Between the Lines with Arjun Krishnakumar

In conversation with HarperBroadcast, Arjun Krishnakumar talks about writing his delightful young adult novel that reminds us of being in the 90s again.

Peppy music, cassettes, camaraderie and fun, there’s a bit of everything in A Boy Called Dustbin.

Read our conversation below!

Q. What are three words you would use to describe your book?
Arjun Krishnakumar: Memories, hijinks, friendship

Q. A Boy Called Dustbin features several references to popular culture such as Home Alone, Metallica, Barb Wire and Archies—what are some things enwreathed in nostalgia for you?
AK: Nostalgia for me is found in the senses. The smell of old books, the sound of an old scooter … anything from our collective childhood that’s a reminder of simpler times, I suppose.

Q. What are some of your fondest memories of growing up in the 90s? How do you think that era was different from the present day and age?
AK: If absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, it’s the things we can’t do anymore! Like renting a VHS tape, using a typewriter, playing trump cards and so on. Growing up is different for each generation, and we were in the unique position of experiencing the unfolding of the internet age. Kids these days are born into technology and grasp it way faster than we did—we only had a dial-up modem after all!

Q. The characters in the book have unique and likeable idiosyncrasies. Are they modelled after people you know, or are they birthed from imagination?
AK: While none of them are carbon copies of people I know, they are amalgamations and exaggerations of people and characters from my past and present.

Q. At its core, A Boy Called Dustbin, is a story about coming-of-age. How do you think the experiences of teenagers today contrasts, say, your own childhood?
AK: Being surrounded by stimuli constantly is a challenge both kids and parents have to cope with these days. I dare say I grew up in simpler times.

Q. Setting is an essential aspect of storytelling. How did you use the Indian backdrop to build the narrative and themes of your book?
AK: I always felt Kalpavriksha Colony needed to be an important character in the book. It is the stage that is quintessentially Indian: aunties and uncles are your extended family and everyone knows what everyone else is up to. Every event is a cultural event. Even the language the characters speak is South Indian English with a healthy dose of Chennai thrown in. Creating this atmosphere was critical to paint a picture of India in the 90s.

Q. Coming-of-age books often resonate with readers of all ages. What do you think makes these stories appealing, and why did you choose this genre to tell your story?
AK: Relatability is the short answer. It is a version of ‘the hero’s journey’ everyone goes through. And because everyone goes through it in their own way, everyone can find a version of themselves in these stories.

Q. We often think of growth in such stories to be limited to age and puberty, but that need not be the case—what did you learn about yourself while crafting this novel?
AK: Even grown-ups can grow up.

Q. What advice would you give to teenagers and young adults today?
AK: Things have a way of working themselves out. I realise it’s not ‘advice,’ but who wants to hear advice from an Indian uncle!

In conversation with Jayati Tripathi for HarperBroadcast

Also watch him talk about the book below!