Norman Erikson Pasaribu in Conversation with Rashida Murphy

Centre for Stories

Recipient of the Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship and acclaimed Indonesian writer and poet, Norman Erikson Pasaribu, sits down in conversation with local Perth author, Rashida Murphy. Together, they discuss navigating the literary world as a writer in translation, the labels of Western literature and queer Indonesian writing. This conversation was held at the University Club Banquet Hall at the University of Western Australia in November 2022. Born in Jakarta in 1990, Norman's first short story collection 'Hanya Kamu yang Tahu Berapa Lama Lagi Aku Harus Menunggu (Only You Know How Much Longer I Should Wait)' was shortlisted for the 2014 Khatulistiwa Literary Award for Prose. Their debut poetry collection 'Sergius Mencari Bacchus (Sergius Seeks Bacchus)' won the 2015 Jakarta Arts Council Poetry Competition, was translated into English by Tiffany Tsao, and published by Giramondo in Australia in 2019. In 2022, 'Happy Stories, Mostly' was released to critical acclaim and longlisted for the International Man Booker. The Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship is possible thanks to the sponorship of Dr George Kailis.