Authors tell poignant stories at book launch

‘It is the writer’s act of imagination which is the basis of all good fiction, the kind of fiction that opens new worlds to the reader. The power of literature to move people, allow us to see into one another’s hearts, to foster compassion and understanding and inspire political action works in a way that almost nothing else does.’ — Foreword to Alien Shores by Rosie Scott

Anew anthology of short stories, Alien Shores, Tales of Refugees and Asylum Seekers, edited by Sharon Rundle and Meenakshi Bharat and published by Brass Monkey Books is in full sail after not one, but four launches to send the book on its journey.

Alien Shores was launched by Mr Amit Dasgupta, Consul-General of India in Sydney on May 20, at a stellar event sponsored by the Hughenden Hotel. It is a collection of stories about refugees by Indian and Australian writers. Finding a person to launch a book is never a problem; the real achievement lies in having someone who has not only read the book but one who brings a unique understanding to it.

In releasing Alien Shores, the Consul-General’s speech showed such unique understanding. While discussing the stories, Mr Dasgupta acknowledged the gravity of, and showed great empathy for, a world with a moving mosaic of refugees. He spoke of the need for us all to show humanity and how easily any one of us could be thrust into similar situations. Remarkably though, Mr Dasgupta also included experiences of warmth, generosity and humour.

Linda Jaivin, Andrew Y M Kwong, Abdul Hekmat, Michelle Cahill, Susanne Gervay and Rosie Scott treated the audience to readings from their contributions to the book. Editors Meenakshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle spoke about discovering their theme and collaborating to bring these stories from Australia and the Indian subcontinent together in a transnational collection. Roanna Gonsalves, as MC with flair, kept the launch moving at just the right pace. Other authors attending included David Malouf, Devika Brendon, Libby Sommer, Mabel Lee, Jacquie Everett, as well as film and theatre producers Ana Tiwari and Neel Banerjee. The official launch was followed by a lively afternoon tea to meet the authors and editors who happily signed books.

Alien Shores is published by Kabita Dhara of Brass Monkey Books, a fantastic new imprint showcasing the distinctive style and cadence of writing from the Indian subcontinent, much of which has never been published outside of India.

Alien Shores was also launched in Melbourne at Readings Bookstore at which Julian

Burnside QC gave such a moving speech that one could have heard a pin drop. Author Susanne Gervay OAM said that she ‘felt overwhelmed by Julian’s description of a refugee who converted to Christianity and would have been stoned brutally if forced back to Iran’.

Arnold Zable read briefly from his story The Dust of Life, followed by author and poet Ali Alizadeh who spoke about the unique perspective of his story before treating the audience to a short reading from The Ogre Sharon and Meenakshi revealed yet more stories of the process of bringing the stories out. Authors Jen McVeity, Hazel Edwards, Meredith Costain, Paul Collins, Rose Inserra, illustrator Marjory Gardner were also present. Gosford Library Services organised a preview launch at their Erina Library on the NSW Central Coast. Guest of Honour, Deb O’Neill, Federal MP, gave an impassioned speech about the theme of the book. Her deep understanding and recognition of the purpose of the book and the individual stories within, as she launched the volume had the audience spellbound. Andrew Y

M Kwong, Michelle Cahill, Julia Mackay-Koelen attended the launch. Editors Sharon Rundle and Meenakshi Bharat talked about the importance and value of the stories by authors from India and Australia in Alien Shores. Well-known local doctor John Caska, was MC to introduce the guest speakers.

Gloucester Writers’ Festival launched Alien Shores during their warm and friendly lunchtime event. The festival featured writers Michael Wilding, Lisa Heidke, Lisa Walker and Susanne Gervay, who was keynote speaker. Andrew Y M Kwong and Sharon Rundle read from their stories. Sharon spoke about the genesis of the book and Susanne gripped the audience with her story of her refugee background.

Alien Shores presents nineteen remarkable stories from acclaimed writers based in Australia and the Indian subcontinent which ruminate on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers all over the world. Powerful, poignant and sometimes funny, they tell the tales of brave people who, at great peril to their own safety, seek out a new life in a new land.

The contributors are Deepa Agarwal, Jamil Ahmad, Ali Alizadeh, Meenakshi Bharat, Michelle Cahill, Susanne Gervay, Amitav Ghosh, Abdul Karim Hekmat, Linda Jaivin, Tabish Khair, Anu Kumar, Andrew Y M Kwong, Julia Mackay-Koelen, Sophie Masson, Joginder Paul, Sharon Rundle, Sujata Sankranti, Bijoya Sawian and Arnold Zable. Alien Shores is available in all good book stores in Australia.