Shelf life: Rachel Zadok

Born in South Africa, Rachel Zadok now lives in London. She worked as a waitress while writing her first novel, which won the Richard & Judy "How To Get Published" competition and has been shortlisted for the Whitbread First Novel Award. Gem Squash Tokoloshe is published by Pan, £6.99

What books are on your bedside table?

The Turning by Tim Winton, which is incredible. His writing is phenomenal and I can't wait for my publisher to send me the rest of his books. Small Island, by Andrea Levy, I devoured over two or three obsessive days. I'm wowed by how she managed to write four completely different first-person narratives and move a complex story forward through them. The Whale Caller by Zakes Mda, I absolutely loved.

Journeys In The Dead Season by Spencer Jordan is on my waiting list along with The Accidental by Ali Smith - I love her work.

Which books have you been unable to finish?

Recently, a book called Welcome To The Great Mysterious. Yawn. There is another one, but I can't mention what it is for fear of recriminations.

What was your favourite childhood book?

The Tree That Sat Down by Beverly Nichols.

Which book would you buy as a present and why?

The Whale Caller by Zakes Mda, because I loved it so much and he's another South African author and I want everyone to read him because it's so great.

What literary character would you like to meet?

I don't think I'd want to meet any of them, to be honest. I feel much safer with real people.

Which authors do you most admire?

There are so many I admire, I can't make a list.

Bookmark or page-fold?

Depends if the book is a precious work of art or a load of old cobblers.