The Last Word

Hanif Kureishi

Faber & Faber, 304 pages, Rs 599

Mamoon is an eminent Indian-born writer who has made a career in England. But now, in his early seventies, his reputation is fading, his book sales have dried up and his new wife has expensive tastes. Harry, a young writer, is commissioned to write a biography to revitalise Mamoon’s career and bank balance. Harry greatly admires Mamoon’s work and wants to delve into his artistic side. Harry’s publisher seeks a more salacious tale. This new novel from Hanif Kureishi is a funny and clever story of sex, lies and art.