Title tattle

Double Ouch

Hanif Kureishi terse sentences,permanent scowl and endearing grumpiness was with Roddy Doyle and Stephen Frears,who has made movies based on both Kureishis and Doyles books. Moderator Rachel Holmes tried to enliven the session: Hanif,Roddy,Stephen,do you wanna make a Bollywood film? The trio,in unison,cried,No! Then Kureishi came with the wrap: Rachel,when you began this,we thought you were good at this. Were. Ouch. Kureishi got his own ouch moment during a Qamp;A with the audience. One man got up. Mr. Kureishi, he began,as a young Muslim boy growing up in Britain,you…, and the long-drawn,slightly incoherent question went on until the end glinted,You see,my brothers son recently had his circumcision. It was very painful for him. I was wondering was it painful for you? Kureishis face twitched just a little. Well,that has got to be the greatest question Ive been asked, he said,It was a very long time ago and I dont think of it too often.