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The Historian's Daughter
In an old house with 'too many windows and women,' high in the Indian hills, young Hannah lives with her older sister Gloria; her two older brothers; her mother, 'the Magician;' a colourful assortment of aunts, blow-ins, and misfits; and her father, 'the Historian.' It is a world of secrets, jealousies, and lies, ruled by the Historian but smoothed over by the Magician, whose kindnesses and wisdom bring homely comfort and all-enveloping love to a ramshackle building that seems destined for chaos. And then one day the Magician is gone, Gloria is gone, and the Historian has spirited Hannah and her brothers away to a new, and at first bewildering, life in Perth. As Hannah grows and makes her own way through Australian life, an education, and friendships, she begins to penetrate to the heart of one of the old house's greatest secrets-and to the meaning of her own existence. [Subject: Fiction]
- GenresFiction
234 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2016
6 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Rashida Murphy
7 books24 followersRashida Murphy is the author of The Historian's Daughter, which was shortlisted in the Dundee International Book Prize and published by UWA Publishing in 2016. Her collection of short stories titled, The Bonesetter's Fee & Other Stories, was a runner up in the Carmel Bird Digital Award and shortlisted for the 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Award.
Her short fiction, poetry and essays have been widely anthologised and published. She lives in Perth, on the west coast of Australia and writes full time. Rashida is also a book reviewer, mentor, blogger and facilitator of writing workshops.
Her short fiction, poetry and essays have been widely anthologised and published. She lives in Perth, on the west coast of Australia and writes full time. Rashida is also a book reviewer, mentor, blogger and facilitator of writing workshops.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 14, 2018
This is a delightful story. The first section, detailing Hannah's childhood with her parents the Historian and the Magician (and the rest of their extended family), was very evocative, so much so that I was disappointed when it was over. Happily, the rest of the narrative jumps forward and back in time and location from India, to Australia, to Iran and back again. As good as the first half was, the story really built up a head of steam in the second half in a way I wasn't expecting. What this is, on completion, is an intricate family saga that recalls,to my mind, The Kite Runner. I was sad when it ended. This novel packs a punch for 217 pages and it marks an outstanding debut from Rashida Murphy.
September 23, 2016
I read most of this book in one day, gripped from start to finish by Hannah's story. I was intrigued and spellbound by the structure and subject matter of the story - like reading through a kaleidoscope - the colours and shapes kept shifting and colliding in fractured beauty. I loved the way in which past and present were woven together through the time-shifting structure of the novel, so that mysteries from the past were unfolded and revealed at just the right moment later in the story, when Hannah is an adult in Perth. This artful and sensitive fragmentation was part of what kept me pinned to my kindle, longing to understand the mystery and the tragedy at the heart of this family.
September 4, 2016
This book just fell into my mind. I hardly had to read, the words were so naturally connected from one scene to the next. I found much that I recognised in this story about what is lost in relocating a family from one cultural setting to a new one, although I know India only through literature.
Families are such complex beasts. Allegiances shift with time. The way we see the world as children is so different from an adult perspective, and the heart takes time to learn new lessons.
The characters in this story were all so interesting - I was curious right to the last full stop.
Families are such complex beasts. Allegiances shift with time. The way we see the world as children is so different from an adult perspective, and the heart takes time to learn new lessons.
The characters in this story were all so interesting - I was curious right to the last full stop.
September 19, 2020
I enjoy reading metaphorical fiction and as soon as I met the Magician and the Historian—Hannah Roper’s parents—in the opening pages of Rashida Murphy’s enchanting and bitter-sweet novel, my interest was captured. Add a rambling old house in the Indian Hills with hidden rooms hinting at hidden branches in the family tree, and I was hooked.
There are many mysteries here from the start. Why does Hannah, the youngest daughter and narrator, have such terrible nightmares about the Historian? And how can her Iranian mother, the Magician, be so strong and loving with her children yet helpless in the face of her Anglo Indian husband’s violent temper and domineering behavior? These are questions that are answered at a leisurely pace that I found refreshing amidst the plethora of 21st century books written by authors who cater to what they assume to be their readers’ truncated attention spans. Not so, Rashida Murphy. Her writing is meant to be savored. Still, there are plenty of heart-stopping moments and lots of situationally-driven suspense in The Historian’s Daughter.
