by MITA MISTRY Former scientist Jeevani Charika writes women’s fiction, which often features Sri Lankan characters and also writes romantic comedy under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. Qualified pharmacist AA Dhand is a crime writer who has been inspired by the history, diversity and darkness of his home city of Bradford to write his Harry Virdee novels. Mum of two Serena Patel is a children’s author who is releasing the first book in her Anisha Mistry series for ages 7+, being published by Usborne, in September. Liz Mistry is the author of the Bradford-based, gritty, northern noir, Gus McGuire series and as well as writing crime fiction, she is doing a PhD in creative writing at Leeds Trinity University. Dr Rajeev Balasubramanyam is an award-winning novelist, whose latest book Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss is out now. Eastern Eye got the talented authors to reveal novels that influenced them most. Jeevani Charika: There are so many books to choose from. With my current novel, I think I can safely say the book that influenced me most was The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. It’s about an Indian family living in America. I’m a Sri Lankan-Brit living in Britain, but I recognised the people in the book (particularly the second generation) as people like me, who were steeped in one culture, but carrying with us hints of another. They were middle class, educated and I’d met many people like them in real life. After reading The Namesake, I knew that I wanted to read (and write) more stories about people like that. AA Dhand: Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris. The balance of power between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling is unsurpassed in crime-fiction. I think it is the greatest thriller ever written. The character dynamics, vulnerability and setting of Baltimore. As a 12-year-old, I sneakily…
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