We’re in discussion today with Rafeed Elahi Chowdhury, a notable Bangladeshi novelist based in Vancouver. His recent novels, ‘Fayez Just Became a Father’ and ‘Rules of Eternity’, have been widely celebrated. We’re here to discuss the journey to this success, and to talk about what he has in store for us next.
Congratulations on the success of your recent novels. How have readers responded to your novels, and was there any feedback that particularly surprised or delighted you?
Thank you, it means a lot. ‘Rules of Eternity’ was comparatively a more touching story, and I had worked on it for a longer amount of time, but I was not expecting ‘Fayez Just Became a Father’ to do so well. Both my novels received positive responses from the readers. I should mention that there was a bit of heat surrounding ‘Fayez Just Became a Father’, because of the sensitive story it covers, and the fact that it’s a comedy; but that wasn’t something that came from the readers – the readers flooded my inbox with heartwarming messages talking about why they loved the story. It would be tough to pinpoint one particular message, but in general, I am overjoyed.
Did you expect ‘Fayez Just Became a Father’ to cross many milestones in comparison to ‘Rules of Eternity’?
The success of ‘Fayez Just Became a Father’ did come as a surprise to me. Its performance has been an eye-opener, revealing a big, diverse audience that appreciates this kind of storytelling, something I hadn’t fully predicted beforehand. ‘Rules of Eternity’ also holds a special place in my heart, as it was a project I invested a lot of time and emotional energy into. Its narrative is different, more touching, and deep, and it resonates with a significant part of myself. The response to both novels has taught me that there are readers out there for every genre and mix, each with their own preferences and tastes. It’s fascinating to see how diverse stories find their place and audience.
You often mention how you don’t want to be stereotyped as a romantic author only, and that’s what inspired you to write your crime thriller novel. Does that mean you’re not coming up with more romantic novels in the near future?
The idea of being termed as solely a romantic author has always been something I’ve consciously tried to avoid. It’s true that the inception of this concern was the first step behind venturing into the realm of crime thrillers. But I can’t deny that the world of romance writing is one I find endlessly rewarding. There’s a certain magic in crafting stories about the nuances of human emotion. I did plan to steer away from romance for a while, but it seems that I’m not quite done with it yet. One of my upcoming projects is another romantic story. I guess the world of romance has a certain pull that I can’t quite escape.
This doesn’t mean I’m abandoning other genres. There will definitely be more romantic stories in the pipeline, but they’ll be part of a broader, more diverse range of work
Looking back at your first novel and where you are now, in what ways do you feel you’ve grown the most as a writer and as a person?
In my early writing days, my characters were often subtly mirrored in a significant manner, which I guess was a safe place to start. But over time, I’ve learned to lean more into my imagination, letting my characters grow from empathy, and creativity, as if they’ve become unique individuals with their own stories. I find myself spending a lot more time refining and shaping my dialogues, and polishing the narrative until it feels right. As a person, I feel like my focus has gravitated more toward the readers who find joy and meaning in my work, allowing me to write more fearlessly without being concerned about pointless external validation.
Do you feel like the literary community in Vancouver is playing an important role in shaping your work?
Yes, I believe that. The interactions I’ve had, the feedback I’ve received, and the discussions I’ve been a part of have all contributed to refining my craft. There’s an incredible wealth of cultural and social diversity in Vancouver, and this has opened my eyes to new narratives and themes that I may not have considered before. The city has its own unique rhythm and spirit, which I find fascinating. I’m excited about the prospect of embedding these elements into a story that resonates with both local readers and a wider audience
Should we expect to see more of your performances – novel recitations?
Totally. I’m not sure when, but this is something I am really enjoying at the moment. During novel recitation performances, I get to experience the emotions of the readers live, and engage with them upfront. Of course, it requires me to practice properly, and make sure that I’m giving my hundred percent during those minutes, but as long as it’s bringing me the love from the audience, it’s always worth it.
When can we expect your next novel?
Well, obviously this year, and hopefully, after a few months. I am working on multiple projects currently, so I’m not sure which one will be released earlier. But I am equally excited about each of them. The journey from concept to final manuscript is always unpredictable and filled with surprises. Sometimes, a story takes on a life of its own, speeding towards completion, while others require more time to mature. While I can’t pinpoint the exact release date, I assure you that the wait will be worth it.
