A few years ago, translator Jeremy Tiang stumbled upon an eclectic collection of stories in a Singapore bookstore titled “Delicious Hunger,” penned under a pseudonym by author Hai Fan. This compelling narrative stemmed from Fan's 13 years as a guerilla soldier for the Malayan Communist Party, delves into uncharted terrains rarely explored in translated works. Despite the potential challenges in securing an English-language publisher, Tiang found a fitting home at Tilted Axis, a small British press celebrated for its focus on subversive and experimental literature. They quickly embraced Tiang's translation, which was released in Britain last fall and subsequently won the prestigious English PEN Translates Award, marking a significant milestone as the first book from Singapore to earn this honor.
However, American publishers have been less receptive; “Delicious Hunger” was submitted to 29 of them without a bite. This situation changed recently as Tilted Axis announced its expansion into the North American market. Tiang's translation is scheduled for release in the U.S. this June, along with nearly 20 other titles from the Tilted Axis catalog slated for this year. The first wave of these unique offerings is set to hit shelves this month, marking an exciting chapter for readers interested in diverse narratives and innovative storytelling techniques. With this expansion, Tilted Axis champions an influx of voices that challenge literary norms, pushing the boundaries of conventional publishing.
