Almost Island would like to be concerned with writing which does not have a purpose outside itself. In times where information is seen as revelation, Almost Island would like to publish work which is in no way sociological, or a travel guide to a foreign culture, or a substitute for historical or anthropological knowledge. Literature seeks wholeness, not fragmentation, and information is never whole.
Almost Island will seek work which is philosophical, internal, individual. It will seek work which either threatens, confronts or bypasses the marketplace by its depth and seriousness and form. This market is not one where the seller faces the buyer, both having walked miles, a once a week give and take of goods, honour, and guile. This market has a lot to learn.
Editor: Sharmistha Mohanty is the author of two novels, Book One and New Life. Her translation of Tagore’s fiction, Ruined Nest and Other Stories is due out soon. She is the initiator of Almost Island Dialogues, an annual international writers meet in India.
Vivek Narayanan: consulting editor