Show notes
Hashem catches up with Avni Doshi, author of ‘Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. In her book, Avni explores the themes of identity, culture and motherhood. The heartfelt discussion captures the poignant moments of personal growth that permeate her narrative, now seen through the lens of maternal experience, where vulnerability and understanding intertwine. Their conversion navigates Avni’s love of astrology, her artistic doubts, and the prospect of her book hitting the big screen. LinksNadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoirYasmina Jraissati on unlocking the potential of the Arabic language and how she accidentally became a rebel with a causeChapters:00:00 Coming up02:21 Character development08:53 The role of the mother in India11:26 From child to caretaker15:42 Moving to India 18:40 Harper’s Bazaar India comes knocking20:55 Homesick 22:18 Girl in White Cotton26:29 ‘Girl in White Cotton’ becomes ‘Burnt Sugar’28:46 Booker’s Prize Shortlist30:08 The brutality of motherhood34:38 The pressure of success38:02 Avni’s writing process44:48 Writing peer groups49:55 UAE’s literary scene