Over 60 people gathered at Waterstones Leadenhall Market on Thursday 3rd July to celebrate the launch of Flat 401, the gripping debut psychological suspense novel by half-Sri Lankan debut author Kingsley Pearson. The book tells the story of a man released from prison after confessing to a crime he didn’t commit – only to be blackmailed over the crime he actually committed.
Pearson spoke at the event alongside his agent, Silé Edwards of Andrew Nurnberg Associates, and his editor, Leodora Darlington of Orion Fiction. Together, they shared insights into his journey as an author, and their belief in his strong future as an author.
Kingsley is mixed-race – Sri Lankan and Belgian, British-born and raised – and grew up in London with a strong sense of having access to more than one way of seeing the world. That wasn’t always visible in books or on television, but in his own life, it was something he valued deeply. He grew up with multiple languages (although sadly didn’t learn them!), multiple cuisines, multiple cultural lenses. That multiplicity didn’t confuse him, it enriched.
That idea is present in Flat 401, where the protagonist’s mixed heritage — Sri Lankan and White British — is not the central plot point, but is an important part of it, and is also part of the emotional texture of the book. His background informs how he sees and understands others. It’s not a story about race, but it’s a story very much shaped by it and other elements of identity.
Waterstones sold out of copies within 20 minutes. Flat 401 is available now online and in bookshops, and will be hitting shelves at The Works this October.
The exhibition ‘Unsung Heroes of World War I’ featured historical artifacts, photos and news clippings on the Asian (Indian, Nepalese Bangladeshi – the Indian subcontinent, along with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesian soldiers in WW1, as well as other moments in South Asian history.
As the saying goes, “Like mother, like daughter.” In the case of creative talents, this couldn’t be more true. The influence of a mother’s creativity can leave a lasting impact on her children, shaping their own artistic endeavours and passions. In this journal I explore the profound impact my mother’s creative legacy has influenced me and how Sohavi was truly born. Roots to routes explores my late mothers life journey from birth in Kenya to India as a teenager and eventually returning to Kenya in her 20’s , to marry my father Sardar Tirlochan Singh Dhamu, to emigrate to London from Nairobi in October 1973 and live out the rest of her life. Despite experiencing loss and trauma, she endured difficulties n her younger years and made the best of her life in my fathers trusting hand, he led her to a new life in London.
As an update from my last article, I can say that the past year has been both adventurous and fulfilling. I’ve faced a mix of opportunities
South Asian Heritage Month dates changed to "July" from 2026 — Learn more here →
