Nick Barlay is the author of four highly regarded novels: Curvy Lovebox, first published by the Black imprint X Press, and Crumple Zone and Hooky Gear. These three works form a loose trilogy set in the underbelly of contemporary London. Hooky Gear was included in Granta’s “Best of Young British Novelists” in 2003 and was warmly praised by Hilary Mantel before it emerged that he was no longer young enough to qualify. His fourth novel, The Wife of a Man Who, was rejected in the UK but found success across the Channel, where it was hailed as a masterpiece. It is currently available in French only.
Born in London to Hungarian Jewish parents, Barlay wrote his first non-fiction book, Scattered Ghosts, as a two-century family history. The book was longlisted for the Wingate Prize in 2015. He has also produced short stories, award-winning radio dramas, and wide-ranging journalism, including a long-running series on London for The Times. More recently, he has contributed articles to the online Central and Eastern European News.
He regularly teaches creative writing and journalism, along with Guardian Masterclasses focused on writing family history. Students describe his teaching style as empathetic, constructive, and non-judgemental, creating a safe space in which to explore tentative first steps. He is praised for his depth of knowledge, humility, and genuine interest in every participant, as well as for his ability to cover a great deal in a short time while handling the balance between group discussion and teaching points with sensitivity.
Students have called his teaching “tremendous” and his courses “wonderful life writing courses” that are “very inspiring and insightful.” One participant shared, “Nick Barlay's knowledge shared really helped guide my project and set me on my way. Excited to start my first book.” Others have described him as “inspirational” and said, “I learnt loads and group interaction was facilitated so well.” He is widely recognised for offering “so much inspiration” and for facilitating group interaction effectively.