Jim Sarbh’s current reads are Wolf Totem, The Brief Wondrous Life...
Known for his portrayal of offbeat characters, actor Jim Sarbh talks to us about his reading preferences.
Which books are currently on your reading list?
I am reading two books simultaneously — Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Next on my list is Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India by Sujatha Gidla.
Which genres do you enjoy reading? Which do you avoid?
I like reading all genres as long as the story is compelling, the prose is well-crafted, and I am presented with ideas and ways of seeing, of understanding that are surprising and layered. This can include descriptions of a commonplace item or the psychology of an idiot.
What kind of reader were you as a child? Which childhood stories have stayed with you?
I used to read everything as a child, voraciously. In comparison, I’m a philistine these days. For a while, I was obsessed with the Animorphs series, The Shannara series, The Hardy Boys, Jack London, and Charles Dickens.
Which is your favourite fairy tale or folk story?
Bluebeard.
What do you like to read while you are travelling?
I end up catching up on scripts when I travel, but I do enjoy plays and faster-paced novels.
If you had to name one book that made you who you are today, which would it be?
Really can’t say. Although the first book that comes to mind is The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Which author would you choose to write your life story?
Tom Waits.
I like reading all genres as long as the story is compelling, the prose is wellcrafted, and I am presented with ideas and ways of seeing, of understanding that are surprising and layered. This can include the description of a commonplace item or the psychology of an idiot.
JIM SARBH ACTOR