Hamid Ismailov is an acclaimed poet, journalist and writer, whose latest novel “We Computers: A Ghazal Novel” was translated from Uzbek by Shelley Fairweather-Vega.

“We Computers” follows a French writer, Jon-Perse, whose passion for Persian poetry is spurred on by an AI programme that can conjure endless worlds of literature. But soon, his obsession acquires a mind of its own… Bringing together Ismailov’s encyclopaedic knowledge of Eastern and Western literature, and narrated by a fourth-wall-breaking computer, the novel shapeshifts across genres, cultures, eras and realities.

Hamid told us what inspired him to write a novel about poetry, programming and psychology; the book’s rich intertextuality; the complex relationship between an author, their work, and their readers, and much more.

We look forward to learning more on 21 October, when Hamid will discuss “We Computers” at Pushkin House with writer and translator Anna Aslanyan.