BEST AUTHOR BEST : ABDULRAZZAK GURNAH [2]

.-  What's the best book you've ever received as a gift?

I was given a book as school prize when I was about 12 years old. It was big, fat book, a kind of illustrated encyclopedia, with stories about various peoples of the world, what they looked like, what they wore, what houses they lived in, what uniform the police wore.

I remember that in particular. I read that book endlessly.

.-  Was there added pressure writing a new novel in the wake of the Nobel Prize?

No, the pressure was in making the time. I was a little way into the work that has become '' Theft ''  when the award was announced, and for a good while it was not possible to find the time and the silence to continue with it.

I prefer to write with a good stretch of time in front of me, so I had to wait awhile. Then it was possible to create space and resume, and I did so without any sense of pressure.

.-  Is this a book you might have written before that?

I think so.

.-  With some work now translated into Swahili, what have you heard from East African readers?

They seemed pleased, and so am I, of course.

.-  You've said in interviews that capturing ''unexpected kindnesses,'' even in grim circumstances, is important to you. Why?

BECAUSE it reassures us about our shared humanity, and of course because it may result in some relief from whatever troubles we may be struggling under. Because it is unexpected is all the sweeter.

.-  Describe your ideal reading experience [ when, where, what, how ].

Usually in the afternoon, after having spent the earlier part of the day writing or dealing with chores life throws up.

Then for a few hours it is possible to read with pleasure, most of the time, and without distraction.

.-  Your American publisher is featuring paintings by Lubaina Himid on the cover of your books. Did you know her work? What do you like about the covers?

I knew of her work beforehand, and a little about her experience of Zanzibar and her reconnection with it. I like her colors and the wit with which her figures mingle and recline.

.-  What's the last book you read that made you laugh?

Percival Everett's: '' James.''

.-  The last book that made you furious?

I would rather not say.

The World Students Society thanks The New York Times.