Shereen Malherbe's Blog

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With the 18th edition of the Emirates Literature Festival underway in Dubai, the city has once again turned into a meeting point for writers, readers and stories from across the world. Amid this literary whirlwind, I sat down with Shereen Malherbe, a British-Palestinian author, to discuss her latest book, her Palestinian roots and how her work serves as a luminous bridge between cultures. 

For Shereen Malherbe, writing is not merely a creative pursuit, it is an exercise in ethical storytelling. She believes writing about underrepresented communities carries real consequences. Stories do not exist in isolation. They travel worldwide and they influence mindsets. Having spent the last decade refining a literary lens that is uplifting and healing, she approaches storytelling with a deep sense of intention, shaped by personal history, experience and a profound sense of responsibility to how underrepresented communities are portrayed on the page.

Growing up in the UK and being raised by a British mother and a Palestinian father, Shereen’s understanding of her heritage came largely from afar. It wasn’t until her twenties that she visited Palestine for the first time. An experience which challenged much of what she thought she knew about the land.

“The Palestine I saw wasn’t like anything I’d imagined or heard about because I think you see Palestine very differently through a British or a global lens. One thing that struck me about the people of Palestine was how they lived their lives. They don’t have much, but they have so much generosity”.

This revelation became the heartbeat of her work. While news headlines often focus on destruction, Shereen’s novels search for the joy, hope and resilience that thrive in the corners of daily life in Palestine. 

Rather than going with a storyline already mapped out, Shereen chose to explore Palestine without narrative expectations. She listened, observed, absorbed and only afterwards did she begin to write. It was s a deliberate reversal of the conventional writing process as she believes preconceptions limit what a writer allows themselves to see. By letting the stories emerge from actual encounters, she creates stories that are expansive and honest, born out of experiences that surprise even her.

Her most personal journey to date began with an undiscovered family revelation. Years into writing about Palestine, she discovered that her understanding of where her family came from was incomplete. For eight years, Shereen had written about her family’s origins in a specific area, only to learn, upon her grandmother’s passing, that their true history lay elsewhere.

A chance mention of this during a book tour led to an unexpected collaboration with the BBC and eventually to Holy Land and Us, a documentary tracing her lineage with the help of historians and archival access she would never have had otherwise. The filming was raw and unpredictable; the crew provided a blank seven-day schedule, wanting to capture her authentic reactions to archival discoveries on camera.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve done,” she admits. 

The ten minutes of footage seen by viewers could not contain the weight of what she uncovered. To give the story its full due, she turned the experience into her latest novel, Yassini Girls, to allow readers access to the intimate details and emotional arc that would otherwise be lost.

Whether writing for adults or younger audiences, Shereen explores universal themes of belonging and identity. These are shaped into simple frameworks for young readers, while writing for adult audiences naturally allows for greater complexity and nuance. The emotional core, however, remains consistent across her body of work.

Talking about the most challenging aspect of writing she mentions the fear of the blank page. The transition from when an idea exists but is yet to spill out and find its footing on paper. Experience has taught her how to move through that fear but she remains acutely aware of how paralysing it can be for new writers. The awareness of the common struggle is what inspired her to develop the Noble Narrative Programme. A storytelling platform that teaches first time novelists how to go from “intention to ink.”

Her advice to emerging writers is to really learn the craft of storytelling. Study structure. Read with intention and understand how stories work and then trusting yourself enough to tell the one only you can.

Through Yassini Girls and her wider body of work, she continues to ensure that the real Palestine, which is vibrant, generous and enduring, is not lost to the shadows of history.

Reposted via Zenith Magazine

# dubai # Emirates Literature Festival # Shereen Malherbe

We are seeking marginalised and underrepresented writers who aspire to become novelists and have powerful stories to tell.

We recognise that access to training, industry insight, and literary frameworks is not equally available. At The Noble Narrative, we believe it should be.

This scholarship is for aspiring authors who write not just to publish, but to change the world for good.

If this sounds like you – or someone you know – visit our website to learn more about our online programme, The Storyteller’s Blueprint.

