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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Introduction
- James O'Brien introduces Hanif Kureishi, highlighting his "extraordinary body of work."
- He acknowledges Kureishi's life-altering injury, which is the focus of the interview.
First Dispatch
- James O'Brien describes reading Kureishi's first dispatch after the accident as a "traffic stopping" experience.
- He initially questioned its authenticity due to the implausible nature of the accident.
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.