The author Nyanbeni Shitiri with other dignitaries during the release of her novella ‘The Waiting’ on July 18.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 18
The launch of the novella ‘The Waiting’ by Nyanbeni Shitiri, jointly published by 6th Finger Publishers took place on July 18 at the Butter BookCafe, Duncan Basti here in Dimapur. ‘The Waiting’ is about the story of two broken souls who still long for the truest form of love despite being hurt by loving someone.
In the publisher’s note, Sentinaro Longkumer, expressed how she initially met the author for the love of books. “She finished the book in three days” she said, adding that she saw the spontaneity in her writing and knew that it was straight from her heart.
She expressed that although the author comes from a theological background and teaches at a theological college, she has chosen to explore the theme of love which is an uncommon direction in the Naga context, where such subjects are not typically associated with theologians. However, this deviation from expectation only highlights the universality of love, which the author conveys with sincerity and depth.
Citing an example from the Bible, she talked about Jacob’s yearning to marry Rachael, but how he had to wait 7 years, illustrating how even in the bible it is said to wait for the one to appear in life. She also expressed the need for the youngsters of today to build a God centric relationship.
The book was dedicated and released by Dr. T. Ekonthung Tungoe, Academic Dean of ETCS, who has witnessed Nyanbeni’s theological journey from her early days, and spoke about her determination. “Strength does not lie in our physical structure. It lies in our heart,” he said.
In the author’s address, Nyanbeni shared that she never thought she would write a novella. It was not a goal in mind, but a profound belief that drove her to start writing. The novella reflects the inner truth of most who yearn to be loved but are tired of past wounds. “I want to give them hope that even if we are broken, it is God who is going to heal us,” she stressed.
She insisted that the characters of ‘The Waiting’ portray those who pray and wait on God for love. She further stated that the title is still in present tense and hoped that the novella would hopefully have its second sequence. Her goal, she said, is not to seek recognition through the book, but to glorify God and remind readers of the importance of prayer in the pursuit of love.
Breaking stereotypes, she also addressed the traditional perception that theologians should not write about romantic love. But she countered that it is theologians who often carry some of the deepest wounds, not only from romantic relationships, but also from family, friends, and even their faith journey. “We theologians may have more to say about love than anyone else,” she said.
The launch concluded with a book signing session.
The writer, N Katemongla is a student of Mass Media and Communication in Nitte Institute of Communication, Mangalore, Karnataka. This report was written as part of her internship in The Morung Express.
