Dislocated by the turn of events following the partition
of the subcontinent, the protagonists of the novel, Asim
and Saran have a chance meeting at Frankfurt, Germany
and are friends in an instant. In taking us through their
adventures all over Europe and later to their reunion
with Usha and Naima in India, the novel not only
depicts the complex social and emotional relationships,
but also grapples with the trauma of alienation. Adrift is
a human document of charm and beauty. A significant
contribution to contemporary Urdu as well as Indian.
fiction.
Harcharan Chawla (1926-2002) had a long and
distinguished literary career spanning over five decades.
His creative oeuvre includes novels, short stories,
memoirs and travelogue besides translating Norwegian
fiction into Hindi and Urdu. Important works include
Darinde and Chirag ke Zakhm (novels); Aks Aiyene Ke, Ret
Samunder Aur Jhag, Atey Jatey Mausamom Ke Sach and
Anguish of a Horse and Other Stories (short stories).
Jai Ratan was a distinguished translator from Urdu to
English. A Sahitya Akademi awarded translator, Jai Ratan
during his long career translated many Urdu and Hindi
works into English. Among his important translations
include Fire Area, published by the Trust.