books
Claire Fuller: ‘Dylan Thomas showed me that writing could make me feel everything’
The novelist on being inspired by Shirley Jackson, discovering the brilliance of Denis Johnson, and finding comfort in Elizabeth Strout
TL;DR
- Claire Fuller's earliest reading memory involves a warning plaque on a coach: “Mind your head when leaving your seat”.
- Her childhood fascination with strange phenomena was fueled by John Michell's book 'Phenomena'.
- Dylan Thomas's 'Under Milk Wood' taught her that writing could evoke deep emotions.
- Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher's 'Learning to Love You More' encouraged her to seek out challenging experiences.
- Shirley Jackson's 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' inspired her to become a writer.
- She discovered and now appreciates the work of Denis Johnson, particularly 'Train Dreams' and 'Jesus' Son'.
- Richard Ford's 'Wildlife' is a constant desk companion for inspiration.
- She reads 'Pride and Prejudice' as part of a mission to tackle classics.
- Her current read is Stephen King's 'The Stand' for her book club.
- Elizabeth Strout is a comfort author whose latest book, 'The Things We Never Say', she recently enjoyed.