STORIES ETCHED ON HILLS

Author of the book Giants speaks about his story set in the picturesque Naga hills, woven with folklores, myths, and memories

- DIYA MARIA GEORGE

BENEATH the vast, breathing canopy of the Naga hills, where stones skimmed across rivers could vanish into thin air and the stories of old clung to the mountain mist, a young boy named Kato once ran.

His journey, from the innocence of skipping stones to the weight of adulthood, is the story of Huthuka Sumi's debut, Giants (HarperCollins). It is a narrative that stretches across decades, rooted in the rich soil of Sumi culture, asking questions about memory, change, and the marks left by the land that shapes us.

In an exclusive interview with TMS, the author Sumi delves into the heart of his creation. Excerpts follow:

· Kato's childhood is vividly brought to life, from skipping stones to outrunning his mother. How did you approach capturing the innocence and mischief of a child in this unique setting?

I don't think we ever outgrow our childhood. It just finds a nice, cosy place inside us to hibernate like the bears, and if we ever need it, it's right there. Writing about a boy who was so much like me in my childhood required me to call upon the dear old friend who'd cosied up deep within my soul; and as simple as that sounds the adult constantly got in the way.

· Kato's mother comes across as a hardworking, determined presence. How much of her character is inspired by real-life memories or people in your life?