Mukhabbat is a writer who has written three books in Russian, driven by a deep love for classical literature. The melancholic and tragic notes in Russian works resonate with her and inspire her own writing. She is also passionate about acting and the theater, finding joy in bringing stories to life on stage. Her world often feels like a blend of fiction and reality, because she spends her days talking to the characters she create. Through her writing and performances, she aims to escape the ordinary and dive into the vibrant worlds of movies and books that captivate her imagination.
Who are you and what is your role in the Jet Fuel Review?
My name is Mukhabbat Fayzullaeva, I am an assistant prose editor and an assistant blogger in the Jet Fuel Review.
What book might we find on your nightstand right now?
Gone with the wind
Describe your perfect reading atmosphere.
I am in my cozy room, full of books and my warm blanket. It’s October, and it’s raining heavily. I have a hot cup of tea along with the sweets and snacks. It’s quiet, I can only hear the raindrops coming down my window, and nobody disturbs me.
What might your personal library look like?
It’s a separate building/room made of glass in the garden of my house. It’s surrounded by nature and trees, it doesn’t have walls, only glass and windows down the floor. Big shells filled with the best books and a wooden table where I’ll write my books.
If you could “re-make” a poorly written movie that was based on a book, what movie would it be?
I’ll remake the movie It Ends With Us, I didn’t feel this deep connection between Atlas and Lily as it was described in the book. Also, it turned out to be more of a romcom rather than drama. I would add much more depth to it.
What piece of literature can you reread over and over again?
The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho. A book about a dream, a destiny, and about how important it is to follow the path written for us from the above. When we feel we are destined for something, it is because it already exists in another dimension. We need to pursue our dream without settling and the whole universe will assist us in this. I can relate a lot to this book, it is my comfort book.
Give us a quote from your favorite (or any) book/movie.
“You call yourself a free spirit, a “wild thing,” and you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it’s not bounded in the west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somali-land. It’s wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself.” My favorite quote from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a book written by Truman Capote.
If you were invited to have coffee with any fictional character, who would you most like to meet? Why?
It sounds funny, I know, but If I were invited to have coffee with any fictional character, it would be Jack Dawson from Titanic. Jack is the embodiment of life and positivity, radiating an infectious enthusiasm that makes every moment feel alive. His bravery and willingness to challenge societal norms inspire me; he lives boldly, pursuing his dreams and embracing adventure without fear. I’d love to discuss his perspective on love and freedom, as well as how he finds joy even in difficult circumstances. Jack’s outlook on life, coupled with his charming spontaneity, would surely lead to a vibrant and uplifting conversation, reminding me of the beauty in taking risks and seizing the moment.
Share your top five favorite pieces of writing (anything included, be it movies, books, etc.).
- 5 favorite movies: La La Land, Catch Me If You Can, Harry Potter, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, One Day, Midnight in Paris.
- 5 favorite books:
- The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
- The Thorn Birds – Colleen McCullough
- The Devil’s Advocate – Andrew Neiderman
- Martin Eden – Jack London
- The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery