Writer Fatin Abbas was born in Sudan and moved to the US with her family when she was 8 years old. She earned a BA in English literature from the University of Cambridge, a PhD in Comparative Literature from Harvard University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Hunter College, CUNY. Her latest book, Ghost Season, was recently published by W.W. Norton and is available for purchase from an independent bookstore near you. You can find more about Fatin and her professional work on her website fatinabbas.com.

In this episode, we discuss Fatin's memories of her childhood in Sudan, her growing up years in New York, and her ongoing complex relationship with Sudan.  

In the interview, Fatin very clearly explains the war happening now in Khartoum and suggested several organizations that are concretely and effectively helping on the ground in Khartoum. If you’re moved to donate, these organizations would be good choices, from someone who knows.  

       Sudanese-American Physicians' Association 

       HomeTax Sudan 

       Darfur Women Action Group 

In each episode of Cerdan Stories, we ask our guests to suggest a song that is meaningful for them. Fatin suggested Zimbabwe, by Bob Marley & The Wailers.

Finally, while I really love the work we’ve been doing on this podcast, Cerdan Stories will be going on hiatus for personal reasons as of this episode. If you’re interested in staying updated, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter on our website. I very much hope to be back with you before long! 

And some final words from Fatin, pretty well summing up what we've learned from our guests over these past 13 episodes. 

“I am American, but I'm also a citizen of elsewhere. And that's Sudan. When I'm in Sudan, I'm Sudanese, but I'm also a citizen of elsewhere…This idea of belonging is very complicated for me… What does it mean to belong to a place or a culture or a language?”   – Fatin Abbas, on Cerdan Stories, 12/5/23