Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

A musical book of teenage love, friendship and songs

A musical book of teenage love, friendship and songs

IN 2021, a lot of great debut authors announced themselves to the literary world with fabulous first books and that fantastic trend is continuing in 2022 with exciting new writers like Christine Pillainayagam.

The singer-songwriter’s debut YA novel Ellie Pillai Is Brown is published on May 5 and features songs written by the title character, which have been released alongside the interesting publication. She has already started writing the sequel, which is due for publication in 2023.


Eastern Eye caught up with the talented writer to discuss her debut book, authors she admires and key message she wants to convey.

What first connected you to writing for young adults?

I didn’t make an intentional decision to write for young adults; the story just ended up writing itself. The character had been in the back of my mind for a long time, and when I finally sat down to write, she just poured out. In hindsight, I would say that teenagers are the most interesting people. It’s a point in your life when you have so much ahead of you, when you’re just building the foundations of who you are and who you want to be. So much of what happens to you as a teenager affects the way you live your adult life. I wanted to write a book that made space for people that haven’t always had a lead role in the narrative. To talk to readers at a point where you could affect the way they might look at themselves.

Lead inset Ellie Pillai is Brown Final cover Her book

What inspired the story of your book Ellie Pillai Is Brown?

My own experiences and memories of my upbringing in rural East England. That sense of trying to work out where I fitted in and who I was, of trying to connect to my family and culture but also being an innately British teenager. I think lots of people feel that sense of falling between two worlds; but you can build your own version of what the world looks like. One that works for you. That’s what really inspired me to write the book in the first place.

Tell us about the book?

It’s a coming-of-age, romantic comedy, set to an original soundtrack (already released on streaming platforms). It tells the story of 15-year-old singer-songwriter Ellie Pillai, who’s carefully perfecting the art of invisibility, when a set of twins arrive, turning the life of her and her best friend upside down. Cue first love, tricky family dynamics, friendship breakdowns and life altering realisations. With singing.

What was the biggest challenge of writing it?

Being 15 again! It’s been a long (long, long) time since I was a teenager, and I wanted to make sure it felt authentic, particularly in regard to the references Ellie makes to the music and films she loves. I went retro, mostly because I was the kid listening to The Beatles on vinyl when everyone else was listening to Take That, but also because I know those references have stood the test of time.

Is there a key message you want to convey with this story?

Find out who you are – and don’t be afraid of it. (Smiles) Marginally stolen from Never Been Kissed, the 90s Drew Barrymore classic (film) – but it feels pretty apt.

Who are you hoping connects with it?

It will connect with anyone looking for laughter, hope, reassurance, joy, and a bit of a cry. Particularly anyone that has felt ‘othered’.

What would be your favourite moment in the book?

My favourite moment is when Ellie and Ash start sending each other songs. It is their way of getting to know each other, and each song carries so much weight in terms of expressing who they are.

What did you learn about yourself while writing the book?

That I’m obsessed by music. I have pretty much lived my entire life through songs.

Which authors do you admire?

Meera Syal’s Anita & Me was a really powerful book for me growing up, and one of the few that spoke to my own experiences – I love anything she writes. I’m also a huge fan of Mindy Kaling as a screenwriter. Her comedy has so much warmth and joy.

What would be your favourite book at the moment?

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I read it a while back, but it really stuck with me. It’s about a fictional band called The Six and the making of their seminal album. It’s written in documentary style and integrates lots of original song lyrics. It definitely inspired my approach to music in my book.

What advice would you like to give a young writer?

Write the story you want to read.

How does it feel to have your debut book published?

Like I might wake up and realise it’s just a dream. Seriously. I email my agent semi-regularly, just to check I haven’t made it up. Also, to check I haven’t made her up.

What can we expect from you next?

The sequel to Ellie Pillai Is Brown, out on March 2023.

Why should we pick up your latest book Ellie Pillai Is Brown?

It will break your heart, and fix it, all at the same time.

More For You

Eurovision 2026

Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement

Instagram/eurovision

Eurovision in turmoil as Spain Ireland and Netherlands threaten withdrawal over Gaza conflict

Highlights:

  • Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
  • The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
  • The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.

The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.

Eurovision 2026 Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision

Keep ReadingShow less
World Curry Festival 2025

The discovery coincides with Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations

World Curry Festival

Bradford’s first curry house traced back to 1942 ahead of World Curry Festival

Highlights:

  • Research for the World Curry Festival uncovered evidence of a curry house in Bradford in 1942.
  • Cafe Nasim, later called The Bengal Restaurant, is thought to be the city’s first.
  • The discovery coincides with Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations.
  • Festival events will include theatre, lectures, and a street food market.

Historic discovery in Bradford’s food heritage

Bradford’s claim as the curry capital of Britain has gained new historical depth. Organisers of the World Curry Festival have uncovered evidence that the city’s first curry house opened in 1942.

Documents revealed that Cafe Nasim, later renamed The Bengal Restaurant, once stood on the site of the current Kashmir Restaurant on Morley Street. Researcher David Pendleton identified an advert for the cafe in the Yorkshire Observer dated December 1942, describing it as “Bradford’s First Indian Restaurant”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nitin Ganatra art exhibition

Through abstract forms, bold colour, and layered compositions

thelax.art

Nitin Ganatra debuts first solo art exhibition in London’s Soho

Highlights:

  • Fragments of Belonging is Nitin Ganatra’s first solo exhibition
  • Opens Saturday, September 27, at London Art Exchange in Soho Square
  • Show explores themes of memory, displacement, identity, and reinvention
  • Runs from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM, doors open at 3:15 PM

From screen to canvas

Actor Nitin Ganatra, known for his roles in EastEnders, Bride & Prejudice, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is embarking on a new artistic chapter with his debut solo exhibition.

Titled Fragments of Belonging, the show marks his transition from performance to painting, presenting a deeply personal series of works at the London Art Exchange in Soho Square on September 27.

Keep ReadingShow less
familie

£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit

HRP

Peter Rabbit brings Beatrix Potter’s tales to life at Hampton Court this summer

Highlights:

  • The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure runs at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 7 September 2025
  • Trail includes interactive games, riddles and character encounters across the gardens
  • Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit in the Kitchen Garden
  • Special themed menu items available at the Tiltyard Café
  • £1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits

Peter Rabbit comes to life at Hampton Court

This summer, families visiting Hampton Court Palace can step into the world of Beatrix Potter as The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure takes over the palace gardens from 25 July to 7 September 2025.

Peter Rabbit Explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and WildernessHRP

Keep ReadingShow less