‘Where the Cobbled Path Leads’ by Avinuo Kire launched

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 6

‘Where the Cobbled Path Leads’, a folk fantasy novel, interweaving fantasy fiction with Naga spirit stories and folklore, written by Avinuo Kire was formally launched on Friday evening at the Conference Hall of Kohima College, Kohima.

Vice Principal of Kohima College Keneilesa Neikha launched the book which was published by Penguin Books.

The author in conversation with Dr Adenuo Shirat Luikham, Member, Writers Collective & Asst Professor, Don Bosco College, Kohima, noted that most of her fiction writing stems from something personal. “Fiction writing for me is very crucial that it stems or is rooted to something that is irrevocably nonfiction”, she said.

On using children protagonists in most of her works, she expressed that “I find it very eye opening and quite liberating telling stories from the eyes of a child. They are innocent and untainted by any source of prejudice.” In the newly released novel is the story of 11-year-old Vime, who is struggling to come to terms with the demise of her beloved mother. In this context, she remarked that, “eleven years seem ideal as children of this age are at the threshold where they retain openness and curiosity, but are also very sharp.”

In the book, she also uses Tenyidie words without footnotes or italicising them. In this regard, she exuded hope that the use of local words will be instrumental in bringing the characters to life. She also explained that the Tenyidie words are not italicised as she wanted it to blend into the story while adding that, “this stems from my belief that readers are intelligent and are never be underestimated.”

One of the challenges she faced while writing the novel, she highlighted was “verification of spirit stories and rituals pertaining to a belief system that is no longer practiced and so it’s on the verge of being forgotten especially with the dying generation of oral narrators and storytellers.”

With no grand ambitions of what her debut novel would achieve, she said, “most of all, I hope readers will enjoy. While writing the story, I took a lot of inspiration from our roots….and it’s very much a Naga story. I hope readers will see a local tale with universal appeal.” Overall, she hopes that it carries the message of loss, hope, love and transformation.

In her publisher’s note, which was read out by Dr Emisenla, Asst Professor, Kohima College, Rea Mukherjee, Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House said that she first encountered Avinuo’s writing when she had the pleasure of reading one of her earlier books. After that, on a mission to find a way to reach out to her, to get to know her and to discuss more storytelling with her, she contacted a journalist on Twitter who had once interviewed Avinuo and asked if there was any way she could connect them.

But strangely enough, she said, a few weeks later, an old friend reached out saying someone she was close to had just written a new book and wondered if she would be interested in reading it. “Imagine my surprise when I received that manuscript proposal from Avinuo! It convinced me that she and I were simply meant to find our way to each other and this was the universe ensuring it happened.”

She further expressed that, “the immense joy it has given me to publish Avinuo’s new book, Where the Cobbled Path Leads, is one I can’t seem to put into words (which is ironic since working with words is my actual job!).” She also remarked that the life she has breathed into her book, the characters she has formed, the story she has created, the themes she has discussed, and most importantly, the rich history and culture of Nagaland that is she has so beautifully weaved into her narrative is nothing short of masterful storytelling.

Stating hope that the book reaches far and wide and receives the love, admiration and respect it deserves, she said Penguin Random House is so proud to represent Avinuo and her craft. “Just as Vime has taught us, may we all learn to love, grow and embrace what life might throw our way. We’re more resilient than we think we are”, she conveyed.

Peter Modoli, General Manager, Penguin Random House also remarked that “Avinuo Kire travels from one reality to the other in a bold and thrilling debut which offers insight into the very genesis of contemporary Naga society.”

The book, he said, “is as much a portrait of our own worlds as it is a stunning work of fantasy fiction. We are delighted that she has found the home for her first novel in Penguin Random House India and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Talking about the book, Dr Kevileno Sakhire, Literary Critic & Former HoD (English), Kohima College, spoke about the importance of local authors while also commenting that the brightest stars of Naga literary firmament are in Kohima College. “You are living in historic moments. These are very exciting times”, she said while pointing out that “they are our authors, our indigenous writers.”

Putting across that Avinuo knows the value of storytelling for oral communities, she said the book draws attention to our myths and folklore and the place they have in reviving. Stating that even the actions of magical characters can affect the lives of those in the real world, she said when Avinuo switches to the real world in the book, it also highlights political landscape of Nagaland and its history in such a charming and ingenious way.

Highlights of the launch included words of welcome by Megovono üsou, HoD (English) & Assoc Professor, Kohima College, prayer by C Vezholu Kotso, Asst Professor, Kohima College, and Music by Kohima College Students led by Dr Neikehienuo Mepfhüo, Asst Professor, Kohima College. Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Asst Professor, Kohima College, chaired the programme.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/where-the-cobbled-path-leads-by-avinuo-kire-launched