After publishing five novels, Sunninghill resident Sean Badal is taking a different approach to storytelling with his sixth book, Shadows of Mine, a collection reflecting on the cultural, political and technological forces shaping the world.

Scheduled for launch on November 19, the book brings together essays, interviews, travel writing and book reviews drawn from Badal’s contributions to publications around the world, including the Financial Times and Wired. For the author, the publication represents a departure from the fictional worlds he has explored in his previous books, allowing him to bring together years of observations, experiences and writing on real-world subjects.

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Badal describes Shadows of Mine as his greatest hits album, offering readers a selection of work produced throughout his career. “My pieces from publications across the globe are dispatches from the frontlines of cultural transformation,” says Badal. “It traverses the landscapes of film, literature, politics, travel and technology, offering a panoramic view of the forces that have defined – and defiled – our times.”

The book’s title reflects the thoughts, ideas and obsessions that remain with people over time. For Badal, these are the shadows that follow individuals and influence how they understand the world around them. “There are a lot of my own personal experiences in the book,” says Badal. “It is my own understanding of what the world means to me.”

Having been passionate about writing from an early age, Badal credits his love of reading as an influence on his journey. His work has since appeared in publications across the globe, covering a range of subjects and perspectives. Reaching his sixth book is a milestone he associates with the hard work behind the finished product. “It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work,” says Badal. “You only sense that you’ve achieved something when you hold the book in your hand.”

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Despite his experience as an author, he admits that the upcoming launch will bring some nerves. “It’s both thrilling and nerve-racking, especially the Q&A session,” says Badal. “I don’t do well in public.”

Through Shadows of Mine, Badal hopes to reach readers who share his curiosity about the world and its complexities.

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