Benjamin Wood: ‘John Fowles’s The Magus was so frustrating I threw it at the wall’
Author Benjamin Wood delves into his literary journey, sharing insights on the John Steinbeck novel that brought him to tears, how fatherhood prompted a revisit to Marilynne Robinson's works, and the comforting culinary themes found in James M. Cain's writing.
My earliest reading memory
My earliest reading recollection dates back to age eight, when my mother gifted me Bob Wilson's 'Stanley Bagshaw and the Short-sighted Football Trainer'. For years, I mistakenly believed the author was the renowned Arsenal goalkeeper and ITV sports presenter. Despite this misconception, my admiration for this exceptional rhyming picture book remains undimmed; it's a title I believe deserves republication to encourage a new generation of young readers, much like my own sons who now cherish it.
My favourite book growing up
During my secondary school years, John Steinbeck's 'The Red Pony' left a profound impression. I was captivated by the author's remarkable ability to paint vivid landscapes through prose. It also marked the first time a novel brought me to tears, a testament to the powerful storytelling that resonates with me to this day.
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