Photo: John Bartlett, an acclaimed Australian author, captures readers with his profound storytelling and deeply insightful narratives.
Exploring Historical Narratives and Human Flaws
John Bartlett discusses the historical inspirations, character development, and personal experiences that shape his novels, short stories, and profound poetry collections.
John Bartlett, a distinguished voice in the literary world, brings a unique perspective to storytelling, drawing from his rich tapestry of experiences and historical narratives. Born in the picturesque Clare Valley of Australia, his journey as a Catholic priest in the Southern Philippines for a decade laid the foundation for the stories and themes that permeate his work. After transitioning from the priesthood, Bartlett explored various professions, ranging from a kitchen hand to a community worker, before fully embracing his calling as a professional writer in 2000.
Bartlett’s literary repertoire includes three novels, numerous short stories, non-fiction works, and six acclaimed collections of poetry. His poetry has been recognized in Australian and international journals and anthologies, earning him prestigious awards such as the 2020 Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize. His recent works, Excitations of Entanglement and the poetry pamphlet In the Spaces between Stars lie Shadows, demonstrate his mastery of language and form.
In a candid discussion with Reader’s House magazine, Bartlett delves into the inspirations and challenges behind his acclaimed works. His novel Estuary is influenced by the life stories of his family members, particularly his aunt Eulalie, a musician and artist whose life was altered by the mental health treatments of the 1950s and 60s, and his great-great-grandfather Thomas Bartlett, whose life represents the complexities of Australian colonial history. These narratives are woven into the novel’s fabric, blending historical fact with creative imagination.
The history of South Australia and Victoria also plays a significant role in his storytelling, highlighting the impact of colonization on Indigenous cultures and the enduring loss that remains significant today. Bartlett’s exploration of history within his narratives is both a reflection of his personal experiences and a broader commentary on societal injustices.
Bartlett’s autobiographical novel, Towards a Distant Sea, set against the backdrop of the Philippines during the Marcos regime, posed the unique challenge of integrating personal memories with broader historical events. The political climate of the time necessitated careful navigation, ensuring the authenticity and safety of its narrative.
In crafting relatable characters like Leila and Seth, Bartlett emphasizes the importance of deeply inhabiting the personas he creates, treating them with the complexity and nuance that reflect real human experiences. This approach allows readers to connect with characters that mirror their imperfections, making them more relatable and impactful.
His collection of short stories, All Mortal Flesh, thematically explores the fallibility and quirks of human nature, connecting characters through their shared vulnerabilities. Bartlett believes in the interconnectedness of writing forms, asserting that his blogging and essayist endeavors enrich his fiction by fostering a structured yet expressive style that engages readers on multiple levels.
For aspiring authors venturing into historical or intergenerational narratives, Bartlett offers insightful advice: marry a broad knowledge of history with the freedom of imaginative exploration to create stories that resonate beyond their factual roots.
This article originally appeared in Reader’s House magazine, capturing the essence of John Bartlett’s literary journey and his profound impact on contemporary storytelling.
