Great reviews. I finished the book last night. It was very moving that there was a chapter about our time together when we were at college in our teens and some references to me through the book. It was lovely to be acknowledged in that way. By the way, I never did become a Buddhist and divorced that husband after 4 years together. In fact you were kind enough to offer to be co-respondent to help make the divorce happen, though in the end, that wasn't necessary.
I loved the points of similar interests throughout our lives, even without discussing them, as our communications over the years were few.
For example, I have always been inspired in my therapeutic work and in my life by Susie Orbach, whom you came to know and trust.
I've been involved with the SWP in recent years and anti-racism work.
I wrote a thesis about Philip Roth - on the theme of ageing, illness, sexuality and death in men. I did refer to your work in the dissertation- the way in which you were pilloried by some for writing less than flattering pictures of the Pakistani community, as was Roth - in his case, called a 'self-hating Jew'.
It was truly an emotional experience to read a lot of detail about your life when I had only fragments in my head about it, and I valued very much your biographer's exposition and analysis of your interventions within debates of race and cultural politics. Also so good to read how you have lived life so courageously and ultimately, authentically.
I look forward to reading 'Shattered' and send heartfelt wishes for your continuing improvement in health and mobility.
I have now got your collections of stories and essays, only a few of which I've read before, so much to look forward to.
How wonderful to hear from you. I haven't read the book, and told Ruvani that I would help her but had no desire to read about myself. I am very pleased she has written about you, since we were so much part of one another's intellectual development in our late teenage years. I send you my love and a big kiss, and hope that if you come to London, you will pass by and see me. It would be a great pleasure to reconnect with you. My love to you and your family.
Thank you for your kind words about my biography .You made an important contribution to the book by speaking to me so openly. I'm so pleased you feel I've done justice to your friendship and mutual influence. All best wishes, Ruvani
Hanif you're a beautiful man it's a simple as that. Two things stand out - your need to write (loved that comment by Carlo) and your insight into where we are now politically. x Maddi
ps will have a shot at getting this into my local library.
So looking forward to reading this - i will be ordering it this evening x I’m so relieved you’re back home and getting into some semblance of a new normality (again)
Great reviews. I finished the book last night. It was very moving that there was a chapter about our time together when we were at college in our teens and some references to me through the book. It was lovely to be acknowledged in that way. By the way, I never did become a Buddhist and divorced that husband after 4 years together. In fact you were kind enough to offer to be co-respondent to help make the divorce happen, though in the end, that wasn't necessary.
I loved the points of similar interests throughout our lives, even without discussing them, as our communications over the years were few.
For example, I have always been inspired in my therapeutic work and in my life by Susie Orbach, whom you came to know and trust.
I've been involved with the SWP in recent years and anti-racism work.
I wrote a thesis about Philip Roth - on the theme of ageing, illness, sexuality and death in men. I did refer to your work in the dissertation- the way in which you were pilloried by some for writing less than flattering pictures of the Pakistani community, as was Roth - in his case, called a 'self-hating Jew'.
It was truly an emotional experience to read a lot of detail about your life when I had only fragments in my head about it, and I valued very much your biographer's exposition and analysis of your interventions within debates of race and cultural politics. Also so good to read how you have lived life so courageously and ultimately, authentically.
I look forward to reading 'Shattered' and send heartfelt wishes for your continuing improvement in health and mobility.
I have now got your collections of stories and essays, only a few of which I've read before, so much to look forward to.
Much love
Julia Cutmore
Dear Julia,
How wonderful to hear from you. I haven't read the book, and told Ruvani that I would help her but had no desire to read about myself. I am very pleased she has written about you, since we were so much part of one another's intellectual development in our late teenage years. I send you my love and a big kiss, and hope that if you come to London, you will pass by and see me. It would be a great pleasure to reconnect with you. My love to you and your family.
Hanif.
How lovely! We shall certainly do that. ❤️
Dear Julia,
Thank you for your kind words about my biography .You made an important contribution to the book by speaking to me so openly. I'm so pleased you feel I've done justice to your friendship and mutual influence. All best wishes, Ruvani
Hanif you're a beautiful man it's a simple as that. Two things stand out - your need to write (loved that comment by Carlo) and your insight into where we are now politically. x Maddi
ps will have a shot at getting this into my local library.
Thank you so much.
Almost 1000 pages! That's really something! Congratulations to the author(ess). Great photos of Mr. Kureishi.
Many thanks Laura.
So looking forward to reading this - i will be ordering it this evening x I’m so relieved you’re back home and getting into some semblance of a new normality (again)
Much love,
Kate xxx
Fantastic reviews of the biography! Look forward to reading this.
Oh yes! So looking forward to reading this.
Ordered. South Asians writing about South Asians critically has always been violently disputed and trolled by South Asians
I'd love to hear your views of the biography.