This much I know: Kit de Waal, author

Growing up, there were no books at home. Only the Bible and The News of the World. We were poor and university was never mentioned as an option. I went to grammar school and enjoyed writing but didn’t enjoy reading. Being a writer was never on my list of things to do.

I was wild. I left home at 16 after an argument with my father. I moved in with my friend for a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll. It was easy to get the dole and a flat back in 1976.

I was stoned every day for the next five years. Luckily, I was scared of the serious drugs so things didn’t get completely out of control. I got work as a backing singer and had great friends. I loved being with them, talking about ideas and about life, although looking back I’m horrified at the waste of time.