March 21, 2001 9:31: Literary genius is fairly commonplace in south east London. Take Bromley for example. HG Wells was born there, Enid Blyton lived in Shortlands for a while and contemporary author Hanif Kureishi found inspiration growing up in the green and clean suburb.

This week Kureishi returns to his old stomping ground to speak to Blake Morrison about his latest book, Gabriel's Gift.

Kureishi started writing at the age of twelve but also had hopes of becoming a professional cricket player.

Luckily for us, the pen had more appeal than the bat and we got unputdownable novels like The Buddha of Suburbia and compelling movies like My Beautiful Launderette.

His latest book follows the fortunes of Gabriel, a 15-year-old London schoolboy forced to grow up quickly when his parents separate.

Gabriel copes by using his gift for understanding the world through drawing and painting and the memory of his dead twin Archie for support. Hear Kureishi read excerpts from Gabriel's Gift at the Blackheath Halls, Lee Road, Blackheath, on Thursday, March 29.

Tickets cost £17 and £15.50 which includes a supper starting at 7.30pm or go just for the talk which starts at 8.45pm and costs £6.50 and £4.50.

Call the box office on 020 8463 0100 for booking and more information.