Claire Nicholls

It's so effective, Pat Mina, because we have to keep on questioning the way we listen to stories and we believe what people tell us, right?

Yeah, I really found myself analysing my own reactions when I was reading this book.

I was very alert to who I was believing, who I was sympathetic to.

And I don't think I've been so actively engaged in reflecting on myself as a reader for a really long time.

So congratulations on that.

And talking about people liking it, I know this has had great reviews already, Pat Mina.

You know, you've managed to get shout lines from Ann Patchett and Khaled Hussaini on the front of the book.

What's it been like to have such an incredible response to a debut novel?

I think I would get nervous even thinking that Ann Patchett was picking up something that I had written.

Absolutely.

The book is called Good People.

It's written by Patmina Sarvit.

It's published by Virago.

Patmina, it's been great to meet you today.

Thank you.

Thank you so much, Claire.

Thank you so much for having me.

The book show is made by me, Claire Nicholls, with production this week from Anita Barrow.

We make this show on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Whadjuk Noongar people.

And for more interviews with your favourite fiction authors, make sure you're following the book show on ABC Listen.