Abdelkader Benali: Dutch Short Story Writer

abdelkaderbenali One of Holland’s leading writers, Abdelkader Benali answers the Litro Q&A. You can read his story, “May the Sun Shine Tomorrow”,  published in this month’s Dutch issue of Litro Magazine.

What makes you happy?

Sunshine and a cup of coffee at 10 a.m.
When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

Yesterday and 18 years three months, four days and seven hours ago.

What are you reading at the moment?

Santo Campo by Sebald, essays on forgetfulness. I see cultural amnesia all around me, this has its roots in the collapse of Europe in the World Wars.

What advice will you give to a first time writer?

Festina lente.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Drinking Johnny Walker Black Label, no ice, while reading the latest Vanity Fair. And afterwards Chinese food.

How do you relax?

Reading. Thinking. Running.

What is your favourite book?

Georgo Bassani, The Garden of Finzi Continis. Today. I’ll have another favourite book tomorrow, but this is the book I would like to share.

What is the most important thing life has taught you?

Don’t worry, this is your time.

What are you up to at the moment?

Writing on my travels through the Middle East that will come out in March under the title: East is West.

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