Interview with Priya Hein: “Very often our body senses we’re unwell before our mind”
We are pleased to feature Priya Hein in our series celebrating contemporary voices shaping African and diasporic literature. Hein is a Mauritian author whose work probes the complexities of identity, belonging, and colonial legacies.
She stands out as one of the emerging anglophone writers from Mauritius, enriching a literary tradition previously dominated by francophone voices. Her debut novel, Riambel, written during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, reveals the hidden lives behind the polished tourist images of her island.
Exploring Grief and Homecoming in Tamarin
Her second novel, Tamarin, is a haunting narrative that follows Anita Ram, a Mauritian woman returning from London after a difficult experience. Seeking comfort in the sea and her mother’s support, Anita’s story delves into cultural expectations of motherhood, women's complex relationships, and how trauma is embodied.
Key Themes Discussed in the Interview
- Inspiration behind Anita’s journey
- Writing the body as a space of healing and suffering
- The evolving literary scene in Mauritius
- The emergence of a new generation of anglophone writers
“Very often our body senses we’re unwell before our mind.”
This is a beautifully crafted, evocative novel that gives voice to experiences often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Author’s summary: Priya Hein’s work offers a profound look at identity and trauma through the lens of Mauritian anglophone literature, revealing stories beneath the island’s surface images.