In this article Luka Grigolia, publisher and co-founder of Polynomial books, explores the value of finding connection through literature.
We experience a sense of belonging differently. It is something we can`t achieve so easily and nothing in the near future seems likely to make it easier. Belonging takes a lot of courage – we have to value and learn how to receive as much as give or vice versa.
There are some things universal and infinite that unite us all. For me, literature has always been a phenomenon that can make human connections easier and make us feel less lonely. Unfortunately, divide et impera always remained a formidable instrument. We, humans, are at our best when we try to share the struggles of each other. And we are also doing great when we have a secure place in the world. It`s heartbreaking to see people being told they don`t belong. In even harsher reality, people like Palestinians or Ukrainians are declared they don`t get to live either.
I feel like we have stopped talking to each other. Ironically enough we have more ways to communicate than ever. If we don`t talk we lose the chance to learn, understand and adapt. Maybe we`re just scared. It seems to be the case mostly.
Literature always cuts deeper. JG Ballard used to dissect cadavers before turning to writing, which was his primal call. He believed writing should have a similar effect, not just contemplating a façade. Otherwise, literature would become a shallow, touristic activity.
Literature always cuts deeper.
As a publisher of translated literature, I want to work on books that can make people feel less isolated. I believe, literature can spark a sense of empathy and unity, while most of the things nowadays can lead us to believe that competition is the only way.
Georgia is a fascinating country. It is an unusual amalgam of Europe and Asia but with its idiosyncrasies. We also have a small and unique language with our alphabet. This is an inseparable part of our identity, which did shield us whenever we faced an apparent extinction. Therefore, representing language and culture like this has never been easy. Especially because we are still trying to shed off spoils of Russian colonialism. We recently published brilliant Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. Someone wrote it is only possible in Georgia that Thatcher sympathizers can enjoy this book. You wouldn`t even imagine in your wildest dreams how different from each other Georgian readers of writers like Arundhati Roy or Michel Houellebecq are. Gotta love to see it!
If we talk about Georgian publishing, it is still a small but ever-growing space. Its compact nature is sometimes convenient when we need changes and immediate improvements. But we often feel left out of the conversation internationally dominated by larger languages and respective countries representing them. I grew up as a publisher in the times of the most crucial changes. I needed all the knowledge and expertise I could get. Luckily, I received some valuable experiences from international programs. And many of my colleagues were generous enough to unselfishly share. It did make me feel I belonged and whatever I was doing was right.
I`m a founder of Polynomial Books, but my mother company is Sulakauri. The latter paved the way for many and set a tone in the local publishing industry. The company grew. I tried to do my part individually to vouch for translators or the other parties involved. Sometimes I encountered a positive type of butterfly effect of whatever was accomplished already. And it felt good. It does feel good when minor changes result in bigger outcomes than expected, therefore small initiatives are important. Not only locally, of course. Especially when the participation of individuals comes first rather than the organizations they represent.
To conclude this stream of consciousness of a rant, it goes without saying how important it is we tell the stories. And when it comes to the literature, everyone involved should try to build bridges and create new paths rather than gatekeeping and conserving. In this reality, maybe even Thatcher would empathize with Shuggie Bain herself!
Luka Grigolia started with Sulakauri Publishing in 2015.
Polynomial Books was an idea to extend his list at Sulakauri. Polynomial only publish authors that have never been translated into Georgian before. The translations include books by Virginie Despentes, Joan Didion, Leonard Cohen, Maryse Condé, Fernanda Melchor, César Aira, and they will be publishing James Baldwin, Maggie Nelson, Jon Fosse, Ted Gioia and Anthony Bourdain soon.
The International Literature Exchange is a partnership project by National Centre for Writing and British Council, supported by Arts Council England.
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