Where does truth end and fiction begin? Crime writers debate storytelling at SIBF 2026

Three novelists discuss historical accuracy, creative freedom and the responsibility of writers to turn real-world experiences into compelling narratives at the Sharjah International Book Fair

Crime fiction offers writers a powerful means of examining historical injustice, social inequality and moral questions, but compelling storytelling requires a careful balance between real-world events and creative imagination, three novelists told audiences at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).

Speaking during ‘Where Truth Ends and the Novel Begins’, British-Indian author Abir Mukherjee, Syrian novelist Islam Abu Shakir and Emirati writer Adil Al Sumaiti and moderated by Abdul Karim Hanif, explored how reality inspires fiction and why literary narratives must follow their own internal logic.

Crime fiction as social commentary

Mukherjee, the Scotland-raised son of Indian immigrant parents, explained that he prefers writing within the gaps of recorded history, “because we know the big details but we don't know what happened in the margins”.

His Wyndham and Banerjee detective series, set in colonial India, follows a British police officer and his perceptive Indian sergeant, offering alternative perspectives on British colonial history.

Describing the crime novel as “a great vehicle for social commentary”, Mukherjee explained that a detective's investigations provide access to different sections of society, allowing writers to explore historical events and social inequalities through compelling narratives.

The power of fiction, he said, is that “you can teach your readers while taking them on a journey of crime and its solution”.

Having left a career in finance to pursue writing, Mukherjee also drew parallels between inequalities under colonial rule and contemporary India's economic divisions. His latest thriller, The Pinnacle, is set against Mumbai's film industry and explores wealth disparities, and the complexities of power.

Where reality meets imagination

Syrian novelist and creative writing instructor Islam Abu Shakir emphasised that fiction must have roots in reality without necessarily reproducing it.

“Every story requires a seed of reality. However, real life is full of random coincidences and illogical events, whereas a novel must follow its own artistic logic and internal rules,” he said.

He explained that ideas often emerge from accumulated experiences, reading and reflection rather than isolated incidents.

Abu Shakir also discussed his collaboration with Dubai Police to train personnel interested in creative writing, an initiative that resulted in at least four published short-story collections.

Emirati crime writer Adil Al Sumaiti agreed that real-life incidents can provide inspiration, explaining that he incorporates modern forensic technology and investigative procedures into his novels.

“Character building should convey positive moral values and ethical principles, encouraging readers to admire virtuous behaviour and reject harmful actions,” he said.

Al Sumaiti also acknowledged the influence of Egyptian writer Nabil Farouk, whose use of cliffhangers encouraged readers to keep turning the pages.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.