My First Time with...Guy Gunaratne

Guy Gunaratne grew up in North West London and has worked as a designer, documentary filmmaker and video journalist covering post-conflict areas around the world, as well as co-founding two technology companies. He was shortlisted for the 4th Estate/Guardian Books B4ME Short Story Prize. In Our Mad and Furious City is his debut novel.

Guy is reading at our next Riff Raff event on May 10th in Brixton. Grab your tickets here>>>

Describe the exact moment you decided to write your book?

I was in Finland, a place called Karjaa. It was morning. All was quiet. In front of me stood giant ferns. It felt a million miles away from Neasden. I wrote “There were things I learned to call fury as a younger.”

What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before starting to write your first book?

I wish I knew that touring would mean so little time spent at home. While all the kind words said about the book have been wonderful, and the publisher has worked so hard getting word out, I can’t help but miss my wife and family. It’s also kept me away from writing the next book, which is what I’d rather be doing at all times.