JHALAK PRIZE- Question and Answer with Katy Massey

The winner of the Jhalak Prize, (Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour) will be announced at an online event next Tuesday at 5pm on 25th May.

We’ve been championing Katy Massey’s memoir ‘Are We Home Yet?’ and we’ll be crossing our fingers for her as the winner is announced.

In the week leading up to the winner being announced we’re celebrating with a little question and answer from our author. Like what you read? Do order her book through us or pop by and pick up a copy.

Question and Answer with Katy Massey

Congratulations on your Jhalak Prize shortlisting. Can you tell us a little more about your book? What inspired you to write it? 

I was inspired to write it by the lack of stories like mine in literature. My PhD focus was on non-white memoir and autobiography and I was deliberately writing in the erasure of women of colours' life experiences, trying t fill a little of that gap with my own story. I finished the book over a decade ago, but feel it has found its true meaning in the current moment. 

How important is your local bookshop to your community? 

Local bookshops are crucial, especially to my little girl, prefers them to sweet shops or toy shops in terms of their imaginative possibilities. They have been sorely missed this year. 

When or where did you discover reading for pleasure? 

Reading feels like a pleasure I've always enjoyed. When the circumstances of my life meant I felt quite constrained, books offered a life of the mind, of endless possibilities. They still do. 

Who are some of your favourite writers/books and why? 

Most recently I've enjoyed Sharon Duggal's Should I Fall Behind, Homecoming by Colin Grant, and Kit de Waal's collection Supporting Cast. And everything by Bernardine Evaristo. She was an early mentor to me and has been an inspiration for more than two decades. To see Girl, Woman, Other break through in the way that it has is extraordinary and uplifting. 

 The Jhalak Prize celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year. What are your wishes for the Prize over the next 5 years? 

That it continues to win support and expand its projects and categories of work it considers. It is so important that there is a prize that recognises excellence among writers of colour. As we continue to fight for equality within the industry, a prize which recognises the struggle, and really sees us, is so necessary.



Order your copy of ‘Are We Home Yet’ today directly from October Books or buy online through our bookshop store and we’ll get commission on your purchase.


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