One Minute With: John Simpson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Where are you now and what can you see?
At home, lying on my bed and looking at a really attractive painting that my wife got in South Africa of a street corner which is very resonant.
What are you currently reading?
I've just this morning finished Simon Sebag Montefiore's The Court of the Red Tsar. It's one of those books that gives many new insights into people I had nothing but contempt for.
Choose a favourite author, and say why you like her/him
The author I turn back to is George Eliot. It's comfortable reading her. Part of it is knowing the ending.
Describe the room where you usually write
In a corner of our sitting room. I only seem to be able to write with a giant heap of paper and books around me. It draws criticism from my nearest.
What distracts you from writing?
My wonderul boy who, when I'm at the most intense bit of writing, will want me to watch a DVD with him.
Which fictional character most resembles you?
One of those broken down Graham Greene characters, who have betrayed everyone and are taking too much drink. I'm not a betrayer and I don't drink too much but I'm a little bit frayed.
What are your readers like when you meet them?
I'm rather humbled by them.
Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?
I have a sense that people are not heroes all the way through but at a historical moment, there are people who behave absolutely rightly. An old man during the 1979 Iranian revolution spoke to troops in bulldozers who'd come to knock down Persepolis. He told them there were sacred pictures in the city and they went away. He was there at a key historical moment.
John Simpson's new book 'Unreliable Sources' is published by Macmillan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments