Time Out spoke to writer Saraid de Silva about her debut novel, Amma.
People may not know this, but we had you work for a summer at Time Out. What was working at a bookstore like for you?
Honestly terrible for my wallet, I bought so, so, so many books. I think I became a bit of a magpie about it. People would come in chatting about a book and I'd eavesdrop and get fomo and then I'd have to buy it. But I loved working at Time Out specifically because all my colleagues were so lovely. And it was also just really great to get to talk about books with different people.
What is something new you learned while researching Amma?
I learned about rojak. I was talking to my Aunty Collette about Singapore and she told me about rojak, which is a dish found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and it has like, tofu and veggies as well as some fruit in it, and it's all tossed in this sauce with peanuts on top I think. It just sounds so good and I really want to eat it.
What would your Gran think about Amma?
I would love to know. Mitzi, my Gran, would certainly have a lot to say about it. But I'm not sure what particular things she would like or dislike about the book. If she truly liked it she might not even tell me, but she would certainly be telling other people.
What’s your favourite thing about Invercargill?
I've only been there once so I'm not sure I could say. The hotel we stayed in was quite weird and creepy and I am partial to a somewhat haunted old building.
What author or books have you discovered recently?
Oh favourite question. I started reading Kitten by Olive Nuttall in Time Out, bought it, but then had to read other books for work reasons so it's sitting by my bed waiting for me. But two pages in and I was hooked. I'm looking forward to reading A Person is a Prayer by Ammar Kalia and Minor Detail by Adania Shibli. Who I've discovered recently though? I'm reading Homie by Danez Smith. I've read his work online before but holding his actual book feels so different. I know I will read everything he's written now because he's so, so good.
We don’t want to pressure you but are you working on any new writing?
I'm trying to write my second book but I am finding it almost impossible to do so whilst having a full time job!
What is your favourite snack to enjoy while writing?
Love this question and I take it very seriously because I eat a lot when I'm writing. Probably as procrastination, but also as reward and motivation. I like eating natto (away from desk) and cut up fruit or grapes (at desk).