Page 32 - The Indian EYE 121523

The Indian Eye
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32 DECEMBER 08, 2023

Q&A WITH SHEELA SHETH

“Memoirs are a way to reclaim the

past, to build a bridge between who we

once were and who we have become”

‘Journey through Captivity’ is a true tale of Challenges, Resilience and Courage

RENU MEHTA
Toronto

n her gripping book, Journey
Through Captivity, author Shee-
Ila Sheth recounts the gripping tale
of abduction during the Ethiopian
Famine of 1983. The narrative unfolds
over 49 days of captivity, revealing
reflections, reactions and revelations
that transform lives of displaced ref-
ugees. It vividly portrays Ethiopia’s
evolution across three regimes while
exploring the intricate dynamics be-
tween captors and captives in the
beautiful yet mysterious landscape. the midst of famine and war in Ethi- was going on around me and I started
The book delves into the challenges opia. Journey through captivity is a withdrawing myself from social life.
faced by refugees, the coping strate- reflection of the character’s inner self, I am sure the readers would connect
gy in hostage situations, and the re- his confidence laced with positivity with me especially those facing mental
silience of human spirit in the face of weaving along the rugged contours challenges and also those folks whose
adversity. In an interview with The In- of a fractured coastline. Taking one life is never without some kind of loss. concept and what message are you
dian Eye, the author spoke about her day at a time and marshalling medical Can you give us a brief overview hoping to convey through it?
book and life. Excerpts: services by becoming the official doc- of what inspired you to write “Journey I realized visuals and pictures
The setting of the book is unique. tor for the group was an indication of through Captivity”? speak a thousand words. It would give
How did you choose the backdrop for resilience in the face of sensory over- In 2019, With Covid, the entire the reader an insight into my personal
your story, and why is it significant to the load. lifestyle changed, and we started stay- life and connect me with the readers
narrative? At one end, is the quiet sophistica- ing more and more indoors. I had more and open corridors of appreciation to
Selecting the setting was influ- tion of perfectly manicured meadows time on hand to organize, read and those small town folks from where we
enced by a real-life event which took and the other end is the empty quar- concentrate on my personal writings. started our life journey.
place in Korem in 1983 during the ters of an arid desert landscape. The It was the time to document life and What do you think the readers will take
famine in Ethiopia. It is a journey of flashbacks were a proof of life lived leave a legacy behind for generations away from “Journey through Captivity”?
the main character in the story who but also a sign of social withdrawal, to come. Day in and day out, we were As we know, Memoirs are a way
was held captive for 49 days by a rebel frozen fright and a survival strategy. losing dear ones to the wrath of Covid. to reclaim the past, to build a bridge
group and taken as a hostage through Readers often connect with authors on This was the time I felt I had between who we once were and who
the Tigray terrain. The backdrop of a personal level. How much of yourself do to hurry up and race with time. I we have become and the experiences
the story is the desert terrain through you see in the characters or the storyline? started preparing an outline. I had that shaped us. Embracing the chal-
which he travelled facing the challeng- There is a lot of me in the story as lived through those times with my lenges and keeping calm in extreme
es and life threatening moments. I am the spouse of the captive. Since husband, so he became my inspira- circumstances was a mental adjust-
Your character seems quite intrigu- I am the author of the book connect- tion and I started this morning ritual ment. It taught me the value of small
ing. Can you tell us about the protagonist ed closely to the situation, my social of interviews and recorded clips to pleasures in life and to appreciate
and any challenges they face in the story? stance was highly disturbing. Con- help me formulate an outline. I started little things which are often taken for
The main character of the book trolling my emotions, fears and un- following Memoir networks and read granted. Life is a circle. The end of
is my husband Mahendra whose life certainty in life became a part of my books to give me a trail to follow. Now one journey was preparing me to em-
was exciting and rewarding, worth the personality. It was the time when I had I had clarity of thought and vision to bark the beginning of the next stage in
exhaustion and uncertainties. It is a two little children to take care of and I bring clips, pictures and a journal to life. Positivity in life can be rewarding
compelling story of reflections, reac- had no one to share my feelings with. life to write a real life story. as one says there is always light at the
tions and revelations of a hostage in I became a silent spectator to what How did you come up with the end of the tunnel.

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