Andrew O'Hagan, the Glasgow-born wordsmith known for conjuring literary masterpieces like a virtuoso conductor orchestrating a symphony of words, has dished out on some personal bombshells that leave one wondering what makes this man tick. It's a peek behind the curtain of his remarkable career, where being likened to former PM David Cameron tops the list as the 'worst thing anyone’s said' – and we're not talking about the criticisms of his politics!
The CIA might want to take note: O'Hagan has had a brush with espionage himself. It turns out that he was once pursued by the agency, accused of holding WikiLeaks secrets (though he's keeping mum on how this drama unfolded). This is the same writer whose BBC TV adaptation Mayflies continues to captivate audiences until 30 August at the Edinburgh Fringe – a testament to his storytelling prowess.
The author's lighter side? He confesses to a 'celebrity crush' on none other than David Attenborough, wishing he could be as close to him as a baby orangutan would be – hold hands and all! As for embarrassing moments, O'Hagan doesn't shy away from recalling the day his oversized trousers fell down during his first holy communion in 1975. Suffice it to say, there was 'instant contempt of the girls' and an unhealthy interest by the priests.
When not penning novels or editing the London Review of Books as editor at large, O'Hagan lets out a few unexpected dislikes – he's critical of his own fascination with Los Angeles (no comment!) and disapproves of the political party Reform UK. He also expresses dismay over the internet, seeing its potential for global good being squandered in the 'quagmire reality' it has become.
O'Hagan's literary portfolio is a long one – think back to his non-fiction debut The Missing in 1995 and novels like Our Fathers (shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1999), Be Near Me and The Illuminations. His recent works include Caledonian Road and the critically acclaimed Mayflies, all crafted with his trademark wit and insight. Today, he resides in London with his loving family.