What was your favourite childhood book and why?
Roald Dahl’s Boy was one of my favourites. I read it multiple times. I think I was inspired by how seemingly ordinary events were made extraordinary. It’s genius. He was also my favourite author so getting a little window into his life felt very special.
Which of your own books is your favourite and why?
I’m not sure I have a favourite because each book takes so long and is the product of so much hard work and you pour so much of yourself into every piece of work you create. But I suppose The Crossing is the product many years of research (about 6 years!) and lots of interviews with some very brave young people willing to share their story with me, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
Why do you choose to read?
Reading opens a doorway into other worlds, experiences and lives other than my own. It broadens my mind, helps build empathy and brings comfort when reading about people, places and things that do resonate. There’s nothing quite like finding a book that you love, a book that you simply can’t put down. The wonder, excitement and hunger for the next chapter. It’s a kind of magic.
