In Conversation with Iqbal Hussain

Join us at Rugby Library where we will be chatting with Iqbal Hussain about his book, Northern Boy.

Northern Boy

It's 1981 in the suburbs of Blackburn and, as Rafi's mother reminds him daily, the family moved here from Pakistan to give him the best opportunities. But Rafi longs to follow his own path. Flamboyant, dramatic and musically gifted, he wants to be a Bollywood star. Twenty years later, Rafi is flying home from Australia for his best friend's wedding. He has everything he ever wanted: starring roles in musical theatre, the perfect boyfriend and freedom from expectation. But returning to Blackburn is the ultimate test: can he show his true self to his community? Navigating family and identity from boyhood to adulthood, as well as the changing eras of ABBA, skinheads and urbanisation, Rafi must follow his heart to achieve his dreams.

About Iqbal Hussain

Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, Iqbal Hussain has written since he could hold a pencil. This progressed to tapping out stories on prehistoric typewriters from the auction rooms his father frequented. And the journey has never stopped since.

Refreshments provided. There will be copies of Iqbal Hussain's book for sale at the event.

Photo of Iqbal Hussain used with permission from creator Elaine Livingstone.

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