Press Releases 2007

U.S. Consul General Michael S. Owen Releases Marathi Translation of American Classic Beloved

September 28, 2007

Mumbai -- U.S.Consul General Michael S. Owen today released Asha Damle’s Marathi translation of American Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s ground-breaking novel Beloved . The book release, held at the American Center auditorium, was followed by readings of key passages from the original and translated texts. Distinguished members of the Marathi and English literary worlds were present at the event.

Beloved is a Pulitzer prize-winning novel, set in the post Civil War-Ohio, which focuses on the impact of slavery on African-Americans. Inspired by a true story, it is a defining novel of slavery in America that searches for that ultimate balance between grief, anger and acceptance. First published in 1986, it was declared in May 2006 by the New York Times Book Review to be “the single best work of American fiction published in the last 25 years.”

The Consul General spoke about the importance of the novel, both in the literary context as well as to humanity.  “One of the goals of our diplomatic mission in India is to promote mutual understanding and respect between our peoples.  Toni Morrison’s philosophy in Beloved also speaks of mutual understanding and universal brotherhood,” Owen said.

Beloved’s Marathi translator Asha Damle said the novel is not a traditional slave narrative. It rises above the ‘anti-White’ and ‘pro-Black’ categories and presents a holistic-humanistic world view, she added. Damle is a bilingual writer based in London and Mumbai.  She has many English translations to her credit, including a landmark novel titled Anandi Gopal. The Pune-based Padmagandha Prakashan has published Damle’s Marathi translation.

American Center director Elizabeth Kauffman said the Marathi translation is particularly welcome. “Morrison’s message will now reach a wider audience. Marathi is the fourth most spoken influential language in India. It is spoken by around 90 million people around the world. We could not have asked for a more effective vehicle for promoting the message of peace and mutual respect.”