Elif Shafak, a celebrated British-Turkish author, explores nature's storytelling power in her new novel, tracing water’s role through time. Kaliane Bradley discusses her bestselling time-travel saga that caught Barack Obama's eye, blending history and love amidst contemporary challenges. Nicola Moriarty dives into family drama with 'Every Last Suspect,' revealing layers of character and societal expectations. Together, they illuminate the interconnectedness of water, identity, and creativity, especially in an era of climate crisis and emotional apathy.
Elif Shafak's novel, 'There Are Rivers in the Sky,' illustrates the interconnectedness of human experiences through the symbolism of water across diverse narratives.
The podcast addresses the pressing freshwater crisis driven by climate change, highlighting its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, especially women.
Deep dives
Alif Shafak's Connection to Water
Alif Shafak's novel, 'There Are Rivers in the Sky,' explores the profound connections between characters through the theme of water, notably raindrops and rivers. The book connects three key narratives spanning various cultures and eras, all linked by the journey of a single drop of water that evolves through time and space. Central to the narrative are the Thames River in London and the Tigris River in Turkey, which hold personal significance for Shafak, as she reflects on her identity as an immigrant and the concept of belonging. Through these waterways, the novel articulates the intricate ties that bind human experiences and the environment together, suggesting water as a vehicle of connection across generations.
The Climate Crisis and Water Scarcity
In discussing contemporary environmental issues, Shafak highlights the urgent freshwater crisis exacerbated by climate change, particularly affecting regions in the Middle East and North Africa. With seven out of the ten most water-stressed countries located there, she underscores the gravity of this crisis, which disproportionately impacts women, children, and marginalized communities. Women, often tasked with securing water for their families, face increased risks of gender-based violence due to the challenges posed by water scarcity. Shafak emphasizes the interconnectedness of water issues and societal inequalities, calling for greater awareness and action to protect dwindling freshwater resources.
The Journey of the Thames River
Shafak paints a vivid picture of the Thames River's transformation, recounting its once polluted state in the 19th century compared to its revival today, housing over 200 species. Despite its resurgence, there remains concern over ongoing neglect, with water companies discharging sewage into it due to profit motives, prompting reflections on humanity's failure to learn from past mistakes. Living alongside the river during her writing process, Shafak developed a deep appreciation for its dynamic presence, illustrating how it serves as both a lifeline for the city and a reflection of humanity's treatment of nature. The narrative serves as a reminder that rivers demand respect and care, reflecting the values by which society operates.
Rediscovering Lost Rivers
The concept of lost rivers in urban environments is another significant theme explored, with many rivers buried beneath concrete cities, remaining hidden yet vital. Shafak discusses the global phenomenon of 'daylighting'—a movement aimed at unearthing and revitalizing these hidden waterways to rejuvenate cities and foster appreciation for nature. As climate change leads to more extreme weather events, the importance of these hidden rivers only grows, as urban areas need better water management systems. This revitalization not only serves practical needs but also embodies a respectful acknowledgment of the natural world and its heritage, engaging communities in the process.
Celebrated British-Turkish author Elif Shafak follows a single drop of water through history in her novel There are Rivers in the Sky, Kaliane Bradley on her bestseller The Ministry of Time which has attracted Barack Obama's attention and Nicola Moriarty's latest domestic drama Every Last Suspect.
Elif Shafak is a British-Turkish author and activist. She was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World and for the Women's Prize for her novel, The Island of Missing Trees. Her new novel, There are Rivers in the Sky, is an epic in which three key stories are connected by raindrops, rivers and water.
The Ministry of Time by British-Cambodian author Kaliane Bradley is listed on former US president Barack Obama annual summer reading list this year. It's a time travel novel in which a handful of (mostly) fictional historical characters who've been transplanted from their time period to a near future England. It's about love, refugees, bureaucracy and the doomed Franklin Arctic expedition.
The Moriarty sisters — Liane, Jaclyn and Nicola — are a powerhouse family in Australian publishing. Each sister is a successful author in their own right, including the youngest Nicola. In her latest family drama, Every Last Suspect, as a woman lies dying she decides to use her final moments to figure out who did it.
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