Jenni Fagan Discusses Literary Influences and Childhood Reading

Scottish author Jenni Fagan described her earliest reading memory as an obsession with fairytales, which she took seriously as moral lessons. She stated that these stories instilled in her a belief in the importance of kindness, specifically mentioning that she always knew it was best to help an old lady cross the road.

Fagan identified J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' as her favorite book growing up. She found the fictional world created by Tolkien to be transformative, expanding her understanding of literary possibilities. Fagan expressed a sense of familiarity with the hobbits and a desire to encounter elves, vividly recalling the imagery of fireworks turning into dragons flying overhead.

Beyond fairytales and 'The Hobbit,' Fagan also mentioned 'Frankenstein' and 'A Clockwork Orange' as significant literary works. She noted the shock she experienced upon reading 'A Clockwork Orange.' The author also alluded to the influence of Maya Angelou, stating that Angelou taught her the importance of owing herself hope.