Murphy is a non-linear storyteller and this allows her to sweep us backwards and forwards in time, using Hannah as our lynchpin. Hannah has a love/hate relationship with both the cultures that claim her. The Historian’s library is a refuge while at the same time his presence is a menace, with his terrible English bigotry against all things Indian and impotent anger at having no place in society. The affectionate Magician’s wonderful teas and healing aromatic dishes nourish Hannah while at the same time there is an unexplained gulf between them.
When the Magician disappears, we follow Hannah to Australia, and then to Iran, as she struggles to learn the truth about her origins and to open her heart to love in spite of all she has endured.
Rich with telling details that provide texture both visually and emotionally, this fine book is one that deserves to grace many home libraries. Such as the Historian’s library, where Hannah finds books about the English ‘Conquistadors’ - a word she takes to mean ‘come kiss the doors,’ a ritual she performs every time she enters. As soon as I learned this about her I decided I could follow her anywhere. I was not disappointed.
There are many mysteries here from the start. Why does Hannah, the youngest daughter and narrator, have such terrible nightmares about the Historian? And how can her Iranian mother, the Magician, be so strong and loving with her children yet helpless in the face of her Anglo Indian husband’s violent temper and domineering behavior? These are questions that are answered at a leisurely pace that I found refreshing amidst the plethora of 21st century books written by authors who cater to what they assume to be their readers’ truncated attention spans. Not so, Rashida Murphy. Her writing is meant to be savored. Still, there are plenty of heart-stopping moments and lots of situationally-driven suspense in The Historian’s Daughter.
Murphy is a non-linear storyteller and this allows her to sweep us backwards and forwards in time, using Hannah as our lynchpin. Hannah has a love/hate relationship with both the cultures that claim her. The Historian’s library is a refuge while at the same time his presence is a menace, with his terrible English bigotry against all things Indian and impotent anger at having no place in society. The affectionate Magician’s wonderful teas and healing aromatic dishes nourish Hannah while at the same time there is an unexplained gulf between them.
When the Magician disappears, we follow Hannah to Australia, and then to Iran, as she struggles to learn the truth about her origins and to open her heart to love in spite of all she has endured.
Rich with telling details that provide texture both visually and emotionally, this fine book is one that deserves to grace many home libraries. Such as the Historian’s library, where Hannah finds books about the English ‘Conquistadors’ - a word she takes to mean ‘come kiss the doors,’ a ritual she performs every time she enters. As soon as I learned this about her I decided I could follow her anywhere. I was not disappointed.
October 3, 2017
'This is not the story he wanted me to tell'. This first line of the story sets up not only the tale to come, but the lyrical and sensory experience that follows.
The story is set in three countries—India, Iran and Australia. It begins in India and is told from the perspective of Hannah, a young Anglo-Indian girl living in a 'house with too many windows and women' and a huge library of books. Hannah's world isn't the stereotype of India we expect; it's much more complex and rich, and in other ways, it's more familiar.
Hannah's father, the Historian, as the man of the house, believes he's formidable. Hannah's mother, the Magician, tries to keep things smooth and stable for the family.
Until she disappears.
The writing is deliciously evocative and the story is complex, demonstrating the complexity of family relationships—of good people doing bad things, and bad people doing good. We see the strength of female relationsips—of women protecting each other and their children. We see women escaping a shackled life.
It's also a story of displacement and gives us a view of Australia we don't often see and how it feels to be a stranger in our country.
Finally, it's a story of forgiveness—of finding acceptance and understanding that might have once seemed impossible.
The story is set in three countries—India, Iran and Australia. It begins in India and is told from the perspective of Hannah, a young Anglo-Indian girl living in a 'house with too many windows and women' and a huge library of books. Hannah's world isn't the stereotype of India we expect; it's much more complex and rich, and in other ways, it's more familiar.
Hannah's father, the Historian, as the man of the house, believes he's formidable. Hannah's mother, the Magician, tries to keep things smooth and stable for the family.
Until she disappears.
The writing is deliciously evocative and the story is complex, demonstrating the complexity of family relationships—of good people doing bad things, and bad people doing good. We see the strength of female relationsips—of women protecting each other and their children. We see women escaping a shackled life.
