In this episode of Ehkili, Palestinian writer Selma Dabbagh discusses the influence of her legal background on her storytelling and explores the complexities of her Palestinian identity, particularly in the context of political engagement and activism. The conversation also delves into Dabbagh's novel "Out of It" and her anthology "We Wrote In Symbols: Love and Lust By Arab Women Writers," highlighting the themes of erasure, representation, and self-inquiry through literature. Dabbagh shares her perspectives on the current political climate in the UK, the growing public support for Palestinian rights, and the challenges faced by academics and activists. The episode concludes with a discussion of Dabbagh's forthcoming novel set in 1938 Jerusalem, inspired by the Antonius family.
00:00 Introduction
02:26 The Influence of Law on Writing
05:13 Journey to Becoming a Writer
06:26 Literature as a Route to Self-Inquiry
09:07 Connection to Palestine
12:57 The Story Behind Her Book "Out of It"
20:22 Navigating Representation and Responsibility
25:04 Current Climate in the UK
31:19 Highlighting Palestinian Literature
32:41 Exploring Humor and Personal Narratives
36:28 Introducing "We Wrote In Symbols"
39:50 Historical Context and Women's Voices
46:20 Navigating Repression and Expression
49:23 Upcoming Projects and New Novel
52:29 The Antonius Family and Historical Influence
58:08 Conclusion and Where to Find More
Selma Dabbagh is a British-Palestinian writer and former human rights lawyer based in London. Her acclaimed debut novel "Out of It" and edited anthology "We Wrote In Symbols" highlight contemporary Arab voices. Her work spans fiction, radio, journalism, and academia, with writings featured in Granta, The Guardian, and BBC Radio. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Connect with Selma 👉 https://www.instagram.com/selmadabbagh/
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
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