Davina Quinlivan

Davina Quinlivan is a lecturer in the Department of English and Creative Writing at the University of Exeter. Her books include the memoirs Shalimar and Possession

Lead Conversations

Davina Quinlivan’s Loving Gaze

The Shalimar author’s new memoir explores her working-class childhood and Anglo-Burmese heritage. She talks to Richard Benson about the art of imaginative memoir”, growing up near Heathrow airport, how to be present and what makes modern work rubbish

Jan 30, 2026

by Richard Benson

Spotlight Extracts

Extract: Possessions by Davina Quinlivan

“We were all predicted fails or very low grades at GCSE and beyond. Some of my peers were already retaking the first year of their BTEC qualifications or A levels. I was going to do OK, but we all knew we were destined to work nearby at Heathrow Airport or the local warehouses like our parents.”

Jan 30, 2026

by Davina Quinlivan

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