Words Without Borders

This "great link" leads to an organization that works to the translate, publish, and promote contemporary literature from all over the world. They feature writing from even the most obscure regions of the globe and give an international voice to the silenced. According to their site, their mission is to -

"opens doors to international exchange through translation, publication, and promotion of the world’s best writing. WWB publishes selected prose and poetry on the web and in print anthologies (the next one to focus on the Islamic world), stages special events that connect foreign writers to the general public and media, develops materials for high school teachers to use foreign literature in classrooms, and continues to build an unparalleled online resource center for contemporary global writing.

Our ultimate aim is to introduce exciting international writing to the general public — travelers, teachers, students, publishers, and a new generation of eclectic readers — by presenting international literature not as a static, elite phenomenon, but a portal through which to explore the world. In the richness of cultural information we present, we hope to help foster a “globalization” of cultural engagement and exchange, one that allows many voices in many languages to prosper."

They're pretty much the "Tower of Babel" of the new millennium! Unifying nations through a common love of the written word! So...pretty much - hottness personified:-) For the month of June, they have been featuring Pakistani writers. I've included a clip of one of their most popular essays below.

Enjoy:-)

Intizaar Hussain The First Morning
Translated from the Urdu by Basharat Peer

I have no definite answer to questions about why I migrated from India to Pakistan after the partition in 1947. I look back and see a crowded train rushing past lively and desolate towns and villages, under a bright sun, and in the dark of night. The train is running through the most frightening night and the passengers are quiet like statues. I strain to hear them breathe. Where will the train stop? And will it move again, if it stops?

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