On writing her first book, rejection, and diversity: T.P. Tovenaar, Sri Lanka

T.P. Tovenaar is a writer from London, born to Sri Lankan parents. For the last decade, she’s called Colombo home.

Her book, 'Mum’s the Word', is a collection of hilarious and heartwarming stories about the relationship between a Sri Lankan mother and her British-born daughter, both trying to live within a complex mix of cultures, customs and environment. The stories light-heartedly remind us that we’re more than our place of birth and that immigration isn’t a bad thing.

Show host Udhara and Tovenaar spoke about her career at the BBC, how she learned from crushing rejection, why diversity is one of humanity’s greatest strengths, and how her book makes you appreciate the joys of family.