We Live in the Sky
In the first in a series looking at those living on the margins of society, Jenni Fagan tells the story of a Ugandan boy trying to make sense of life in London. Damson Idris reads.
In the first in a series of hard-hitting stories looking at the lives of those living on the economic margins of society, Jenni Fagan tells the story of Okello, a young Ugandan boy trying to make sense of his new life in a London tower block. While his uncle is away, working round the clock to feed them, Okello wonders why life up in the clouds should be like this.
Reader: Damson Idris
Producer: Justine Willett
Writer: Jenni Fagan, one of Granta Magazine's '20 Best Novelists under the Age of 40' last year. She's the author of the acclaimed 'Panopticon'.
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Some background to We Live in the Sky: five questions with Jenni Fagan
Why did you respond to the brief in the way you did? What inspired you?
The main character is a 10 year-old Ugandan boy called Okello. He just arrived in this story and I was inspired by how he experienced life in London as a young immigrant. He is initially unaware of the level of poverty in this country for many people but he is a very smart kid who sees straight through a lot of things and I was interested in that. I think these factors give him an unusual clarity.
How, if at all, did you research your story?
I had to research the history of Uganda, language, the structure of names & families. I lived in Peckham for a long-time so I did not need to research the location of South London too much, I know the area well. I watched documentary's on poverty, immigration. I also thought of my own upbringing a lot.
What personal experience have you or people you know had of the recession?
I grew up in a very bad recession and even decades after that I had no idea what it was like to experience any kind of financial security. I understand these issues well.
How do you feel the recession affects ‘providers’ like Okello’s uncle? Do you think hiding the problem is a common response?
I think there are many proud hard-working parents or guardians who go without money and security everyday.
Are claimants of benefits unfairly stereotyped?
Yes. We clearly live in a scapegoat society.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Damson Idris |
| Producer | Justine Willett |
| Writer | Jenni Fagan |
Broadcast
- Fri 25 Apr 201415:45BBC Radio 4
