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Condé Nast Traveller contributing editor and author Fatima Bhutto picks her favourite authors, countries and the literary festivals worth travelling to
Tell us a bit about yourself and what shaped your journey into writing.
It's what I always wanted to do. It’s a journey that's constantly being shaped. As JG Ballard once said "If I don't write I begin to feel unsettled and uneasy, as I gather people do who are not allowed to dream.” I’m currently working on a book on Karachi.
How would you describe your city?
It's a mad city, a mega city, a monster city; that’s filled to the brim with people (no one really knows how many - between 16 and 18 million) and sits on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It's where political battles are fought and lost, often violently. It's an uncensored city – liberal, diverse, complicated which makes it the sort of atmosphere that easily inspires joy and fear, usually at the same time.
What are you expecting at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2012?
I’m looking forward to great audiences and compelling authors, which Jaipur does exceedingly well. I'm terribly excited about Ariel Dorfman, Richard Dawkins, Jamaica Kincaid, Hanan al Shaykh all being in Jaipur.
Who are some of the authors who have had a profound influence on you?
This changes constantly, but currently – Joan Didion, VS Naipaul, Rsyzard Kapucinski.
DID SHE SAY WHY?
Which book are you currently reading?
I’m reading George Orwell's Down and out in Paris and London. But anyone who hasn't read Oblivion by Hector Abad must – really – and go find it. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
Do you see Asian authors now having a greater influence on the world?
Certainly. But haven't Asian authors always had a profound literary influence? Rabindranath Tagore, Mahmoud Darwish, Edward Said, Eqbal Ahmed and there are so many others like them.
A country you most enjoyed travelling in?
It's really hard to beat Cuba. Really,really hard.
Your favourite Indian destination is?
I have yet to visit a part of the country I didn't immediately decide was a new favourite. My most recent though is Kovalam.
Your recommendation for a not-to-be-missed literary festival would be?
I'm not sure there's a city in the world without a literary festival now so you're really spoilt for choice. Ubud has an extraordinary festival - I'd have to say it's my favourite.
Condé Nast Traveller contributing editor and author Fatima Bhutto picks her favourite authors, countries and the literary festivals worth travelling to
Tell us a bit about yourself and what shaped your journey into writing.
It's what I always wanted to do. It’s a journey that's constantly being shaped. As JG Ballard once said "If I don't write I begin to feel unsettled and uneasy, as I gather people do who are not allowed to dream.” I’m currently working on a book on Karachi.
How would you describe your city?
It's a mad city, a mega city, a monster city; that’s filled to the brim with people (no one really knows how many - between 16 and 18 million) and sits on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It's where political battles are fought and lost, often violently. It's an uncensored city – liberal, diverse, complicated which makes it the sort of atmosphere that easily inspires joy and fear, usually at the same time.
What are you expecting at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2012?
I’m looking forward to great audiences and compelling authors, which Jaipur does exceedingly well. I'm terribly excited about Ariel Dorfman, Richard Dawkins, Jamaica Kincaid, Hanan al Shaykh all being in Jaipur.
Who are some of the authors who have had a profound influence on you?
This changes constantly, but currently – Joan Didion, VS Naipaul, Rsyzard Kapucinski.
Which book are you currently reading?
I’m reading George Orwell's Down and out in Paris and London. But anyone who hasn't read Oblivion by Hector Abad must – really – and go find it. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
Do you see Asian authors now having a greater influence on the world?
Certainly. But haven't Asian authors always had a profound literary influence? Rabindranath Tagore, Mahmoud Darwish, Edward Said, Eqbal Ahmed and there are so many others like them.
A country you most enjoyed travelling in?
It's really hard to beat Cuba. Really,really hard.
Your favourite Indian destination is?
I have yet to visit a part of the country I didn't immediately decide was a new favourite. My most recent though is Kovalam.
Your recommendation for a not-to-be-missed literary festival would be?
I'm not sure there's a city in the world without a literary festival now so you're really spoilt for choice. Ubud has an extraordinary festival - I'd have to say it's my favourite.
Source:
http://www.cntraveller.in/content/conversation-fatima-bhutto
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