'Lord of the Flies explores the fragile nature of human interaction'

Talking books with Dean Pyrah, Executive Principal, Victoria International School Sharjah

What books are you are reading right now?
Right now, I am reading two books. The first is What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. It is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he shares his interest in long-distance running. The second is Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by cognitive scientist Steven Pinker. Through it, he makes a case on how life, health, prosperity and happiness are on the rise around the world.
What are the books that changed your life?
Again, two books come to mind. The Trial by Franz Kafka is a book that was published posthumously in 1925 and follows the story of a bank officer who is arrested on an unknown charge. The other is A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, a love story set to the backdrop of World War I.
Most memorable literary character (and why)?
James Bond, created by British journalist and novelist Ian Fleming. After all, who wouldn't want to be 007?
A book that is underrated.
Lord of the Flies is a classic by William Golding that everone should read. The book explores the fragile nature of human interaction and the dangers of a world without boundaries, responsibilities and rules.
Favourite literary quote?
"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?" - William Shakespeare, Hamlet.
- Staff Reporter