It's also a story of displacement and gives us a view of Australia we don't often see and how it feels to be a stranger in our country.
Finally, it's a story of forgiveness—of finding acceptance and understanding that might have once seemed impossible.
May 22, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was fluent and simple to read. Not a complicated story with all well- described characters.
With an half-Iranian character - Farah- it was so sweet to me, as an Iranian lady, to see our words, expressions and culture in a non-Iranian book.
Absolutely recommend reading it.
With an half-Iranian character - Farah- it was so sweet to me, as an Iranian lady, to see our words, expressions and culture in a non-Iranian book.
Absolutely recommend reading it.
July 29, 2016
The Historian's Daughter is not only a beautifully written novel; it’s also enthralling. It’s the kind of book you look forward to reading, eking it out until the very last page. I loved it, and look forward to reading more books by the gifted Rashida Murphy.
December 20, 2016
Rashida Murphy is another writer to add to my recent Authors from Western Australia post, and her debut novel, The Historian’s Daughter, comes recommended to me by one of my favourite authors, Amanda Curtin.
It’s an impressive debut. More than a quest for identity, it is a vivid portrait of extended family life in India, and an homage to the freedom of life in Australia which allows for different kinds of family to emerge.
The story begins high in the Sahyadari hills in India, the decay of traditional ways signalled by damage to the environment:
This question is just one of many which bothers young Hannah and the first third of the novel is lush with childhood incidents that triggered her curiosity about her troublesome heritage. Narrating the story from the vantage point of adulthood, she is both amused by her younger self and dismayed by her own follies in dealing with adults who mystify her. She is too young to understand the monstrous character of the lies that surround her.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/12/21/t...
It’s an impressive debut. More than a quest for identity, it is a vivid portrait of extended family life in India, and an homage to the freedom of life in Australia which allows for different kinds of family to emerge.
The story begins high in the Sahyadari hills in India, the decay of traditional ways signalled by damage to the environment:
The hills towered, range upon range, behind the house with too many windows and women. These hills, with their memory of forest, of deodar, oak and pine, of rivers and waterfalls. The forests were long gone, along with deer and elephants and the men who hunted and were hunted. Now, derelict trees shivered in the wind and tried to stay upright. When it rained, they bent and swayed and disappeared in bundles carried on the heads of village women. And the hills grew bald and bleak and the famous caves could only be accessed after the rains stopped.
The caves and hills had always been here – legend said – here, in this exact spot, before time began, before the heroes of the Mahabharata set up camp here, before the monks carved stone Buddhas into the hills. Pilgrims peered inside and snatched up sacred earth from the entrance and marvelled at the smell and the softness of it on their faces and wept. Barefoot men walked past each morning carrying orange flags to the shrine of the saint revered by both Hindus and Muslims. The Sahyadari Hills. Ancient. Holy. Mystical. Thirsty. And the house resisted them with its opulent gardens and many windows, immune to dust and thirst. The house with too many windows and an attic.
Why had my English grandfather chosen this desolate cantonment as his final home? (p.1)
This question is just one of many which bothers young Hannah and the first third of the novel is lush with childhood incidents that triggered her curiosity about her troublesome heritage. Narrating the story from the vantage point of adulthood, she is both amused by her younger self and dismayed by her own follies in dealing with adults who mystify her. She is too young to understand the monstrous character of the lies that surround her.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/12/21/t...
October 27, 2017
This is fiction that reads like a memoir. Written in a conversational tone, extraordinary events which happen throughout Hannah’s life are revealed in the most casual manner - often with a touch of dry humour. The writing is divine and the dialogue so genuine I felt like I was eavesdropping on private family conversations.
Written in four parts (Family, Immigrants, Revolution and Home) the novel traverses India, Iran and Perth, Western Australia over several decades. Through Hannah’s eyes (from childhood to adulthood) the novel explores culture, class systems, mixed race, and serious political upheaval, as well as the fragmentation of Hannah’s family.
Family attachments that were once secure are suddenly abandoned. A nasty aunty has a huge influence - her impact on Hannah’s older sister, Gloria is devastating. And their father, The Historian, is a vain, violent man (even locking up his own sibling in an attic for years). Yet there are also many scenes showing tenderness and love within the family unit.
