Behind The Book – Singapore Literature Edition With Ashwini Devare
You have won the Readers’ Favorite award for the Singapore Literature Prize 2020.
It still feels surreal to have won the Readers’ Favorite English Book Award! I did not expect it to happen- the prize felt like a distant dream. Even being shortlisted for non-fiction took me by surprise. That so many readers in Singapore and different parts of the world could relate to my book was hugely humbling and overwhelming.
Tell us more about what prompted you to write Lost at 15, Found at 50.
Having lived in six countries by the time I was fifteen, the world became my classroom. Russia, Switzerland, Burma, South Korea, USA, India- all these countries were witnessing historic political changes. And parallel to that was my own coming-of-age story, trying to ‘fit in,’ always the new girl in all these countries. I was fascinated by the places I lived in, the seismic political events I witnessed. I wanted to share with readers the importance of history and geopolitics and how these can shape and influence your outlook. I was also greatly inspired by my parents who were catapulted from small-town India into the heart of Communist Moscow in the ‘60s, when the Soviet Union was firmly behind the Iron Curtain. Their free-spiritedness, curiosity and resilience in the face of so many challenges, inspired me to write their story. While the cross-continental travels were enriching, the nomadic life came with a hefty price tag- of alienation and displacement, which I have written about in my book.
What are your thoughts on literary awards and prizes?
As a writer and journalist, I try not to think about awards and prizes. While they have a place in the literary world and are good for celebrating excellence in writing, for writers they can be a distraction. A writer should write about what they feel most passionate about- without thinking of the outcome, really. When the writing comes straight from the heart, accolades will follow.
Singapore Literature Prize is a prestigious award. How does the award change the reception of one’s work?
Receiving the top prize in the city-state is a huge honour and a landmark moment in a writer’s career. It certainly changes the reception of one’s work, especially for that particular book which was nominated! But each time you embark on a new book, it’s like starting from scratch. Some writers prefer anonymity and solitude, which is like a comfort zone. Once you win an award, the writer comes into the public eye and this can be quite daunting because there is more pressure on the writer and expectations are so much higher!
What are some of your favorite works? Which of these would you say is a “must read” for university students?
I tend to read multiple books at the same time, fiction as well as non-fiction. The journalist in me gravitates towards news magazines and The Economist is a must-read for me. A stand-out book for me is Arundhati Roy’s God of Small Things, which I dip into every now and again to re-read. The book is a masterpiece of fiction. Her lush, evocative prose is a delight for any student of the English language. Roy’s book is a reminder of how politics and poverty can destroy the lives of innocent people. In terms of the classics, I would recommend Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy for its rich insights into Russian society in the late 19th century.
Thank you for your answers. Are you currently working on any other writing projects that we can look forward to?
I am working on a few different things, including some essays and journalistic writing. My next book will be fiction and I have started the research work towards it. I am excited to embark on a novel – the journey of writing is often times more exciting than the final destination. I know I’m going to enjoy the ride!
About the author
Ashwini Devare is an author and former broadcast journalist. Her latest book Lost at 15, Found at 50 was shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize 2020 for Creative Non-fiction. It won the Singapore Literature Prize 2020 Readers’ Favourite English Book Award. Lost at 15, Found at 50 is a coming-of-age memoir set against historical political events.
Ashwini worked for BBC’s Asia Business Report in Singapore and was a presenter for CNBC Asia in India.