Sairish Hussain is a prominent author whose debut novel, "The Family Tree," garnered significant acclaim, having been shortlisted for prestigious awards such as the Costa First Novel Award, the Portico Prize and The Diverse Book Awards.
Sairish was recognised by Kei Miller as one of ten 'unmissable writers working in the UK' for the International Literature Showcase 2021. Moreover, she emerged as a finalist in the Women’s Prize & Good Housekeeping Futures Award, underscoring her position as one of the most promising emerging female authors in contemporary literature.
With the launch of her second book “Hidden Fires” in January 2024, she details the inspiration behind her book, the characters and writing fiction in an interview with Asian Voice.
What inspired you to write "Hidden Fires" after "Family Tree," considering it's another generational book aimed at fans of your previous work?
It has always been a dream of mine to write a novel about the partition. As South Asian writers, it's something we're all familiar with, a significant event in our history that we feel deserves more attention. Despite it not being taught in schools when I was younger, my curiosity drove me to learn more about it on my own. So, writing a partition novel was always a goal of mine, something I hoped to attempt one day.
When I finished writing "Hidden Fires" and met my publisher in London in 2017, the timing just clicked. The Grenfell Tower fire had recently occurred, casting a sombre atmosphere over the city. During the following months, as I struggled to come up with an idea for a new book, documentaries about the partition began airing, particularly those featuring elderly men sharing their stories. I was deeply moved by the emotions they conveyed. It was from these experiences that I connected the partition with the Grenfell Tower incident and found inspiration for my main character, Youssef, in "Hidden Fires."
Your works portray the differences in life of different generations but also a theme of mutual misunderstanding between them. Where does this narrative stem from, and how do you ensure it is justly represented in your writing?
This portrayal stems from personal experience. Initially, the relationship starts rocky, but as the story progresses, it evolves in an unanticipated way, eventually becoming the most meaningful relationship. It's natural to expect differences between grandparents and grandchildren, but in South Asian culture, it's even more pronounced. When I reflect on my grandmothers, they serve as the inspiration for my novel, 'The Family Tree.' Both of my grandmothers could not complete their education, unable to read. They received basic village education. Contrasting them with myself, the differences are stark. However, despite that, the love and affection they have for me remain unwavering. We've managed to find common ground and ways to understand each other, which has always fascinated me. This dynamic of unlikely connections inspired the story in my novel. I wanted to explore the themes of love, support, and connection, demonstrating that they can be found in the most unexpected places.
What would you identify as the unique selling point (USP) of your book?
I believe that my character, Grandpa Youssef is the USP of the book. There has been an interesting trend in publishing in recent years with older protagonists, particularly elderly protagonists. However, these characters are often portrayed as white and middle-class. So, having an elderly Asian man from Frankfort brings a fresh perspective to the table. He is a unique character, especially for me, as I know many individuals like him. The generation that came to England in the 50s and 60s to build a new life has lived a fascinating and unique experience. Many of them were children during the partition and witnessed the birth of two new nations and the struggle for independence. Their life experiences are incredibly rich, but they often remain silent about their past. Giving a voice to a character like this was a true treat for me.
What message do you hope readers will take away from your book now that it's gaining widespread attention?
Firstly, I hope readers can take away the importance of familial bonds and finding common ground despite differences. While I’m not an expert, I also hope the book serves as an introduction to those who may not be familiar with this part of history. People need to understand that the partition is not just my history or your history; it's British history that we all share. I hope it prompts readers to further research and learn more about this significant historical event.
What advice would you offer to budding writers, particularly South Asian writers seeking to produce meaningful stories?
My advice is always to be brave and bold. Don't feel pressured to write what you think people expect from you, especially if you're a South Asian writer breaking into the British publishing industry. Whether it's fantasy, crime fiction, or romantic comedy, follow your passion and write what speaks to you. For too long, there has been a stereotype that South Asian writers must focus solely on themes of identity, migration, and cultural clash. The publishing industry is becoming more aware of this issue and is holding itself accountable. It's important to break free from these expectations and write authentically about whatever interests you. Remember, everything we do as writers is public, so it's crucial to be brave and true to yourself. Don't hesitate to explore diverse genres and topics. Be bold in expressing your unique voice and perspective.
