Between Two Worlds: My Journey as a Bangladeshi Novelist in Canada

As I sit by the window, watching the Canadian snowflakes gently fall, my mind often wanders to the sunlit streets of Bangladesh. These two worlds, so starkly different yet intimately connected in my heart, shape my identity as a writer. My name is Taroka, and this is my journey as a Bangladeshi novelist trying to find his voice in Canada.

The Cultural Tapestry

When I first stepped onto Canadian soil, the bustling multicultural mosaic was both fascinating and overwhelming. Here, amidst the diverse faces and stories, I found myself reminiscing about my homeland, where traditions run deep and festivals colour every street. There were times when the isolation felt palpable, like a cold draft seeping in through a crack. The individualistic vibe of Canada, though liberating, often contrasted starkly with the close-knit bonds I was used to back in Bangladesh.

I was reminded of Nihad Sirees, the Syrian novelist who spoke of his life in exile, the dance between holding onto one's roots and embracing a new culture. His words resonated with my own experiences, navigating the complex intersections of my dual identity.

A Dance of Words

Language has always been my ally, but in Canada, it took on a new dimension. While my fingers danced on the keyboard, typing in English, my thoughts often swirled in Bengali. The rich tapestry of emotions, nuances, and history in Bengali is something I've tried to infuse into my English writings.

Leila Aboulela's journey, moving from Sudan to Scotland, and oscillating between Arabic and English, provided solace. Her writings reflected a linguistic duality, a mirror to my own experiences. I too, in my narratives, strive to merge the soul of Bengali into the structure of English.

Trust: The Bridge I Build

One of the most profound challenges I've faced is building trust. Trust with the locals here, who might view my stories as mere exotic tales, and trust with my Bangladeshi readers, who might fear I've drifted too far from our shared heritage. I often find solace in the words of Mohsin Hamid, who, despite living in the West, wove tales deeply rooted in his Pakistani origin. Through his stories, he built a bridge, and I aspire to do the same.

In this journey, with every word I pen, I attempt to intertwine the essence of both my worlds. My stories aren't just tales; they're heartbeats, echoing the rhythm of a life caught between two lands. Through my struggles with culture, language, and trust, I aim to craft narratives that resonate, not just with those who share my journey, but with anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds.