The Diverse Bookshelf
Welcome to The Diverse Bookshelf. I’m Samia Aziz, celebrating the power of literature and the voices of authors and change makers from the global majority. Join me as we explore the stories that inspire, connect, and transform our world. Each week I interview an inspiring guest about a whole host of themes and issues while focusing on diverse literature.
Let’s uncover the stories that truly matter—together.
The Diverse Bookshelf
Sabrin Hasbun on meeting in the crossing
After a three-month hiatus, I'm so pleased to be bringing back this podcast with more amazing conversations.
This week, I’m joined by Sabrin Hasbun, writer, researcher, and author of the beautiful and moving book Crossing. Born in Italy to a Palestinian father and Italian mother, Sabrin grew up navigating languages, cultures, and identities – experiences that deeply inform her work. Crossing is part memoir, part exploration of belonging, memory, and family history. It moves between past and present, Italy and Palestine, weaving together personal stories with wider questions of identity, exile, and the meaning of home.
In our conversation, we talk about her journey into writing, the ways in which her dual heritage has shaped her perspective, and how literature can hold space for histories that risk being silenced.
I'm so honoured to share this conversation with you.