Roopa Farooki is a novelist. Her five novels have been nominated for various awards and the latest one, The Flying Man, was recently published to wide critical acclaim

What are you reading these days?

I’m reading books on psychology, for my own amusement, and books researching my next novel, which is work, but also fun. I haven’t read much fiction recently, although I’m revisiting some classics, like Mrs Dalloway.

Which books are on your bedside table?

A load of parenting manuals, and books on potty training, as my twin girls have turned two!

Which titles are on your bucket list of books?

There’s lots of contemporary fiction I’d like to read, the latest Peter Carey, Ann Patchett and Anne Tyler. There are lots of amazing writers that I feel I miss out on, because I write more than I read these days.

What is the one book/author you feel everyone must read?

The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. My favourite book, and a masterclass in creating an imaginary worlds.

What are you planning to reread?

I’m enjoying re-reading classic children’s stories with my four children, especially the Roald Dahl novels.

What is the one book you read because you thought it would make you appear smarter?

Teach Yourself Latin (when I was fourteen years old and still at school, with a few free lessons on my hands.)

What is the one book you started reading but could not finish?

Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco. For years, it was the only book I had never finished. I finally took it on a plane journey to finish it, and I was glad I did. I even referred to it in my last novel.

What is your favourite childhood book or story?

Winnie-the-Pooh. I wish I’d written it for my children!