There’s something voyeuristically thrilling about knowing what other people’s reading habits are. The Reader is a brief interview inspired by the Proust Questionnaire, which was itself inspired by a 19th century party game. We ask readers, writers, publishers and book-lovers everywhere (including our own staff) to answer eleven questions about the books they love, what they have been reading and their literary habits.
Duncan Sarkies is well known as an author, playwright and screenwriter. His work includes the 1999 film Scarfies, the Chapman Tripp winning play Saving Grace, and two episodes of Flight of the Conchords. He adapted his novel Two Little Boys to film in 2012 and in August 2013 published his new book, The Demolition of the Century.
What are you currently reading and how did you discover the book?
I recently finished a book called Thirty Four by William Hastings Burke. It tells the story of Albert Goring, Hermann’s little brother, who used his influence during World War Two to undermine the Nazis and smuggle persecuted people away from danger. A fascinating tale. It was recommended to me by a friend.
Who are your favourite writers and what do you love about them?
I enjoy Desmond Morris for the way he examines the human species from an outside perspective. I love many of the books of Irvine Welsh for the way he explores the ugly side of the human character. And I love Raymond Briggs for the way he views the world through innocent eyes.
What books are on your bedside table?
Me Cheeta, an autobiography by the chimpanzee that starred in the Tarzan movies. It’s very gossippy, I love it. I have the latest Sedaris. I have Alison Wong’s As The Earth Turns Silver. She’s awesome, a real gem. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg, which was very disturbing. And How Music Works by David Byrne, which I also loved.
What is your favourite book to film adaptation?
Two Little Boys of course! It’s hard to say as I have never read a book then seen the movie in that order and preferred the movie. But I loved Fight Club, so I’ll choose that.
What book have you re-read the most and why?
Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe by Laurence Bergreen. A great tale, like Voyage of the Dawntreader on steroids. I’ve been re-re-re-reading it as I am working on a seaworthy tale myself, a collaboration with illustrator Stephen Templer and musician Lawrence Arabia. It’s called The Mysterious Secrets of Uncle Bertie’s Botanarium, and it follows a fictional Joseph Banks’ voyage to destroy pleasure.
Who is your favourite literary character?
Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes. Actually, maybe Hobbes. No, Calvin.
What book have you always been meaning to read but still haven’t got around to?
People keep telling me I will love Jonathan Franzen. I always resent people telling me this sort of thing, especially since they’re just about always right in their judgement. I must be boringly predictable.
Which three writers would you have over for supper?
Tom Waits, David Sedaris, Desmond Morris.
What would you cook them?
Duck.
How are your books shelved and organised at home?
Shambolically. Really, there’s no system. I have a lot of books in boxes in my shed too. It’s a pity to house a book in a box. I feel guilty thinking about it.
What is your favourite literary quote?
“The sweat was pouring out of him now, glistening on his big jutting beak of a nose. The corner of an eye that he spared for me twitched in my direction again, and again I felt the wave of hatred for me he exuded. It was as real as an octopus squirting inky fluid.” – from The Scarecrow, Ronald Hugh Morrieson
You can buy Demolition of the Century HERE in our online store.
To view an archive of previous interviews, follow this link.
