The return of the Galle Literary Festival marked a vibrant resurgence following its hiatus since 2019. As one of South Asia's most anticipated arts and culture gatherings, the Galle Literary Festival brought together a tapestry of diverse voices and perspectives. From celebrated historians and Booker Prize winners to individuals sharing extraordinary personal narratives, the festival illuminated the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka's southern coast with cultural fervour. Here’s a sample of some of the most sparkling quips and conversations:
Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan, often referred to as a rock star historian, is renowned for his groundbreaking work, The Silk Roads, which explores the profound impact of ancient trade routes on shaping the modern world. His latest literary endeavour, The Earth Transformed, delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and human civilisation throughout history. In his engaging talk centred around the latter, Frankopan delved into diverse topics, ranging from The Plague to more unexpected references such as Jason Donovan. He also offered an insightful tip on immersing oneself in new environments.
In your talk, you touched upon the fact that you always ask taxi drivers to tune into a local radio station as a means of embracing the authentic sounds of a new country. Could you share additional tips for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythms and nuances of different regions?
Ooh, that’s a good one. Well, in terms of the local radio, even if it’s Rhianna or Justin Beiber singing, at least we know they are listening to the same stuff, which is interesting. It’s good to observe all these details, from food to fashion. I enjoy rummaging around. I want to learn a few words if I go somewhere new. I mean, I’m naturally quite good at languages, but anyone can learn a few essential phrases that might help facilitate communication. At least ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. These go a long way in demonstrating a genuine interest in engaging. I also ensure I visit where locals gather to absorb conversations and cultural nuances. I try to seek out common interests and ask questions. Cricket and football are usually a universal common ground, but learn what matters to people. Listen, and be curious. I love asking questions.
Nujeen Mustafa & Christina Lamb
In this profoundly inspiring conversation, distinguished foreign correspondent Christina Lamb OBE interviewed Kurdish Syrian refugee Nujeen Mustafa about her extraordinary journey from war-torn Aleppo to Germany, all while navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy and being wheelchair-bound. Their conversation encapsulated the essence of positivity, resilience, and an indomitable spirit of wanderlust.
How do you navigate the complexities of belonging as you reflect on your journey from Aleppo to Germany?
I feel very grateful to Germany, but I am afraid that I might also have an affinity to a Syria that no longer exists, and I worry that it’s a place I won’t recognise if I return. I miss the girl I was in Aleppo. She was so curious and chatty. She had her home, and family, and her biggest concern was missing her favourite TV show, Days of Our Lives. In a way, she was more free. She was innocent. I miss the person I was before I knew about war, when my country was safe. I hope she would be proud of the girl I am today. I have so much to tell her! I think she will be happy that I am going all over the world. That I am going to school and meeting so many interesting people.
Your journey has taken you across diverse regions and cultures. Can you share a moment when you experienced the positive impact of cultural exchange during your travels?
My experiences were more of genuine human kindness rather than cultural exchanges. For example, we were on a train at the border near Austria, and everyone was saying, “no, no, don’t get off here, it’s a station further away,” I found that very touching. I didn’t know these people. We didn’t even speak the same language; they were just signing to us. There were also organisations trying to help us with whom we are still in touch.
- DestinationsShaaz Jung’s guide to Kabini
For individuals facing mobility challenges, accessibility is a crucial aspect of travel. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the travel industry to make it more inclusive and accommodating for everyone?
Well, I never use the restroom when I’m flying because they are inaccessible to me. I just hold it in until we land! The longest flight was 12 hours. Also, I’ve never been booked right! In air travel support, I am categorised as a ‘Charlie’, that is, someone who can’t walk, and is entirely dependent on a wheelchair. This means I need a special aisle chair. Emirates is good, as they have a chair I can use to go to the bathroom, but that’s the only airline. We should totally start a campaign!
Shehan Karunatilaka
Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka and short-listed Romesh Gunesekera delve into the richness of Asian literature. Their conversation traversed through themes of cultural representation, linguistic diversity, and the democratisation of storytelling, shedding light on the ever-evolving dynamics of literature in Asia against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global landscape.
In a previous discussion panel, the conversation touched upon the limited availability of Sri Lankan literature in the West, in the past. Besides winning the Booker Prize in 2022, how else do you perceive the emergence of a newfound pride in South Asian writing on the global stage? Furthermore, what actionable steps can we take to advocate for greater inclusivity within the global literary tapestry?
I'm not sure the pride in Asian writing is necessarily a newfound thing. South Asia has had a long tradition of talented writers and rich storytelling and Sri Lankan writing has certainly grown over my lifetime. I think as long as writers from this region continue to tell our own stories and to tell them in our own unique voices, the world will take notice. As a tiny island in terms of both size and influence, we can't expect the global imagination to care about us. But as long as we continue to uncover the comedy, the tragedy, the absurdity and the pathos of life in the subcontinent, hopefully, we can find an audience beyond our shores.
- DestinationsShaaz Jung’s guide to Kabini
Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz stands as a luminary in the realm of crime fiction, revered for his mastery in crafting captivating narratives. Recognised for his immense contributions to literature, Horowitz has been honoured with the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was also commissioned to write new Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels.
Hold on, so you actually write with pen and paper rather than using a computer?
Yes, absolutely. Not only that, but It has to be a fountain pen, and I use a completely different one for each book. When I wrote Russian Roulette, for example, I wanted a pen that was reflective of the oligarch, who was the villain. So I found a Montblanc pen, which are overpriced at the best of times, but this one even more so—as it had a miniature diamond set on top.
The leading shop that sells all this stuff is called Cult Pens, and it really is a cult. Some people can’t stop buying beautiful pens and ink from there. There’s another I love too, called Scriptum in Oxford. I’m using a rusty red called ‘Writer’s Blood’, and I love it, because I feel that’s what I am actually writing with. I also use a lot of Japanese ink, which is such good quality, and comes in these fantastic blue and turquoise colours. Also, each pen has its own ink, and I stick to one ink per pen. I even make corrections to the draft with ink. It’s just my process. I sometimes like to think of it like a sculpture, reshaping. You have your idea, then are constantly chiselling away until it gets better.
Some writers write and rewrite. Spending years trying to make it perfect. I think that’s a sign of insecurity. It’s never going to be perfect. I don’t work that way, three or four drafts, then it’s done. The book will never be perfect, and you will always read back a book of yours and think, “God, why did you write that? It’s the worst choice of words”. Some would-be writers will not want to face the reality of selling the book, so long as they are working on it, improving, the book is alive. The moment it’s sent to a publisher, there’s a chance it might end up being non-existent.
When I am writing a book, I will think it’s genius, then once it’s finished, everyone is going to hate it. We all have these fears; we’re all waiting to be discovered to be fake. I often compare myself to the character Wile E. Coyote in Road Runner. Running across a bridge that’s burning. Providing he doesn’t stop and look behind him, he’s fine. But the moment he sees no bridge, he’s gone.