Full Disclosure with James O'Brien Hanif Kureishi: A freak accident left me paralysed - and it broke me
Nov 1, 2024
Hanif Kureishi, an acclaimed novelist and playwright, discusses his life-altering experience following a fall that left him paralysed. He shares insights from his new book, Shattered, capturing the duality of his identity as both a writer and a tetraplegic. The conversation delves into the emotional upheaval and existential fears following his accident, the challenges of documenting personal trauma, and the role of community support in healing. Hanif reflects on his vibrant creative journey and the transformative power of storytelling amidst adversity.
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Family Impact
- Kureishi describes how his accident affected his family, throwing their lives into disarray.
- They took on new responsibilities, like caring for him and organizing support.
Early Aspiration
- Kureishi reflects on his early desire to be a writer, despite lacking academic support at school.
- He credits the era's influence (the 60s and 70s) and his voracious reading habit.
Insider/Outsider Dynamic
- James O'Brien asks about Kureishi's sense of belonging as an insider-outsider.
- Kureishi discusses his early career breaks at the Royal Court Theatre and other institutions.