A heart-stopping scene in the book depicts a terrifying house raid in Iran, followed by Hannah and Gloria undertaking a daring escape. Of her attempt to smuggle her sister out of Iran and into Australia, Hannah remarks: 'By choosing to do this, my sister and I became what Australians would later call ‘queue jumpers.’ Not that I had seen any queues with women anywhere in this country of bearded, gun-toting men and chanting revolutionaries.’
Harrowing moments are often related by Hannah in a matter-of-fact, non-judgemental way. And the author has broached the subject of political upheaval and asylum seekers without preaching, whilst highlighting some shocking acts of violence that are perpetrated against women in other parts of the world.
The book is a tapestry of experiences and doesn’t dwell for too long on difficult topics. I particularly enjoyed the scenes involving Gabriel (Hannah’s lover), his home and his dog. Their first spark of romance in the most unexpected setting was beautiful.
Gabriel’s embracement of Hannah’s heritage helped bring about a happy ending, and the sibling bonds survived their tumultuous past. Even The Historian managed to mellow in old age. But I’m still curious as to why their mother was called 'the Magician'.
Written in four parts (Family, Immigrants, Revolution and Home) the novel traverses India, Iran and Perth, Western Australia over several decades. Through Hannah’s eyes (from childhood to adulthood) the novel explores culture, class systems, mixed race, and serious political upheaval, as well as the fragmentation of Hannah’s family.
Family attachments that were once secure are suddenly abandoned. A nasty aunty has a huge influence - her impact on Hannah’s older sister, Gloria is devastating. And their father, The Historian, is a vain, violent man (even locking up his own sibling in an attic for years). Yet there are also many scenes showing tenderness and love within the family unit.
A heart-stopping scene in the book depicts a terrifying house raid in Iran, followed by Hannah and Gloria undertaking a daring escape. Of her attempt to smuggle her sister out of Iran and into Australia, Hannah remarks: 'By choosing to do this, my sister and I became what Australians would later call ‘queue jumpers.’ Not that I had seen any queues with women anywhere in this country of bearded, gun-toting men and chanting revolutionaries.’
Harrowing moments are often related by Hannah in a matter-of-fact, non-judgemental way. And the author has broached the subject of political upheaval and asylum seekers without preaching, whilst highlighting some shocking acts of violence that are perpetrated against women in other parts of the world.
The book is a tapestry of experiences and doesn’t dwell for too long on difficult topics. I particularly enjoyed the scenes involving Gabriel (Hannah’s lover), his home and his dog. Their first spark of romance in the most unexpected setting was beautiful.
Gabriel’s embracement of Hannah’s heritage helped bring about a happy ending, and the sibling bonds survived their tumultuous past. Even The Historian managed to mellow in old age. But I’m still curious as to why their mother was called 'the Magician'.
December 21, 2016
SPOILER ALERT! I loved the first half of this book. The characters, the setting, but especially the food! Loved the magician mom. The second half was a bit disjointed and left me with unanswered questions and a feeling of disappointment that the magician chose to remain apart from her family in the end. All in all, a worthwhile read best read while eating in an Indian Restaurant!
September 18, 2016
Abandoned by her mother, Hannah's family moves to Perth from India. A search for her identity. Lilting and sensory.
May 3, 2022
Written with simplicity and heart. I couldn’t put it down. And the most surprising end.
July 1, 2017
Wow! Just wow! Don't know if I can put it into words. This book has a flavour and style of its own which I loved. The characters were believable, lovable, dislikable and oh so human. I feel like I have just returned from a journey to a different world. Read this book in 24 hours, such an interesting story. Love how Rashida Murphy can pack so much into each paragraph. Don't think this review does it justice but believe me when I say it's a fantastic book.
November 6, 2016
Hannah and her sister Gloria are very close until Hannah betrays her sister's trust when she is angry. Hannah is a child and cannot know the consequences of what she started. There are terrible secrets that precede this and the family is torn apart. Hannah her brothers and her father end up in Australia, her sister with her husband in Iran and her mother and aunt in India. A story of longing for what's lost, surviving horror and ultimately love.