To apply, please submit:

-A paragraph about yourself and why you want to be represented

-The story idea or work-in-progress you wish to develop

-Why you would benefit from enrolling in the programme

-Why the world needs your story

Email us : hello@thenoblenarrative.com

As students return to classrooms after the winter break, many educators are doing the same familiar calculation: how to re-engage learners quickly, meaningfully, and without adding to an already heavy planning load.

To support that transition, I’ve made a set of free lesson plans and classroom activities available on my website, designed for Early Years through to Young Adult learners.

These resources are directly linked to my books and are built to do one thing well:
turn stories into structured, engaging learning experiences.

What the resources are designed to do

* Support literacy, discussion, and critical thinking through narrative
* Slot easily into existing lesson plans
* Reduce preparation time while increasing student engagement
* Work across age groups and learning contexts

There is no additional teacher load built into these materials.
No complicated frameworks. No extra prep.
You simply log on, download, and take them straight into the classroom.

You can access all here. 

For educators and parents attending Emirates Literature Festival.

If you’re attending Emirates Literature Festival this weekend, my books will be available there – and I’ll be attending in person. You’re very welcome to stop by, pick up a copy, and have it signed.

More importantly, the accompanying lesson plans mean the books don’t stop at reading; they extend naturally into discussion, reflection, and learning.

Thank you, as always, for the work you do- often unseen, often under-resourced, and always impactful.

Wishing you and your students a focused, story-rich start to the term.

For those educators who have Gifted & Talented Creative Writing Students, don’t forget to sign up for this year’s cohort of Storytellers via www.thenoblenarrative.com- a unique online course designed to nurture the next wave of authors. For more information email hello@thenoblenarrative.com

Happy reading and learning!

Writers, are you in Dubai this month?

I will be hosting a live workshop at the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature 2026 – a unique opportunity to kickstart your writing goals for the year.

In this 2-hour intensive session, I will share the proven formulas behind powerful, market-ready storytelling. Using my tried-and-tested method, you will create your very own Storyteller’s Blueprint – a professional framework for your book – even before writing a single word.

Whether you’re starting your first novel or refining a manuscript, this workshop will give you clarity, structure, and confidence to take your story to the next level.

Spaces are limited, so securing your spot early is essential.

Book your ticket now and claim your place at the Festival:
Reserve My Workshop Spot →

Don’t miss this chance to transform your storytelling approach and set your book on the path to publication. Bring your ideas, your passion, and leave with a tangible blueprint you can use immediately.

For those of you can’t attend, my methodology is available online via The Noble Narrative – a hybrid online programme I developed to nurture ambitious writers. We are beginning to gather our 2026 cohort so don’t miss out and enroll today – I personally review every graduates work on completion of the programme! For more information visit www.thenoblenarrative.com or email us at hello@thenoblenarrative.com

I can’t wait to see the Storytellers we create in 2026!

To have the honour of representing Palestinian literature at such a prestigious prize was an incredible opportunity. I am beyond thrilled to champion literature of this calibre on the world stage. I want to extend my congratulations to Nasrallah for his incredible body of work, his humanitarian soul and his ongoing dedication to the Palestinian people, their country and their history.

I also want to thank World Literature Today,  the Neustadt family and prize foundation and the other jury members for making this possible. World Literature Today released a statement on the win saying:

“In her nominating statement, Malherbe said that “Nasrallah’s literary works span universal issues and themes woven into the Palestinian struggle that allow readers to connect deeply with Palestine outside of a colonial framework.” She went on to say that his work “is now more important than ever considering the plight of Palestinians. It is time the world sees the true Palestine, and Nasrallah’s work can offer this perspective.

”Robert Con Davis-Undiano, World Literature Today’s executive director, echoed Malherbe’s sense of urgency, noting that “his winning this award will mark a significant moment in the Western reapproach to Palestinian culture.”

It is a privilege to use my voice in this way, and I want to thank everyone who is using their own voices and platforms to champion the most important issue of our time.

Big news!

For years, I’ve been writing stories that amplify voices, preserve memory, and challenge narratives – and now, I’m opening the door for you to do the same.

I’m so excited to share that my new platform, The Noble Narrative, is officially live!

