A life in writing: Jonathan Coe

Paul Laity writes 'For several years Jonathan Coe has spent his writing days in a small flat in an apartment block on the King's Road, London. It's a rather tired building, with an iron-cage lift and oak doors, each with an old-fashioned nameplate. The name on Coe's door is "McKoewn", as it's owned by his father-in-law. Curious about a man who came every day but evidently did not sleep there, a couple of his elderly neighbours inquired as to what he did. On being told he wrote novels, the ladies checked the name on the lease, found it to be "Ian McKoewn", and went to their local bookshop to ask for one of his books. They were given The Cement Garden, and the next time they saw Coe, worriedly remarked on his dark and lurid imagination.'

Read the full article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/29/life-writing-jonathan-coe