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Define Identity
In Valtoha, you ask readers to join you on a journey from Singapore to Valtoha as you examine your family’s history beginning with your late grandfather. What inspired you to share your family history with readers?
When I went in search of my grandfather’s village, I did not intend to turn the adventure into an actual book. However, after the experience, I felt it was an amazing story in itself and that people would want to hear about it. I shared the experience with some close friends and they championed the idea of turning it into a book. Then the next questions were: how I was going to stylise the entire account and what parallels did my grandfather share with me? With these starting points, I began to craft the text that is now VALTOHA. On some levels, this may have been a personal project and on other levels, it was meant to give a voice to a seemingly insignificant person who actually is something of an important figure of subaltern history.
How long did it take you to research and put together your family’s history and write Valtoha?
I began writing the bulk of it while I was still travelling around India, so over the course of a month or so. That was just the first draft of the text we have now. Over the next three months, I began asking for information from the various sources and speaking to Dr. Kirpal Singh about the foreword of the text. Unearthing some information was easier than others but I think good fortune did play a huge part in the way some of the information fell into my lap.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
An enjoyable tale and nothing more because that is all it really is, I think? I know questions will inevitably be raised about identity, belonging and assimilation, as always with stories of transmigration. However, the truth is that these things really don’t matter. Most of us tend to spend a large portion of our lives trying to define identity for ourselves. The truth is that once we have a sense of the answer, we don’t really know what to do with it. Yes, I’m a third-generation Indian immigrant to Singapore but so what? My wife is Mexican, and I can’t relate to most things Indian or Singaporean. So what? The identity that I’ve constructed for myself doesn’t matter at all as much as the experiences that I have been through. Therefore, the search for identity is an absolute utter waste of time. I am a storyteller, and all this text is bringing to readers is just a story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a speculative poetry collection about music and sound with American poet, Garrett Carroll that should be out sometime in 2025. Ikhṓr, my art/poetry collaboration with Irish artist Shane Reilly, will be released at the end of October this year. Also, at some point in 2025, I will be releasing Shadows with Sauroctonos Publishing. This is a grimoire about Southeast Asian supernatural entities and the dark magic used to invoke, banish and protect against them.
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Valtoha
Valtoha, by Hamant Singh, is a poignant and contemplative journey into the past, offering a narrative rich in family history and human growth. The story begins with Singh’s quest to uncover the history of his grandfather, Singara Singh Valtoha, who tragically passed away when Singh’s father was still a child. This exploration takes him from the bustling streets of Singapore to the small town of Valtoha in India, weaving a tapestry that examines identity, memory, and legacy.
Singh introduces a deeply personal touch through his grandfather’s heartfelt and direct letters. These letters serve as a bridge across time, allowing readers to engage in a generational dialogue. Through them, Singh’s emotions and thoughts are powerfully conveyed, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The novel is characterized by its rich sensory details and cultural references, painting vivid images of the diverse emotional and physical landscapes Singh traverses. His keen attention to detail and poetic descriptive passages vividly capture the essence of each location, from the dynamic streets of Singapore to the tranquil town of Valtoha, immersing readers in these environments.
The conclusion of Valtoha is both tragic and enlightening. The discovery of newspaper articles about his grandfather’s death brings Singh’s quest to a bittersweet end. Singh handles the irony and tragedy of his grandfather’s passing with sensitivity, highlighting its profound impact on the surviving family members and adding a layer of moving insight to the narrative.
Far from being a mere biography, this book is a celebration of resilience, family, and the enduring power of storytelling. Singh’s expressive and passionate prose offers a vivid portrayal of his grandfather’s life and legacy, resonating with anyone who has felt the pull of their roots or a desire to reconnect with their heritage. A notable stylistic feature of Singh’s writing is his introspective tone. He frequently pauses to reflect on the broader implications of his discoveries, offering philosophical musings on identity, memory, and legacy. This reflective approach deepens readers’ connection to the story, encouraging them to consider their own cultural heritage and familial bonds.
Valtoha stands as a touching tribute to family history and the exploration of personal identity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0D2B5NJ4R
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