Read This: Nardi Simpson Is Breaking Her Own Rules
Dec 29, 2024
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Nardi Simpson, a Yuwaalaraay woman and acclaimed author of "Song of the Crocodile," shares her journey as a musician-turned-writer. She discusses her new book, "The Belburd," while exploring themes of intergenerational injustice and love. Nardi reflects on the creative struggle of honoring her heritage and ancestral connections, emphasizing storytelling's role in personal and collective identity. Listing the evolving nature of a writer’s identity, she also highlights the profound impact of reader feedback on her storytelling journey.
Nardi Simpson’s journey from musician to author underscores her commitment to breaking creative constraints and embracing her unique voice in storytelling.
In 'The Bell Bird', Simpson thoughtfully navigates cultural heritage and place, honoring ancestral connections while sharing her personal narrative.
Deep dives
Nadi Simpson's Literary Journey
Nadi Simpson's evolution from musician to author highlights her determination to break free from creative constraints. She initially faced challenges during the writing of her debut novel, 'Song of the Crocodile', often feeling trapped by the expectations of what a writer should be. Through this experience, she learned the importance of embracing her unique voice and breaking her own rules in her follow-up novel, 'The Bell Bird'. Simpson emphasizes that authentic writing comes from the heart, allowing her personal experiences and musicality to enrich her storytelling.
Exploring Heritage and Sovereignty
In 'The Bell Bird', Nadi Simpson navigates the complexities of cultural heritage and the significance of place in her writing. Although the narrative is set in her birthplace, she emphasizes her respect for the ancestral connection of the land, aiming to honor the traditions and sovereignty of others. Simpson's writing serves as a practice in acknowledging and respecting the sacredness of spaces that are not her own while still sharing her own story. This thoughtful approach allows her to create a profound narrative that resonates with respect and understanding of Indigenous heritage.
The Impact of Time and Community
The concept of time in 'The Bell Bird' is portrayed as fluid, blurring the lines between the past and present through the lens of Indigenous storytelling. Simpson emphasizes the importance of familial and community connections, illustrating how characters span different timelines while sharing wisdom across generations. The influence of significant figures in her life, especially elders, is evident as their teachings shape her narrative. By acknowledging their timeless contributions, Simpson reveals a profound understanding of her identity and the themes of continuity that permeate her work.
Musician and writer Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay woman from freshwater country in north-west New South Wales. Her debut novel was 2020’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning Song of the Crocodile. In this episode, from Schwartz Media’s podcast Read This, Michael sits down with Nardi for a wide ranging conversation about her new book, The Belburd.
Reading list:
Song of the Crocodile, Nardi Simpson, 2024
The Belburd, Nardi Simpson, 2024
You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store.