Short Bio

Mirela Cufurovic is a historian and academic, venturing into the world of fiction and the literary space. Cufurovic has published several academic and literary articles, currently writing her debut non-fiction novel on the history of Muslims in Australia. When she is not teaching the next generation of university students history, she can be found lost between the pages of a book or writing away on her notepad with a large pot of coffee by her side.

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Where it all began

My earliest memory of reading and owning a book was when I was six. I'd spotted the cover of Bambi. It was a story that both thrilled and saddened me. But I loved it all the same; it was mine, after all. My earliest memory of writing - and of loving the way letters became words - was when I was about four, spelling out the names of all the people I loved. I'd later learn that I'd been spelling my father's name wrong despite my misguided jubilation that I had got it 'just right'. And my earliest memory of owning a whole collection of books (a complete set!) was when I was nine, at a garage sale I was dragged into by an aunt. The books were by Mary-Kate and Ashley (yes, I am THAT old) and at that time, I was obsessed with the duo.

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English is not my first language, but it is the language I turned to for comfort. I loved the feel of the words on my tongue, hearing the sounds that rolled and formed, devouring the meaning that emerged as each word was spoken. But my love for reading and writing would not have been possible without two women who have, unbeknownst to them, shaped me to be who I am today: Mrs Pinney (my kindergarten teacher) and Mrs Zuhbi (my ESL tutor). Thank you for being the light to my darkness.

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And the moment that reading and writing truly captured my heart and made it theirs? When I picked up Roald Dahl's Matilda in fourth grade.

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Over the course of my life, I have collected books. There are more than five hundred sitting on my bookshelf and I can recall each and every one of them. They are part of who I am. I love connecting with the characters, the worlds, and the words. I also absolutely love getting to know the authors, and this is why I began Tea Time Tuesdays - an initiative that celebrates the books of Australian (sometimes international) female authors. You can RSVP for upcoming author chats here, or watch previous sessions here.

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My love for reading and writing is not all that defines me. History is another obsession, and has always been. I am a historian and sociologist by profession, currently writing my second book and teaching history at several Australian universities. If I enjoy getting lost in fantastical worlds, you can bet I also enjoy diving into the worlds of the past. But don't go too far in; I prefer modern history, most especially the history following the post-world war two period that defines much of the way we live our lives today. So, on my website you'll see some musings of history as well as literature, and my hope is that I can combine the two in a way that both entertains and educates. You can read my most recent publications here.

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A storyteller and historian - this is who I am.

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And if all that bores you, you may like to know that I am a mother, an artist, and the small business owner of Little Readers Australia (currently on hold, but you can follow on Instagram here). And if that isn't enough, subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming events, posts, and all things that make me, well, me.

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Happy reading!