The Power of Shared Experiance: Deborah Treisman on “The Ice-Skater” and the Nuances of Belonging
Deborah Treisman’s short story, “The Ice-Skater,” is a deceptively simple narrative that resonates with profound truths about identity, aspiration, and the unexpected connections forged in new lands. More than just a tale of two young men navigating life in Dubai, the story delves into the universal human need for belonging and the powerful influence of cultural touchstones – notably the vibrant world of Bollywood – on shaping our dreams. In a recent conversation, Treisman shared insights into the story’s genesis, her creative process, and the challenges of transitioning from short fiction to her debut novel. This exploration reveals a writer deeply attuned to the complexities of the human experience and the subtle forces that bind us together.
Beyond Borders: The Common Ground of Outsiders
A central theme in “The Ice-Skater” is the dissolving of pre-conceived notions when individuals find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Treisman observes, “I have always felt that distinctions between people from the same country fade when they come to a new place. What you have in common, as outsiders, is greater than what initially set you apart.” This observation is key to understanding the dynamic between Yogan and Samar, the story’s protagonists. Their shared experience as newcomers, coupled with a mutual desire to improve the lives of their loved ones, quickly eclipses any initial differences.
This speaks to a essential human truth: displacement fosters empathy. when stripped of the familiar comforts of home, individuals are more likely to connect with others based on shared vulnerabilities and aspirations. The story beautifully illustrates how these connections can blossom, prioritizing shared dreams – wives, families, futures – over national origins. This is a powerful message in an increasingly globalized world, highlighting the potential for unity amidst diversity.
Bollywood’s Enduring Influence: A Cultural Blueprint for Life
The story doesn’t simply depict life in Dubai; it’s deeply infused with the aesthetic and emotional landscape of Bollywood. Treisman notes that the characters’ visions of their futures are heavily influenced by the films they’ve consumed. “Their visions of their lives and their potential futures seem to draw more on what they’ve seen in Bollywood movies, which are a driving force in the story.”
This isn’t a superficial detail. Treisman’s own relationship with bollywood films is surprisingly revealing. Initially embarrassed by the grand musical numbers and “overly chaste rituals of romance,” she now recognizes their profound impact. “These films got into my bloodstream despite my resistance.” She realized that for characters like Yogan and Samar, wholeheartedly embracing the sentimentality and heroism of Bollywood could be a source of courage and ambition.
This raises a fascinating question: how much do our lives mirror the narratives we consume? Treisman astutely points out that “Where else do we learn what our lives could look like if not from movies (and books, of course)?” Bollywood, in this context, isn’t just entertainment; it’s a cultural blueprint, offering models for courtship, ambition, and familial devotion. This nuanced portrayal elevates the story beyond a simple narrative of immigration, exploring the power of media to shape our aspirations and behaviors.
From Short Story to Novel: expanding the narrative Landscape
“The Ice-Skater” began as a short story, and Treisman admits to initially worrying about its growing length. Though, the story’s richness and complexity ultimately demanded exploration.This experience proved valuable as she embarked on her first novel, recently completed.
The novel, set in Mumbai, centers on the reunion of a college student and her childhood nanny, exploring a “strange, intimate relationship…a complicated kind of love; their bond is almost like that of a mother and daughter, but in a much more latent way.” To manage the scope of the novel, Treisman cleverly structured it as two interconnected novellas, each told from a diffrent viewpoint.
The transition from short fiction to a novel presented unique challenges. “After having written stories for so long, I’m still getting used to the roominess of a novel, how both characters and author have so much space in which to breathe.” She describes the luxury of being able to “slow down, I can show the weather changing,” a freedom not afforded by the concise nature of short stories.
despite the differences in form, Treisman notes a thematic connection between her novel and “The Ice-Skater.” Both works “engage with similar ideas about immigration and what we might owe to those we’ve left behind in our home countries.” this suggests a consistent artistic vision, focused on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of
