Moving to the UK, European Union Prize for Literature winner Gabriela Ruivo found it challenging to promote her work internationally but saw the distance as an advantage. ‘Being away gives you a different perspective on your own country and the world,’ she reflected. Her first novel is inspired by her family’s stories, which took four years to complete before winning the prestigious award.
The 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival turned its spotlight on Europe in a big way, showcasing the rich diversity of European literature and its unique culture. Talking about the long-standing partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival, Ambassador Delphin said, “For the EU, partnering with the Jaipur Literature Festival is not only about celebrating a shared love of literature with India – it’s about sparking conversations that impact society, fostering creativity, and strengthening our cultural ties.”
In conversation with The Sunday Guardian, European Union Prize for Literature winner Gabriela Ruivo (a Portuguese author and translator based in the UK) shared how her journey as a writer was shaped by living outside Portugal. “I have always written, but I never considered myself a writer until I won the prize,” she said. Moving to the UK, she found it challenging to promote her work internationally but saw the distance as an advantage. “Being away gives you a different perspective on your own country and the world,” she reflected. Her first novel is inspired by her family’s stories, which took four years to complete before winning the prestigious award.
Ruivo also discussed the lack of Portuguese literature in global translations, particularly in India. “Portuguese is one of the most spoken languages, yet our literature isn’t widely known,” she noted, attributing it to a lack of coordinated efforts among Portuguese-speaking nations. To address this, Ruivo runs an online book club promoting Portuguese literature translated into English. “We aim to bridge this gap and share our literary richness with the world,” she emphasized.
German Book Prize winner Tonio Schachinger is an Austrian author born in New Delhi in 1992. Schachinger’s father, a diplomat, was posted at the Austrian Embassy, and the family moved to Nicaragua a year later before settling in Vienna. Returning to India for the first time since his birth, Schachinger spoke about the contrasting receptions his work has received in Germany and Austria. While the German Book Prize significantly boosted his book’s sales and popularity in Germany, he noted that Austrian literary circles tend to be more reserve. “In Austria, successful authors first gain recognition abroad before being accepted at home,” he observed.
The prolific and acclaimed Swiss writer Peter Stamm talked about the universality of emotions. “There is a basic understanding of emotions everywhere, but certain themes take on new significance depending on the region,” he noted, citing his novel on illegal immigration, which was received with deep engagement in Mexico but barely sparked discussion in Germany. Despite differences, he believes literature remains a universal bridge, remarking, “Every time I travel to a foreign country, I am afraid it will be completely different, but in the end, it’s always people—just with different noises around them.”
Stamm acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into the English market, where German literature is underrepresented, despite occasional boosts from prestigious nominations like the International Booker Prize. Speaking about his Swiss identity, Stamm noted that he finds greater readership in Germany than in Austria, as “Austrians are deeply engaged with their own literature and often look more towards Eastern Europe.” Visiting India for the first time, he was invited by the Swiss Embassy after years of scheduling conflicts, and he brought his sons along to experience the journey.
JLF 2025 also witnessed three distinguished Polish personalities
Celebrated crime fiction author Zygmunt Miłoszewski, one of Poland’s most successful contemporary novelists, has gained international recognition for his gripping crime fiction, particularly the trilogy featuring Prosecutor Szacki. His books have been translated into 18 languages and have sold over a million copies in Poland alone. Miłoszewski’s works have not only been adapted for cinema and television but have also inspired radio dramatizations by BBC Radio 4.
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, Miłoszewski shared his thoughts on writing, research, and the solitary nature of his craft. “Being a writer means you are really alone,” he reflected. “You don’t have colleagues to share coffee with at the office. You want to believe that what you are doing has some sense.” However, moments like these—engaging with readers across the world—provided validation and encouragement. He described his creative process as an intricate puzzle, shaped by extensive research that often leads him to unexpected places.
Another prominent voice from Poland at the festival was Olga Drenda, a writer, essayist, translator, and cultural anthropologist. Known for her sharp insights into nostalgia, modernity, and everyday life, Drenda has worked with esteemed institutions such as the University of Warsaw, School of Form, Universität Wien, and Universität Graz. As a columnist for Tygodnik Powszechny and the Creative Director of the Conrad Festival, she plays a vital role in shaping contemporary Polish cultural discourse.
Experiencing India for the first time, Drenda described her time at the Jaipur Literature Festival as “a time for discoveries.” Representing both the Joseph Conrad International Festival of Literature in Kraków and her work as a translator, she participated in two sessions: one focused on translation and another at the Festival Director’s Roundtable. She shared insights into her translation projects, particularly a book on the legendary Polish train EN57, which involved “operating between different modes of language, from factory workers to graffiti artists.”
Drenda also discussed her own books, which remain largely untranslated due to their Polish-specific themes, but she pointed out that Wyroby could resonate globally. “It explores a pan-human spirit of ingenuity, much like the Indian concept of jugaad,” she explained. As Creative Director of the Joseph Conrad Festival, she emphasized its international outlook, saying, “It must cover the diversity of the world, posing challenges to readers rather than just following trends.” Drawing parallels between the Conrad Festival and the Jaipur Literature Festival, she appreciated how both events blend literature with music, exhibitions, and discussions on publishing, creating, as she described it, “a space for curiosity and discovery.”
The third key figure in Poland’s presence at the festival was Agnieszka Iskra. With a background in sociology and media innovation, Iskra has played a pivotal role in the execution of cultural projects, including her role as the Chief Coordinator at the Joseph Conrad International Festival of Literature. At the 2025 JLF, she engaged in discussions about the future of publishing. Her insights resonated with Indian audiences, particularly in an era when digital transformations and independent journalism are redefining global narratives.
Reflecting on Poland’s participation at the festival, the Director of the Polish Institute, Malgorzata Wejsis-Gołebiak, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Jaipur Literature Festival once again proved to be a remarkable platform for cultural exchange, bringing together literary voices from around the world. We were honored to showcase the richness of Polish literature through the participation of Zygmunt Miłoszewski, Olga Drenda, and Agnieszka Iskra. Their diverse perspectives—spanning crime fiction, cultural anthropology, and media innovation—sparked engaging discussions and deepened the dialogue between Poland and India. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.”