Saba Sams' Literary Journey: From Childhood Reads to Adult Inspirations
In a candid exploration of her reading life, acclaimed author Saba Sams delves into the books that have shaped her from an early age to the present day. Her reflections offer a unique glimpse into the literary influences behind her own writing, including her longlisted work for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize.
Earliest Reading Memories and Favourite Childhood Books
Saba Sams recalls reading Jacqueline Wilson's The Illustrated Mum aloud to her mother in the car. This early experience left a lasting impression, as her mother was astonished it was a children's book, instilling a sense of pride in the young reader. Sams notes that while many children's books felt overly virtuous and safe, Wilson's works stood out for their authenticity and depth, a quality she continues to admire.
Growing up, her favourite book was The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark. Recently revisiting it, she found it just as captivating, describing it as totally alive and a testament to Spark's enduring brilliance.
Transformative Reads and Literary Influences
As a teenager, Sams encountered Blood and Guts in High School by Kathy Acker at university, which expanded her mind by evoking a whirlwind of emotions. This book marked a pivotal moment in her literary development.
She credits Gwendoline Riley with changing her perspective on writing, admiring Riley's brave and compelling approach to crafting claustrophobic novels from enigmatic female protagonists. This challenged Sams' earlier belief that writers must showcase vast range across different books.
The book that ignited her desire to become a writer was The Whole Story and Other Stories by Ali Smith. Specifically, the story Erosive demonstrated how disordered structure could be thoughtfully considered, making writing feel satisfying and playful.
Rediscoveries and Revisits in Reading
Sams initially found Clarice Lispector's Água Viva too challenging, but years later, during a quiet moment after putting her baby down for a nap, she read it in one sitting. This out-of-body experience proved exactly what she needed at the time.
She frequently rereads Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore, praising its enchanting sentences, melancholic mood, and brilliant characters. Each revisit reveals something new, making it a versatile favourite.
Books Left Behind and Late Discoveries
While she studied Wuthering Heights for A-level and didn't mind it then, Sams has no interest in reading it again, preferring to explore the vast array of other books available.
Recently, she discovered Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle, finding it both surreal and predictable. She half-wishes she had read it as a teenager but appreciates the characters' naivety, which might have been missed earlier.
Current and Comfort Reads
Currently, Sams is enjoying Sail Away Land by Ben Pester, describing it as weird and soulful, perfect for ending her days.
Her comfort read is The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. Despite its sadness, she finds it comforting due to its call for expansive love and humour, viewing it as the ultimate balm.
Saba Sams is longlisted for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2026 for her book Gunk, available in paperback from Bloomsbury on 7 May. Her literary journey continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
