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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hernan Diaz

Hernan Diaz: ‘The Tintin books were problematic but they were also gorgeous and gripping’

‘Joy Williams will always change my mind in unsuspected ways’ … Hernan Diaz.
‘Joy Williams will always change my mind in unsuspected ways’ … Hernan Diaz. Photograph: Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images

My earliest reading memory
Because I grew up in Stockholm, it’s not surprising that my earliest literary memories should revolve around Astrid Lindgren. The first novel I ever read may have been Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter.

My favourite book growing up
Throughout my childhood I was obsessed with Tintin. It was clear to me even then that these books were problematic (of the ones I had, Prisoners of the Sun, in particular, angered me), but they were also gorgeous and gripping. And their most magical quality was that, despite being absurdly linear and predictable, they demanded to be read over and over again.

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