Page 41 - Reader's House magazine

‘Lion of the Sky’ by Ritu Hemnani is a masterful and heart- wrenching novel in verse that captures the devastating impact of Partition through the eyes of a young boy. With lyrical prose and profound emotion, Hemnani weaves a powerful tale of resilience, identity, and hope that lingers long after the final page. behind her works, the challenges and rewards of writing in verse, and her hopes for the younger generation. Her words are a call to embrace our shared humanity, honour our roots, and find strength in our stories. It is a privilege to feature such a remarkable voice in this issue of our magazine. characters’ pain and strength relatable. While distilling historical events into con- cise lines was challenging, the rewards were Family history is a recurring theme in your work, particularly in Lion of the Sky. How has your own family’s history and cultural heritage influenced your writing journey and the stories you choose to tell? My family’s history, rooted in the trau- ma of the Partition of India, has profoundly influenced my writing journey. The Partition displaced 14 million people and resulted in over a million deaths, creating a legacy of not just loss and longing but also courage and re- silience that resonates deeply within me. This painful history compelled me to explore the emotions tied to migration and uprooting. As I delved into our family’s past, I uncov- ered stories that many survivors often hesitate substantial. The white space creates natural pauses, helping readers absorb the story’s importance. This structure is more accessible to reluctant readers, as shorter lines feel less daunting. Additionally, what is left unsaid in a verse novel can be as powerful as the words themselves, allowing for deeper emotional resonance. The visual layout emphasizes key moments and evokes rhythm, drawing readers in. Your TED Talk about cultural preservation was highly impactful. How has the experience shaped your approach to storytelling, and how do you hope it resonates with younger generations? My TEDx Talk about cultural preservation Ritu Hemnani is a gifted significantly shaped my storytelling approach, storyteller whose works illuminate resilience, celebrate diversity, and inspire empathy across generations and cultures. to share, revealing both the horrors of dis- placement and the remarkable bravery of those who endured it. By interviewing elders in my community, I learned about the rich tapestry of life in Hyderabad, Sindh, where diverse faiths coexisted until fear and anger tore them apart. Through my writing, I aim to convey these experiences, highlighting the hope that can D R A F T diversity by incorporating specific cultural elements like language, customs, and histori- cal contexts. I create relatable characters who face challenges many can identify with, such as dealing with loss or family expectations, enabling readers from different backgrounds to see themselves in the story. This blend of universal themes and culturally specific details fosters dialogue and connection among diverse audiences, ultimately highlighting the common threads that unite us all. helping me recognize the importance of shar- ing diverse narratives. I learned that stories are vital for preserving cultural heritage and col- lective memories. By incorporating elements of my own background, I aim to help young people connect with their roots and foster em- pathy for others. I want my stories to resonate with young audiences, inspiring them to em- brace their histories and appreciate the various cultures around them. By presenting complex themes in an accessible manner, I hope to spark curiosity and dialogue about identity and belonging. Ultimately, I want young readers to see themselves in these stories, understand the power of their voices, and feel empowered to share their own narratives, contributing to emerge from even the darkest moments and cultural preservation. emphasizing the importance of belonging and identity in our shared human experience. Writing a verse novel requires a unique balance of narrative and poetic expression. What inspired you to choose this format for Lion of the Sky, and what challenges or rewards did you encounter during the process? Writing Lion of the Sky as a verse novel allowed me to explore line breaks, punctua- tion, and rhythm, adding a musical quality that enhances the story. Inspired by how verse nov- els let readers step into the character’s skin, I wanted to use this format to inspire empathy and understanding. Poetic language conveys complex feelings and vivid details, making the With a multicultural upbringing and global experiences, your work bridges cultural divides. How do you approach writing stories that appeal universally while staying true to your cultural roots? With a multicultural upbringing and global experiences, I focus on universal themes— such as love, loss, and resilience—while hon- oring my cultural roots. I believe these shared human experiences resonate across cultures, allowing my stories to appeal to a broader audience. I enrich my narratives and celebrate As someone who has explored various formats and platforms, from novels to TED Talks, what advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to find their unique voice in today’s diverse literary landscape? Aspiring writers should embrace authentici- ty by drawing from their own experiences and cultural backgrounds, infusing their writing with sincerity and depth. Experimenting with different formats—such as poetry, essays, or multimedia storytelling—can help identi- fy the best way to express ideas and spark innovation. Reading widely across genres and cultures also expands understanding of various narratives and styles, offering inspiration and new perspectives. Engaging with the writing community for feedback enhances growth. By blending authenticity, experimentation, and a dedication to continuous learning, writers can develop a unique voice that resonates power- fully in the literary world. Reader’s House II 41