We are asking quick questions of writers and thinkers coming to the WORD Christchurch Writers and Readers Festival on from 24 to 28 August.
Nadia Hashimi, born in the United States to Afghan parents, has degrees in Middle Eastern studies and biology, and is a trained paediatrician. Her 2014 debut novel The Pearl That Broke Its Shell was followed by When the Moon is Low. Her latest book is A House Without Windows.
What are you looking forward to doing in Christchurch?
That's going to depend on how hospitable the weather will be while I'm there. I'd love to see a wildlife preserve and to see how the people of Christchurch are rebuilding their city after the earthquake. I'm up for just about anything that will be uniquely Christchurch. Extra points for historical significance.
What do you think about libraries?
I could wax eloquent on libraries or I could quote Caitlin Moran who so brilliantly described libraries as "cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination." They've been a part of my life since I was a child and going back to my hometown libraries to give book talks and has been an incredibly moving experience. In different times of my life, I've turned to libraries for different reasons. Libraries are where I: blazed through summer reading challenges, had my first volunteer job, learned that my tween angst was not that abnormal, studied for medical school entrance exams, conducted research for my novels, found a quiet space to write my last chapter. Finally, the library is where I bring my children so they can do all the above and more as well.
What would be your "desert island book"?
Love in the Time of Cholera. (Although, if I were allowed to bring my e-reader, I would have lots more options. Does the desert island have Wi-Fi?)
Share a surprising fact about yourself.
Though I'm a vegetarian, I hate mushrooms. They are fungi and should be treated as such. (No offense to mushroom lovers.)
Nadia Hashimi appears in:
Can Books Change the World?, Thurs 25 Aug, 6pm
Read the World, Sat 27 Aug, 12.15pm
An Hour with Nadia Hashimi, Sun 28 Aug, 3.30pm
More
- Find works by Nadia Hashimi in our collection
- Our page on WORD Christchurch Writers and Readers Festival 2016
- More WORD Christchurch Quick Questions
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