Michael Mohammed Ahmad’s Bugger

Michael Mohammed Ahmad’s Bugger

From Final Draft - Great Conversations by 2SER 107.3FM

May 3, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

Michael Mohammed Ahmad discusses his novel Bugger and the themes of vulnerability and identity in childhood.

The Final Draft podcast is all about books, writing and literary culture. We're dedicated to exploring Australian writing, looking into the issues that drive our storytelling to discover more from the books you love. These are the stories that make us who we are. Michael Mohammed Ahmad is the founding director of Sweatshop Literacy Movement, the author of four novels, including The Lebs (2018) and The Other Half of You (2021), both shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. He’s also perhaps the most welcomed guest on Final Draft, where we first welcomed him around twelve years ago and have had many chats since. Today's show has a Content Warning for discussion of sexual abuse Lifeline's 24-hour telephone crisis line is available on 13 11 14 Bugger follows a day in the life of ten-year-old Hamoodi and explores the intersections of his vulnerability; within his school, within his family and within his own developing conception of self. Final Draft is produced and presented by Andrew Pople Want more great conversations with Australian authors? Discover this and many more conversations on Final Draft every week.

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Pople

Guest: Michael Mohammed Ahmad

Topics covered

  • Australian writing
  • literary culture
  • vulnerability
  • childhood
  • sexual abuse

Keywords

  • Michael Mohammed Ahmad
  • Bugger
  • vulnerability
  • childhood
  • literary culture
  • Australian writing
  • sexual abuse

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sweatshop Literacy Movement

Books & works: The Lebs, The Other Half of You

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