Thank you, Aruna Kandel ("Samrat, Manjushree and English writing in Nepal", #132) for being brave enough to voice your well deserved criticism of the so-called modern English language authors of Nepali origin. Can these people write in English that is simple but eloquent, easy to understand but fascinating and thought provoking at the same time? The answer clearly seems to be a big no. After reading the writings of these authors, one has to wonder-who is their target audience? Certainly not the average English speaking Nepali or for that matter an American or an Englishman. Henry the Eighth would have been perfectly comfortable reading the writing of so called English speaking Nepali intelligentsia. But the same cannot be said about the majority of the English speakers anywhere in the world. Who are these people trying to impress with the 100 percent grammatically perfect English that is impossible to decipher for even seasoned English speakers? I cannot think of anyone else but themselves.

Sebastian Peters,
Seattle

. Reading the vicious attacks by the likes of Aruna Kandel and others in your paper against Samrat and Manjushree, I get the feeling these are people who have some personal grudge against the two Nepali writers in English. Either that or they are consumed by jealousy, and you have given them space to vent it. My only advice to Samrat's detractors would be: please read and re-read The Guru of Love. A more compassionate, humane and non-judgemental masterpiece of modern writing is hard to find. And we are proud that such a sad and universal story of human failing, struggle and triumph was told by a Nepali. Bravo, Samrat!

Anil B Gurung,
by email