“Absorbing from the first sentence, it is easy to get immersed by the interesting characters and situations that Anil encounters as a young man…For his first attempt at a novel, London-based Nair has done an admirable job. Written in a breezy, charming manner When The Lights Are Stripped Away is a tale that has the ability to get under your skin…Nair’s novel gives a breath of fresh air to Malaysian literature and has the ability to put Malaysia on the world literary map. Where All The Lights Are Stripped Away is a sensuous and rewarding read.”

Vanity Shack

Read the complete review here

I have been invited to the Ubud Literary Festival in Bali (October 3 – 7). It’s an exciting programme this year, not least because Nick Cave will be there, and I am happy to be part of a festival that celebrates local and international writing in all its forms.

“Great debut. [The] author offers stunning sentences, captivating turns of phrase, and energetic lines – all in his first novel. …When All the Lights Are Stripped Away was easy to like and hard to fault. It is written with remarkable grace and the sure-footed ease of an accomplished writer. …Overall, [it] is a compelling read, encased in a nice cover. …I look forward to [the author’s] next outing with much anticipation.”

The Star

Read the full review in TheStar2, August 5, 2012