Anwar Ridhwan : Accolades by Solehah Ishak

With (Anwar Ridhwan’s) Naratif Ogonshoto, (Tales of Ogonshoto) I have been most fortunate (as translator of this novel into English) to have texts which has so many interesting stories to unfold and which were all told in such a wondrous manner. It seems that Anwar’s despair of the last, numbered days of an artist has now, in Tales of Ogonshoto become rejuvenated and empowered. Like the proverbial phoenix it has emerged from the ashes, stronger, more confident and certainly a force to be reckoned with. Anwar is the master pelipur lara (raconteur) who will regale his readers with such wondrous tales. Indeed it is not only the stories but also Anwar’s craftsmanship which forms an interesting and revealing study… I have also functioned as interpreter of Anwar’s post-modern text and as conductor of its cultural transferences. I hope I have succeeded in placing Anwar’s source language text in a new light, under new, broader, and challenging dimensions (Solehah Ishak, “Translator’s Note”, Tales of Ogonshoto (2004). Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). posted by NUR ALIAA ANWAR.