February 9, 2017
A different novel that had me wondering just how much is autobiographical and how much is fiction. I enjoyed reading the novel though as it had quite a unique style that was engaging in its difference. India is fascinating and the meagre insights I have were greatly enhanced by the skilful narration and gradual unfolding of the mysteries surrounding the characters. I look forward to further writings by Rashida Murphy.
January 11, 2024
Rashida Murphy's creative writing PhD work makes my own M.Litt attempt look like the giant steaming pile of pooh that it most assuredly is. Though well written, well paced and engaging, the twists were telegraphed too early and too clearly to be really effective. Still had a tear in my eye on the last pages however.
August 15, 2020
Book 42/50: The Historian’s Daughter by Rashida Murphy 📙I’m on the home straight now, so this was a nice read, passed on to me by my dear friend Deb Clark. Another in the “Somebody’s Daughter” genre, this debut novel by Perth author is set in both India and WA, and a little in Tehran. The plot follows the life of Hannah, and her siblings Gloria, Clive and Warren (she got the best name) and their father The Historian (a somewhat corrupt police officer), and their mother, Farah, also known as The Magician. There are a number of supporting roles in aunties and rescued young men - a particular hobby of The Magician. Now, I may’ve missed it, but there was no explanation for the parents’ monikers, and this bugged me. A lot😖⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2021
This is a novel about how a person’s history follows them through life. Those little things that happen, the fleeting moments, the overheard whispers all form a trail to the person we become. Ranging from the Indian Hills to Perth, Hannah’s story slowly reveals the moments in her past that have made her who she is.
Entertaining all the way through, The Historian’s Daughter deserves a second volume, because there are many questions left unanswered. Occasionally there were moments when I wasn’t quite sure what happened and reading back over, I still didn’t find the answer. Nevertheless, the fact I wanted to go back to find out is testament to the depth of the story.
Rashida Murphy’s prose is eloquent and multi-layered and I recommend her novel to literature lovers.
Entertaining all the way through, The Historian’s Daughter deserves a second volume, because there are many questions left unanswered. Occasionally there were moments when I wasn’t quite sure what happened and reading back over, I still didn’t find the answer. Nevertheless, the fact I wanted to go back to find out is testament to the depth of the story.
Rashida Murphy’s prose is eloquent and multi-layered and I recommend her novel to literature lovers.
April 18, 2023
I don’t know how the author did this, but here is what she managed to achieve in this slender novel (217 pages): tell a compelling story of multiple characters that plays out over a couple of decades in 3 different countries, and to capture the singularities of these people and places. And yet the writing is surprisingly uncluttered - it is like a house with airy large rooms that makes you feel joyful and free to walk through it. Moreover, while the story is realistic, the voice often has a touch of magic to it. It’s like the author opens some hidden door in her house, if I stick to this metaphor, to illuminate the magical dimensions of what we call reality.
October 22, 2020
I was conflicted with this book.
I really enjoyed reading it, and was sad when it was over, however I had so many questions when it finished it was frustrating.
I kept wanting to know why the father was called the Historian, what his background was and I felt like a lot of the characters had unfinished stories.
I had so many questions, but I can’t deny I loved reading the book and liked reading about Hannah’s life now and her past as well.
I really enjoyed reading it, and was sad when it was over, however I had so many questions when it finished it was frustrating.
I kept wanting to know why the father was called the Historian, what his background was and I felt like a lot of the characters had unfinished stories.
I had so many questions, but I can’t deny I loved reading the book and liked reading about Hannah’s life now and her past as well.
February 25, 2024
Quick easy and enjoyable read with an underlying theme of the reality of family, religion and politics.
March 27, 2025
Goodness, I started this book seven years ago then lost it in an overpacked book shelf! Now finished.
March 6, 2022
This is a complex tale of identity, home and family. I couldn't put it down, and was privileged to narrate the audiobook version of this book. As someone with a very mixed heritage, I identified with Hannah, the story's protagonist, as she sought to unravel the mysteries of her upbringing. This book touches on a range of significant issues in a deft and sensitive manner, and gives insight into a range of cultures: Anglo-Indian, Persian and Australian. It is skilfully written.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews