7am Read This: An Evening with Alan Hollinghurst
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Jan 25, 2025 
British author Alan Hollinghurst, renowned for his explorations of sexuality and identity, discusses his latest novel, Our Evenings, which serves as a poignant meditation on memory and loss. He shares insights into the emotional journey of writing and the significance of mixed-race identities. Hollinghurst also delves into the themes of nostalgia and national identity, particularly in light of Brexit. The conversation further examines the evolution of queer literature, showcasing how personal experiences shape his narrative and character development.
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Writing Fatigue
- Alan Hollinghurst discusses his feelings of fatigue and relief after finishing his latest novel.
- He attributes this to the increasing complexity and exhaustion of the writing process.
The Challenge of Selection
- Hollinghurst finds the process of selection in writing to be very intense, especially when dealing with large periods.
- He explains that the structural design of a book takes him the longest.
Writing with a Plan
- Hollinghurst prefers to write with a plan and finds it scary to do otherwise.
- He shares that, unusually, he had to cut a lot of material from this book.
