You Are Worthy of Representation: Anuja Varghese’s “Chrysalis” at BurlLITFest

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca

The first week of the month-long BurlLitFest event wraps up on Sunday, November 10, with a meet-and-read session featuring Hamilton-born Anuja Varghese, the award-winning author of Chrysalis. Varghese recently received the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for 2SLGBTQ+ literature and a Governor General’s Award for the genre-defying short story collection that is Chrysalis.

Her renowned work is highly praised for its fierce exploration of identity, community, and cultural expectations — particularly as they affect women of colour and queer individuals navigating transformative moments in their lives.

Chrysalis is a collection of 15 powerful short stories that challenge readers to confront issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Each story features characters facing pivotal moments, where they must redefine themselves and claim their identities in a world that often tries to silence or misrepresent them.

Varghese describes Chrysalis as stories that explore the “ways that power is stolen from us and the ways we can claw it back, sometimes in monstrous or magical ways.” Through her deeply personal storytelling, she invites readers into the lives of characters who find triumph, resilience, and belonging, often in unexpected ways.

For Varghese, who grew up seldom seeing characters who resembled her in mainstream literature, the release of Chrysalis and the response it has received has been both validating and inspiring. The dedication of her book reads: “To all the girls and women who don’t see themselves in these stories, you are worthy of reflection despite what you have been told.” This message of empowerment resonates strongly, especially for those who have been historically underrepresented in literature.

One of the most significant themes in Chrysalis is representation. Varghese believes that seeing oneself reflected in literature is essential, particularly for those who have often been excluded from narratives. “For me, there were very few main characters who looked like me when I was growing up,” she reflects. “My joke was always, ‘There was no Anuja of Green Gables.’ Now, that’s changing.”

Varghese’s stories delve into the nuances of identity, belonging, and transformation, themes that are especially relevant in today’s conversations around diversity and inclusion. “The stories centre around women and girls of colour, queer folks, and others who are often marginalized,” she says. “They explore the experiences of navigating sexism, racism, colourism, homophobia, and transphobia. Sometimes, these themes make people uncomfortable, but I think that’s part of what fiction is supposed to do — make you confront things you might otherwise avoid.”

While writing Chrysalis, Varghese grappled with the challenge of creating stories that would resonate with some readers while making others uncomfortable. “I had to make a choice for myself: Is it okay to write stories that make some people uncomfortable? Am I okay with that?” she recalls. Ultimately, she decided that authenticity was more important than palatability, to truly unleash the power of literature; it can, Varghese notes, “open doors and create empathy for experiences beyond your own.”

The response to Chrysalis has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers from all walks of life reaching out to Varghese to share how her stories have affected them. “The structure of the book really resonates with people,” she notes. “When you’ve had some of these experiences— whether it’s dealing with racism in the workplace or facing cultural expectations — you feel that connection with the characters. Readers will message me on social media and say, ‘That story was about me,’ and I tell them, ‘That happened to me, too.’ There’s a real sense of shared experience.”

Varghese’s writing doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by women of colour and queer individuals. One story in Chrysalis, which explores experiences of racism in a professional setting, was inspired by her encounters. During a creative writing course, she recalls receiving feedback that the portrayal of racism was “a little on the nose.” Reflecting on that experience, she says, “Well, it felt on the nose when it happened.” This moment solidified her resolve to write stories that tell the truth, even when that truth makes people uncomfortable.

In her conversations with readers, Varghese often finds herself discussing these difficult topics. “I’ve been in book clubs with many who might not normally pick up a book like this,” she says. “They tell me, ‘I’ve never thought about this before,’ and that’s when I know the story has done its job. It’s opened a door to a new perspective.”

Varghese expressed her enthusiasm for participating in BurlLITFest, noting the important role literary festivals play in building community, especially in smaller communities like Burlington. “I was so proud to be invited to participate,” she says. “It’s so important for smaller communities to have these kinds of literary events. It encourages people to come out, meet authors they might not have heard of before, and maybe pick up a kind of book they wouldn’t normally read. It exposes people to different kinds of writing and writers.”

Varghese believes that festivals like BurlLITFest help to build a literary ecosystem that supports diverse voices across Ontario. “We know we have diverse readers and communities all over the province, not just in Toronto,” she explains. “Festivals like this play a huge role in bringing people together and fostering a deeper understanding of different perspectives.”

The award-winning author has been actively engaging with communities over the past year, attending various festivals and events that allow her to connect with readers from all backgrounds. “It’s so lovely to meet readers in person,” she shares. “At almost every event, someone — sometimes a young person of colour, sometimes older people of colour or queer folk — will come up to me and say, ‘This is the first time I’ve seen someone like me in a book like this.’” These interactions, Varghese says, are deeply moving and affirm her commitment to telling stories that resonate with those who have felt invisible in mainstream literature.

For those on their own journey of self-discovery and storytelling, Varghese emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community. “Find your people,” she advises. “Find other writers, artists, or friends who will validate and support your work. Writing about true experiences, especially those related to identity, can be scary — especially if your family or cultural community may not fully accept you.”

She encourages emerging writers to stay true to their voices and their stories, even if those stories challenge mainstream narratives. “Don’t give up on your story because we need your voice,” she says. This advice is particularly relevant for writers from marginalized backgrounds, who may face additional barriers in getting their work recognized and valued.

As Varghese prepares for her reading at BurlLITFest, she looks forward to the unique insights and questions that each community brings. “Every audience is different,” she says. “They bring their questions, thoughts, and reactions to the book. I’m excited to hear people’s reactions, to see what resonates with them, and to discuss some of the challenging topics the book explores.”

BurlLITFest, held throughout November at Burlington Public Library’s Central Library, is free and open to all. The festival includes a variety of author readings, discussions, and workshops designed to foster a love of literature and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Varghese hopes that attendees will leave her session with a broader understanding of the experiences of women of colour and queer individuals in Canada — and perhaps a deeper appreciation for the power of literature to build empathy and understanding.

Through her work, Anuja Varghese is challenging perceptions, elevating marginalized voices, and inspiring readers to see the world — and themselves — in new ways. Her BurlLITFest event offers a unique opportunity for readers to connect with an author whose stories are both hauntingly personal and universally resonant. For anyone seeking to explore themes of identity, resilience, and transformation, Varghese’s Chrysalis is not to be missed.

To register for Varghese’s BurlLITFest session at Central Library on Sun., Nov. 10 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., click here. Copies of Chrysalis will be available to purchase at the event, in bookstores near you, or online. For more information on Anuja Varghese’s work and upcoming events, visit her website at https://www.anujavarghese.com/.