In a revelation that challenges conventional wisdom about literary success, award-winning British author Derek Owusu has disclosed that he didn't read a complete book until the age of 24. This astonishing admission from the celebrated writer underscores that the path to literary excellence isn't always paved with childhood reading habits.
The Turning Point That Changed Everything
Owusu's journey into literature began not in a classroom or childhood library, but during a period of personal crisis. "I was going through a tough time mentally," the author recalls. "My cousin, who's a doctor, recommended I read a book to help with my mental health." This simple prescription would become the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation.
The book that started it all was Richard Wright's Native Son, a powerful novel about racial injustice and poverty in 1930s Chicago. "It was the first book I read cover to cover," Owusu explains. "It completely changed my perspective on what literature could do."
From Reader to Award-Winning Author
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Owusu didn't just become an avid reader—he began writing with an intensity that would soon earn him critical acclaim. His debut novel, That Reminds Me, won the 2020 Desmond Elliott Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for debut fiction in the UK.
The book, which explores themes of identity, mental health, and the immigrant experience through the story of a British-Ghanaian man, was praised for its innovative structure and powerful voice. "I had all these stories inside me waiting to come out," Owusu reflects.
Breaking Down Barriers in Publishing
Owusu's journey represents more than just personal success—it challenges the gatekeeping often associated with the literary world. "There's this idea that you need to have read all the classics to be a proper writer," he notes. "But coming to reading later gave me a fresh perspective."
Beyond his writing, Owusu has become an influential voice in diversifying British literature. He edited the groundbreaking anthology Safe: On Black British Men Reclaiming Space and co-hosts the popular literature podcast "Mostly Lit."
Inspiration for Late Bloomers
Owusu's story serves as powerful encouragement for those who feel they've missed the boat on reading or creative pursuits. "It's never too late to discover something that changes your life," he emphasizes. "The important thing is finding what speaks to you, not what you're supposed to read."
His advice to aspiring writers who, like him, came to literature later in life? "Don't let anyone make you feel like your voice isn't valid because you haven't read everything. Your unique perspective is exactly what the world needs."
