Navigating Two Worlds

UNSW Centre for Ideas

In 2018 Egyptian-Australian writer Lamisse Hamouda had moved to Egypt to study when her life was turned upside down. Her father Hazem, on his way to visit her, was arrested by authorities, accused of sympathising with a terrorist organisation, and sent to prison without charge or evidence for 433 days.
In conversation with UNSW Middle East expert Lana Tatour, Lamisse delved into her book, The Shape of Dust, and her experience fighting against the Egyptian prison system as an Australian citizen. Together, they unpack what support the Australian Government provides dual citizens abroad (surprisingly minimal), what cultural identity means for individuals stuck between two cultural worlds, and how trauma can fragment memory, bringing unexpected challenges to the writing process.

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