminds us of the perils of communalism in our sub continentally diverse polity – a must-read in a day and age where politically orchestrated religious polarization once again threatens India’s hard-earned and intricately woven social fabric?” – Shashi Tharoor
“A chilling reminder of the depravity of communal frenzy, Nanak Singh’s classic novel records the bestial orgy of murder and mayhem that played out in Amritsar’s narrow lanes during Partition?” – Navtej Sarna

“Nanak Singh’s deeply felt novel, written in the immediate aftermath of the Partition of 1947 carries the raw stamp of an intensely felt and lived tragedy which broke apart not only two countries but also hearts, relationships, friendships, homes and trust. In these difficult times it serves as a stark reminder not only of what we have lost, but also what we lived and what gave us hope.” – Urvashi Butalia

“Suri’s translation of Singh’s stunning classic is a breath of fresh air. The world has never needed this illuminous novel more.” – Anjali Enjeti

“Sensitive and rich, it embodies the spirit of undivided Punjab, and seventy-five years on, serves not only as historical narrative, but also a timely reminder of the consequences of manmade divisions.” – Aanchal Malhotra