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Life Is A Journey
The Unfurling Frond tells your story of self-discovery and shares with readers your experiences with traveling, romance, and finding adventure. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book all started in a graduate course when a classmate innocently asked, “What treaty, and why is it important?” When I went to respond, I choked up. I didn’t realize until that moment how deeply Aotearoa, New Zealand meant to me. How that big leap to move to the South Pacific changed my life. Also, in that moment, the grief of not understanding so much about the land, the people, the history, and the future of Aotearoa, New Zealand, when I lived there, sent a shock through my body.
That moment when I was asked, “Why is it important?” made me realize I needed to write about my experience, the whole lovely and messy journey of finding myself, learning about settler-colonialism, embracing feminism, and moving into a space of belonging.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At the end of the chapter titled “Awake,” I state: “I travel between my two selves, two moments in time, my histories, two nations’ histories – never knowing where I really belong” (127). I think that quote includes many of the ideas I share within this book. For example, the ways I move through the many versions of myself throughout time. My transnational life and marriage mean that I am always trying to find my place. The way I experience history and want to learn more in these spaces and be part of decolonization.
I recently listened to a podcast ĀIO: a road to peace, where Amelia Butler used the term “reindigenisation” instead of decolonization. And I just loved that so much. I think we all need to join in on this journey. I can recognize my role and place as settler and support and advocate for reindigenisation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The spiritual side of this book wasn’t necessarily the hardest thing to write, but is the hardest thing for me to share. It is a part of myself I rarely share with others, even friends, and so the thought of opening myself up to reveal that with my readers is scary. However, I felt it was so important to my story and key to me embracing who I am.
The chapter that is written as a “Memorandum” was an emotionally charged essay to write, and I tried it in many different shapes and forms. After countless drafts, I realized I needed to use the hermit crab methodology to share that tender, vulnerable space inside me. Then it just flowed, and it was perfect – one draft and done. Sometimes, we need to open ourselves up to the transformation of writing, and the hermit crab essay helps in that space. (The Hermit Crab essay is a term developed by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in their book Tell it Slant.)
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That life is a journey, and no matter where it starts, you don’t have to be defined by that place. We don’t always understand the “why,” but if we open ourselves up to the journey, it will take us on a wild ride. We can always learn, grow, and evolve. And that sometimes it is important to just say yes/go and see where the universe takes you.
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Rebecca Beardsall’s transnational narrative between the United States and Aotearoa, New Zealand, The Unfurling Frond, investigates land and place as physical space, home, and moments in time. The collection wrestles with the concept of personal transformation through time with the added complexity of settler colonization.
As she travels between her two selves/two moments in time, her histories/two nations’ histories, Beardsall senses and feels where her physical body aligns with the spiritual, telling her that she is home, that she belongs.
The Unfurling Frond: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming
The Unfurling Frond, a memoir by Rebecca Beardsall, presents an engrossing and invigorating chronicle of her life that masterfully intertwines the elements of childhood, education, and travel experiences. Growing up in an intimate family in America during the late 20th century, Rebecca’s narrative diverges from the commonplace. Instead of embarking on the traditionally anticipated path of marriage, she boldly ventured into the unexplored terrains of New Zealand. This adventurous streak continued to define her journey, guiding her through a tapestry of global cities, kindling an online romance with her partner, Geoffrey, and fostering enduring friendships.
Rebecca’s professional life weaves a parallel narrative. Despite carving a successful career as a teacher, her innate passion for writing prevailed. She pursued this creative calling, proving not just her proficiency but her exceptional talent.
The Unfurling Frond stands out as a distinctive memoir, primarily due to the deep resonance it generates within the reader. It is not just Rebecca’s tale but a reflection of a universal struggle – the tug-of-war between the identities we adopt and our true selves. Furthermore, Rebecca’s spirit of wanderlust breathes life into the book, making readers yearn for similar adventures. Until that becomes a reality, one can traverse the globe through Rebecca’s vivid and immersive descriptions, notably her affectionate portrayal of New Zealand.
The memoir also casts Rebecca as an unapologetic feminist, unafraid to challenge societal norms. Her personality showcases the rare combination of fierce independence, self-awareness, and humility, the ability to acknowledge her missteps. Her narrative is also tinged with poignancy as she recounts the irreplaceable loss of her brother, an event that underscores the enduring pain of losing a sibling.
The Unfurling Frond is not merely a memoir; it is a heartfelt expression emanating from the deepest chambers of Rebecca’s heart. The book skillfully weaves together themes of history, particularly the Civil War, with elements of friendship, love, family, and adventure. For enthusiasts of memoirs, this book is more than just a fantastic read; it’s an extraordinary journey through a life lived with courage, self-discovery, and unrelenting love for exploration.
Pages: 254 | ISBN : 1639889558
LITERARY TITAN 