Susan Muaddi Darraj: 'My writing has changed forever by what's happening in Gaza'

Susan Muaddi Darraj: 'My writing has changed forever by what's happening in Gaza'

Author: Fictionable August 17, 2024 Duration: 31:20

This Summer podcast series has brought us Samantha Harvey, Patrick Cash, Carolina Bruck – translated by Ellen Jones – and Jack Klausner. We bring it to a close with Susan Muaddi Darraj and her mighty story May You Wake Up to a Homeland.


Darraj tells us that she started with an image, an old man in his kitchen "looking at this bizarre package of frozen food". That and the thought of him sitting there "surrounded by his children and almost none of them actually can sympathise with him" was enough to set her on her way.


May You Wake Up to a Homeland is the first piece of fiction Darraj has been able to write since the Israeli invasion began last year.


"The first six months I think I was just in shock," she says, "and I couldn't believe it was still going on. But now it's been ten months."


After ten months, she explains, it's time for it to "seep into the creative work".


"Everything is hard," she continues, but "witnessing what's happening is the least we can do."


Every writer from a marginalised community feels the burden to represent that community, Darraj says, but she's not so sure it's a burden any more.


"I'm just trying to portray the experiences of Palestinians in a way that's authentic, because the media seems unable to get it right."


And while fiction isn't journalism, it can do something "really remarkable", she adds. "It asks you to pretend you are living someone else's life for a little while. And you do it. You all obey the author, don't you?"


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Fictionable is a space for those drawn to the compact power of short stories and the vivid narratives of graphic fiction. Each episode delves into the craft and culture surrounding these forms, featuring conversations with the writers and artists themselves. We explore the techniques behind compelling brevity, the unique challenges of visual storytelling, and the diverse literary scenes influencing work today. The discussion often extends to broader book chat, examining how these shorter pieces fit into the wider landscape of reading and creativity. It’s a podcast built for curious readers who find entire worlds in a few pages or panels, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the stories published in the Fictionable collection. You’ll hear about inspiration, process, and the personal connections that fuel these works, all sourced from a global community of creators. The aim is to deepen appreciation for the art form while celebrating the voices shaping it. This isn’t just analysis; it’s an invitation into the ongoing conversation between author, artist, and audience. Join us for a thoughtful and engaging exploration of narrative in its most concentrated and visually dynamic forms.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 59

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