Former ambassador Ian Kemish has taken a unique path after his illustrious diplomatic career, choosing to unleash his creative side with a debut novel, 'Two Islands'. But here's where it gets intriguing... Kemish's novel delves into a 'forgotten' war, shedding light on a chapter of history that many have overlooked.
With a career spanning over two decades, Kemish served as an ambassador to Germany, a high commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and even advised prime ministers. It's no surprise that his experiences inspired his literary endeavor. Set in the 1990s, amidst the aftermath of the Balkan War, 'Two Islands' follows the journey of Niko, a witness to war crimes, seeking refuge in the remote Scottish Western Hebrides. There, he encounters Slow Fergus, a reclusive local, and their stories intertwine, creating an intriguing narrative.
Meanwhile, back in Australia, war crimes investigator Anita Costello embarks on a frantic search for her missing witness. Kemish's novel blends his expertise in international relations with a gripping thriller, offering readers a fresh perspective on a complex historical event.
In an exclusive interview with ABC Arts, Kemish reveals the inspiration behind his debut novel. When asked about the elevator pitch for 'Two Islands', he describes it as a story about "people carrying hidden histories into peaceful places." Kemish paints a picture of a time in the 1990s, often remembered as an era of innocence, but for some, it was a period of hardship and trauma, especially with the fall of Yugoslavia and the troubles in Northern Ireland.
The novel explores the encounter between two individuals with difficult pasts and a community unaware of their struggles. The darkness they carry stems from the Balkans, particularly Bosnia, and their journey takes them to the Western Hebrides, a place close to Kemish's heart, as it is his mother's homeland.
Kemish's diplomatic career in the Balkans during the Bosnian War provided a rich source of inspiration. He shares his experiences, from donning a flak jacket and helmet to boarding Ukrainian and UN aircraft, emphasizing the impact of the conflict on a young diplomat.
When it comes to the writing process, Kemish reveals that he always had aspirations to write fiction. The prologue of 'Two Islands' was penned in 2008, during a quiet period as an ambassador in Berlin. He compares the experience of writing fiction to using his creativity and imagination, engaging in conversations that spark new ideas.
So, why the Balkan War as a backdrop? Kemish believes it was an important period in his life and an era that people have forgotten. He wanted to remind readers of this significant chapter in history and combine it with his love for the Western Isles, exploring the impact of hidden trauma in a vastly different environment.
His novel also highlights the connection between Australia and the Balkan conflict, with large Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian communities in Australia, and many Australians involved in the war or deeply affected by it. Kemish emphasizes that the war received significant attention in Australia, with constant media coverage, yet it has been largely forgotten, even with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
When asked about the influence of his diplomatic career on 'Two Islands', Kemish mentions a character who holds a similar role to his former position. He also highlights his unique perspective on the events of 30 years ago, ensuring that the dark moments in the novel are firmly based on actual incidents from the Balkan conflict.
Kemish's attention to detail extends to his characters. Anita, the AFP officer, is an amalgamation of several people he knows, a strong and likable woman. Niko, a brave and frightened young man, is determined to tell his story. Fergus, the recluse with military skills, is broken and suffering from PTSD, a character Kemish carefully researched. And then there's Ronnie, the observer, based on a real person, Ronnie Greensill, who found purpose by helping his community after being affected by World War II.
In terms of inspiration, Kemish draws from a range of authors, including Melissa Lukashenko's 'Edenglassie', Louise Doughty's 'A Bird in Winter', and the legendary John le Carré, known for his depth of character and honest portrayal of human vulnerabilities.
'Two Islands' is published by UQP, offering readers a captivating blend of history, thriller, and personal stories. It's a novel that invites discussion and sparks curiosity about a forgotten war and the impact it had on individuals and communities.
