Kolkata, India – January 2026 —
The acclaimed novel The Interpreter by Egyptian writer, poet, and cultural critic Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid will be available to readers at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026, which opens on 22 January 2026. The book is published by Penprints, one of India’s prominent publishing houses dedicated to global and cross-cultural literature.
The Interpreter is a thought-provoking literary work that explores language not merely as a tool of communication, but as a space of memory, power, identity, and cultural negotiation. Through its layered narrative, the novel examines the role of the interpreter as a witness between worlds, histories, and human experiences, raising profound questions about meaning, loss, belonging, and the ethics of representation.
The Interpreter navigates the worlds of 28 characters from different nationalities and diverse cultural backgrounds, weaving them into a rich and innovative narrative form. Through this polyphonic structure, the novel offers a profound portrayal of social life and historical trajectories in the Arab region and beyond, set against a time of intense political transformation. By moving between personal destinies and collective histories, the work captures how individual lives are shaped, fractured, and redefined by shifting political landscapes, making the novel both a human mosaic and a literary chronicle of an era in motion.
Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid is a distinguished literary figure whose work bridges Africa, the Arab world, Asia, and beyond. He is known for his contributions to poetry, fiction, journalism, and cultural dialogue, and for his active role in international literary and media platforms. The Interpreter adds a significant voice to contemporary world literature, resonating strongly with readers interested in intercultural exchange and the unseen forces shaping human narratives.
The International Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest and most prestigious book fairs in the world, provides an ideal platform for the novel’s engagement with a diverse international readership. Visitors to the fair will be able to find The Interpreter at the Penprints stall, alongside a rich selection of literary works from India and across the globe.
The 49th edition of the fair is expected to attract publishers, writers, translators, scholars, and book lovers from many countries, reaffirming Kolkata’s status as a major hub of literary culture. The presence of The Interpreter at this global event highlights the growing interest in transnational narratives and literature that crosses linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Event Details
- Book: The Interpreter
- Author: Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid
- Publisher: Penprints
- Event: 49th International Kolkata Book Fair
- Opening Date: 22 January 2026
- Location: Kolkata, India
For readers seeking a novel that reflects on language, identity, and the human condition in a globalized world, The Interpreter stands as a compelling and timely work.
