What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Lying in bed, eating a chilled Terry’s Chocolate Orange, reading a brilliant book.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Judas. He had ONE SLIP and he’s never heard the end of it.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother. A mother like no other.
Which is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Defensiveness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Getting regular massages, I adore being vigorously rubbed.
What is your favourite journey?
Currently on a teeth whitening journey.
On what occasion do you lie?
To spare other people’s feelings and to my kids when I am eating something delicious that I don't want to share.
Which living person do you most despise?
There are just so many. The pandemic has really ground down my tolerance.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
A chilled Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
When and where were you happiest?
Probably in the womb. Once I was out in the world the inevitable nihilism set it.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The vocal range of a Broadway star.
What is your current state of mind?
My brain is over.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
If I reach my deathbed and my sons are there, and they’re relatively happy in their own lives and happy to hold my hand for the last minutes, that will be it.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
A mermaid. I just know I could pull off a shell bra.
What is your most treasured possession?
My eight inch pole dancing shoes.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A bad meal.
What is your favourite occupation?
Knitting. Or tattooing myself.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
I like it when they listen.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
I like it when they talk.
Who are your favourite writers?
Meg Wolitzer, Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewell, Maggie O’Farrell, Adam Langer, Jesse Walters.
What is your motto?
Death is coming.
Sophie White will take part in the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, discussing with Patrick Freyne her new collection, Corpsing, sharp-witted reflections on grief, mental illness, addiction and motherhood on April 25 at 5pm. For more see, www.cuirt.ie