This is more than just a creative writing course. It’s a journey designed for ambitious creative writers who dream of becoming published authors – whether you’re writing for adults or children.

Imagine if you had a clear blueprint to write your novel or craft that story you’ve been carrying for so long. How would that change your life?

Inside The Noble Narrative, you’ll gain:
A proven roadmap to take your story from idea to finished draft
Ethical storytelling tools to make your writing impactful and authentic
Storyteller Circles – a supportive community where we learn, share, and grow together
Opportunities to spotlight your work and build your author platform

This isn’t just about writing. It’s about stepping into your identity as a writer, owning your voice, and joining a movement of storytellers who write with courage, clarity, and intention.

Enroll today at http://www.thenoblenarrative.com

I hope to see you there!

In a world so loud with headlines, hashtags, and biased media, there are some voices that risk being drowned out, distorted and misrepresented until we make the space to truly listen.

That space has been made.

The latest issue of World Literature Today amplifies the voices of Palestinian writers from Gaza, poets, storytellers, truth-tellers, offering us not just words, but windows. Windows into lives under siege. Into resistance rooted in memory. Into love, defiance, grief, and hope that refuse to be erased.

This powerful issue is guest edited by Yousef Khanfar, renowned author and one of the world’s top ten international photographers. Don’t miss his compelling introduction, where he shares the deeply personal journey behind curating this landmark edition.

To capture Gaza’s voices is essential.
To honour them on a platform like World Literature Today, an internationally respected journal of literary excellence is even more powerful. It says:
Their stories matter. Their art matters. They matter.

In these pages, you won’t find passive victims or faceless statistics. You’ll find voices from the ground who choose the pen, canvas and words knowing it too is a form of resistance.

This is more than literature. It’s historical record. It’s witnessing. And for those of us committed to justice, and truth, it’s required reading.

If we believe in the power of story to humanise, to shift consciousness, to dismantle injustice, then reading these voices is not optional.

It’s an act of solidarity.
It’s a refusal to look away.
It’s a commitment to truth.

Let us read. Let us remember. Let us raise the volume on Gaza’s voices not as a fleeting moment, but as part of our ongoing, conscious engagement with the world.

Read the issue. Share the work. Discuss the stories.
Because when the world turns its back, literature can still bear witness.

Gaza Voices, World Literature Today

Caryl Churchill Pulls Donmar Play Over Barclays’ Role in Arming Israel

I’m incredibly honored to share some exciting news with you all, I’ve been selected as one of the international jurors for the prestigious Neustadt International Prize for Literature! Often referred to as “the American Nobel,” this is a significant moment in my literary journey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of a jury that is routinely made up of “the very best writers in the world,” as described by RC Davis-Undiano, Executive Director of World Literature Today.

The Neustadt International Prize for Literature celebrates the very best in global literature, and being selected to help choose its next laureate is not only a humbling honor but also a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping the world’s narratives. As a writer who has always been passionate about the intersection of history, culture, and identity, I am deeply excited to contribute to this celebration of voices from all parts of the globe.

Being chosen as a juror for such an esteemed prize is a moment of reflection for me, a reminder of the power that stories have to bridge divides and bring understanding across cultures. As someone who writes from the heart of my own experiences, I’m honoured to help elevate the voices of others whose work resonates on a global scale.

If you haven’t had the chance to dive into my writing yet, now is the perfect time. As I take part in shaping the future of world literature, I encourage you to explore the stories I’ve written, stories that delve deeply into themes of identity, belonging, memory, and the spaces between cultures.

From my latest novel, Yassini Girls, to my children’s book series, my work continues to explore the complexities of Palestinian life, the nuances of diaspora, and the quiet moments that often hold the most meaning. Each of my books offers an intimate portrayal of lives that resist erasure, highlighting stories of resilience and survival that defy borders and time.

As I continue to work on my next novel, I look forward to sharing more with you all in the coming months. I can’t wait to bring new stories to life that explore the spaces between memory and identity, stories that resist the silence of forgotten voices.

In the meantime, please explore my catalogue of books, I hope you’ll find something that resonates with you. If you are an educator, then please visit my free Educational Resources page.

Thank you for your continued support on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more exciting updates soon!