Imagine retiring from a prestigious 25-year diplomatic career, only to dive headfirst into the world of fiction writing. That's exactly what former ambassador Ian Kemish did, and the result is his captivating debut novel, Two Islands. But here's where it gets intriguing: Kemish doesn't just pen any story—he revisits Europe's 'forgotten' war, the Balkan conflict of the 1990s, and weaves a tale that blends tension, trauma, and unexpected connections. And this is the part most people miss: how deeply personal and globally relevant this narrative truly is.
Kemish's diplomatic journey, which included roles as ambassador to Germany, high commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and international adviser to the prime minister, provided a treasure trove of inspiration. Yet, Two Islands isn't just a reflection of his career—it's a deeply human story about hidden histories and the weight of the past. Set in the 1990s, a decade often romanticized as a time of innocence, the novel confronts the harsh realities of war and displacement. The story follows Niko, a young man who flees to the remote Western Hebrides in Scotland after testifying in a war crimes trial. There, he meets Slow Fergus, a recluse with his own shadowy past, and their lives become intertwined in ways neither could have predicted. Meanwhile, in Australia, war crimes investigator Anita Costello races to find her missing witness, adding layers of suspense to this gripping thriller.
But here's the controversial part: While many remember the 1990s fondly, Kemish challenges us to recall the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the Northern Ireland Troubles—events that shattered lives and reshaped nations. He asks, How much do we truly remember, and how much have we conveniently forgotten? This isn't just a story about the past; it's a mirror to our collective memory and the traumas that linger in peaceful places.
In an interview with ABC Arts, Kemish reveals that Two Islands is about 'people carrying hidden histories into peaceful places.' He draws from his own experiences roaming the Balkans during the Bosnian and Croatian Wars, where he witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand. His time as a diplomat gave him a unique perspective on the war's impact, not just on Europe but also on Australia, which welcomed a significant number of refugees from the region. And this is where it gets personal: Kemish's connection to the Western Isles, his mother's homeland, adds a layer of authenticity to the setting, making it more than just a backdrop—it's a character in its own right.
Writing fiction, Kemish admits, was a departure from his non-fiction work, The Consul, published in 2022. Yet, his passion for storytelling dates back to his childhood, when he would write spoof versions of Shakespearean plays. Two Islands allowed him to unleash his creativity, blending real-world events with imaginative storytelling. The novel's characters—Niko, Fergus, Anita, and Ronnie—are complex and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and secrets. Fergus, in particular, stands out as a favorite, his struggles with PTSD a poignant reminder of war's invisible scars.
But here's the question that lingers: How much do we, as readers, truly understand the long-term impact of conflicts like the Balkan War? Kemish's novel doesn’t just entertain—it educates and provokes. It challenges us to confront the traumas that shape individuals and societies, even in places we consider safe. As you turn the pages of Two Islands, you’ll find yourself not just engrossed in a thriller but also reflecting on the stories we carry and the histories we choose to remember—or forget.
So, what do you think? Is the Balkan War a chapter of history we’ve collectively overlooked? And how do stories like Two Islands help us reconnect with our past? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
