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The “Through Their Eyes” podcast, hosted by Draft to Book, features a fascinating and heartfelt conversation with Billy MacLeod, a veteran, charity founder, and now an author. In this episode, Billy discusses the inspiration and process behind his latest book, a fictional story that explores the lives of two individuals on opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling to bring understanding to complex issues and to remind us of the shared humanity at the heart of every conflict.
Billy MacLeod’s book is a fictional account inspired by real events and his personal experiences. Set in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks in 2023, the story follows two characters: Yosi, who grows up in Tel Aviv, and Ahmed, who lives in Gaza. Despite being separated by just 41 miles, their lives are worlds apart, shaped by the conflict and the environments in which they live. The book begins with their childhoods in 2009 and follows their journeys as they grow up in these contrasting realities.
Billy’s inspiration for the book came from his visit to Israel in April 2024 the day after Iran fired 300 missiles into Israel, where he witnessed the aftermath of the attacks and spoke to people from both sides of the conflict. His military background, including his time serving in Northern Ireland, also influenced his perspective. He drew on his experiences of seeing the similarities between people on opposing sides of a divide, which helped shape the narrative.
One of the most striking aspects of Billy’s book is its balanced approach. He avoids taking sides, instead presenting the perspectives of both characters in alternating chapters. This structure allows readers to see the world through the eyes of Yosi and Ahmed, understanding their motivations, struggles, and doubts. The story emphasises the importance of empathy and challenges readers to look beyond simplistic portrayals of conflict.
Billy’s military experience was key to achieving this balance. Reflecting on his time in Northern Ireland, he recalls how people on both sides of the divide were often more alike than different. This understanding informs his portrayal of the characters, showing their shared humanity despite the circumstances they face.
At its heart, the book is about humanity. It explores how individuals are shaped by their environments, the beliefs they are taught, and the doubts that arise when they begin to question those beliefs. Ahmed, for example, struggles with the expectations placed on him and experiences moments of uncertainty about the path he is expected to follow. Similarly, Yosi’s story reflects the challenges of growing up in a society where military service is a given, even for those who may not want it.
Billy’s portrayal of these characters is deeply empathetic, drawing on real-life stories and his own experiences to create a narrative that feels authentic. The book also examines the pressures people face to conform to the expectations of their communities, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
Billy’s journey as an author is as compelling as the story itself. Despite not considering himself a writer at first, he was driven by a desire to document the stories he encountered during his visit to Israel. The writing process was challenging, involving multiple drafts and extensive research to ensure the story was accurate and meaningful. Billy’s commitment to capturing the essence of the conflict and the humanity of his characters is evident in the final result.
Through his book, Billy hopes to convey a message of hope and humanity. He emphasises that, at their core, people are the same everywhere—they want to live peacefully, care for their families, and build better futures. The book encourages readers to look beyond the headlines and see the individuals caught in the conflict, each with their own stories, struggles, and dreams.
Billy’s work also ties into his role as the founder of Veterans in Action, a charity that supports soldiers with PTSD. His experiences in Israel and the process of writing the book have given him a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact, which has influenced his approach to his charity work.
The story doesn’t end with this book. Billy has already written a sequel and is working on a third instalment, continuing the journeys of his characters and exploring new aspects of their lives. These upcoming books promise to further examine the themes of humanity, conflict, and healing.
The “Through Their Eyes” podcast episode is a powerful exploration of storytelling, empathy, and the complexities of human conflict. Billy MacLeod’s book is a testament to the ability of fiction to shed light on real-world issues and foster understanding. By presenting a balanced and deeply human narrative, Billy invites readers to see the world through the eyes of others and reflect on the shared humanity that connects us all.
For those interested in reading this thought-provoking story, the book is available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human side of conflict and the enduring hope for peace.
The book is available from Amazon here.
