Intertwining history with storytelling

You read history books and seldom connect with the characters on the page. The world of history needs the gentle touch of narrative voice.

Aug 21, 2023

I have been obsessed with the Drafting the Past podcast - a podcast that explores the interconnectivity between narrative writing and history; the craft of history. I am only four episodes in, but each episode has illuminated how important it is to intertwine storytelling when narrating and exploring the past. It is this crucial aspect that allows the reader to be entertained and informed and invites them to immerse themselves into real life world building. This is a practice I strive toward in my own writing as a historian, but I have to say, it is not easy.

The book I am currently writing explores the life of Sheikh Fehmi Imam and his journey from migrant to mufti. Without saying too much juuuust yet, the book begins with a seafaring story retold and reimagined through oral histories. Fehmi is on his way to Australia, on a ship that had, previously, served Australia in WWI and WWII. It was no luxury liner. But in every moment, I try to imagine the scene as I listen to, and read, the oral interviews and transcripts.

Here’s a sneak peek into Chapter One:

The rhythmic chug of the Hellenic Prince slowly comes to life as the last of Lebanese and Syrian passengers hop on board. The waves pound forcefully against the Port of Beirut as the ship surges forward. The pungent smell of fish slowly fades, and, in its place, the fresh scent of salty air breezes on board. In the distance, a gust of wind dances and twirls across the water’s surface, as if guiding the ship on its long journey. It is a journey of hope, a new beginning—a promise of a fresh future in the far away land of Down Under.

When the ship left the Port of Beirut, did the wind dance and twirl across the water’s surface? Possibly. Did Fehmi Imam hop on board the Hellenic Prince to begin a new life in the land of Down Under? Certainly.

The intertwining of history and memory, of truth-telling and story, is a delicate process albeit one that bridges the gap between academia and the public. Stan Grant, an Indigenous journalist, and author of The Queen is Dead, writes that ‘storytellers work with and against history. In history we find difference and conflict, yet the storyteller must find us in each other.’^[i] History informs, storytelling ties us to the common ground of humanity. Storytelling can be creative; it can be the work of the writer putting sentences together to paint a pretty picture of the past. Storytelling can also be the work of memory as people narrate their experiences, their hopes, and their dreams to leave their mark on the historical record. This is what oral histories do, and this is what this book I am writing, does.

I share this snippet with you to show you that this intertwining of literature, of storytelling, and of history is what defines me - it is who I am.

I am a storyteller and a historian, and the newsletters you will receive from time to time (thank youuuu immensely for your support!) will reflect this interconnectivity. I want to share my love of both worlds with you.

This newsletter is where my two worlds collide: literature and history.

What’s been happening BTS?

Website Things

I have a new post up on my website, reflecting on seasonal changes and what they tell us about life. Check it out here!

Bookish Things

I recently got a copy of Shankari Chandran’s 2023 Miles Franklin award winning book Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, and I can’t wait to get into it!
I have been reading, albeit a little too slowly, Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier and I have to say, what a marvel. The writing is just superb and I am loving the dash of feminism in there, too, which I think comes from du Maurier’s experience as a woman living in 1950s England.
I have finished Book One of Tee Harlowe’s Wishing for a Magical Midlife series. A new twist of paranormal fiction that follows the life of forty-year-old Carla and her daughter Remy, who navigate life in a small town full of paranormal beasts and demon slayers. Fantastically written, it is definitely my Must Read recommendation. I am currently reading Book Two.
I have FOUR new books on their way: Sara Saleh’s debut novel Songs for the Dead and the Living, Vidya Madabushi’s Australian debut The Days Toppled Over, and Inda Ahmad Zahri’s The Month that Makes the Year and Twice the Love. I cannot wait to share with you more about these, so do read on below!

Upcoming Events

Every few weeks I celebrate the important work authors do as part of my Tea Time Tuesdays interview initiative. I speak with Australian (and international) female authors about their writing, publishing process, books, upcoming releases, and all the things that make them who they are.

SAVE THE DATE

29 AUGUST 2023
Tea Time with Sara Saleh, author of Songs for the Dead and the Living
19 SEPTEMBER 2023
Tea Time with Vidya Madabushi, author of The Days Toppled Over
3 OCTOBER 2023
Tea Time with Inda Ahmad Zahri, author of The Month that Makes the Year and Twice the Love

I am feeling generous! If you RSVP to any event and attend said event, you will go into a draw to WIN a copy of the author’s most recent publication! To RSVP, visit my website here.

Writing and Work Things

I recently got published in Mona Magazine’s Issue 3! It was an absolute privilege to work with Kat Vella, Mona’s non-fiction editor, who inspired me to make my story wholesome and meaningful. Read about my publication here, and meet Kat Vella by listening to my Tea Time interview here.
I sent a poem to Kindling and Sage for consideration, and I am feeling nervous. So, send positive vibes my way! I hope it gets accepted.
I am currently working on the last two chapters of my non-fiction novel about Sheikh Fehmi and the Muslim community in Australia. It has been a very, very, long journey but the end is near, and I cannot wait.
I have been on my mid-semester break but teaching has now resumed. As I type this newsletter, I am very consciously procrastinating from marking papers and prepping for class on Thursday - eep! I think I’ll need more positive vibes my way. It’s been a challenging few weeks. But this week, students will be digging into understanding the impact of slavery and the role of empires in this venture.

Life Things

I have been obsessed with two new self-care products lately by YoungLiving. The smell of the Coconut Lime body butter is simply divine. And with winter drying up not only the landscape around us, but our lips, too, I have been in love with this Cinnamint flavoured lip balm.

Hubby and I have been rewatching The Office for the hundredth time, and we’re just loving it! I did finish Netflix’s Dead to Me - absolutely amazing!
Father’s Day is coming up and I have purchased a personalised book for little Miss to give to her Babo (Dad in Bosnian) and it is just the cutest little story.

I think I will end my very first newsletter here. I hope this was an enjoyable read and I would absolutely LOVE some feedback!