cultural learnings of london for the benefit of the sister of that kazakh reporter
by gul aina
Follow Lapshugal, a bold and unapologetic Kazakh woman making her way through London's chaos with wit, survival instincts, and a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble. I am currently working on two follow-up books: an origin story of Lapshugal, tracing her path from Kazakhstan to London, and a sequel that plunges her into the hidden world of the elite and powerful figures within the Kazakh diaspora—where money, influence, and scandal go hand in hand.
Gul Aina is a Kazakh-born writer, satirist, and healthcare professional living in London. A decade ago, she fled Kazakhstan for political reasons, seeking refuge in the UK, where she rebuilt her life while navigating the eccentricities of British culture. When she’s not writing, she continues her work in healthcare, a profession she first trained for in her homeland.
Her writing is a sharp, unfiltered, and often hilarious reflection of her own journey as an outsider trying to make sense of a new world. Drawing from real-life experiences, Gul Aina infuses her storytelling with biting humor, cultural observations, and a fearless critique of power structures—both in the West and within the Kazakh diaspora.
About Gul
Her debut novel introduces Lapshugal, a bold and unapologetic Kazakh woman making her way through London’s chaos with wit, survival instincts, and a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble. Gul Aina is currently working on two follow-up books: an origin story of Lapshugal, tracing her path from Kazakhstan to London, and a sequel that plunges her into the hidden world of the elite and powerful figures within the Kazakh diaspora—where money, influence, and scandal go hand in hand.
Gul Aina writes to entertain, to expose, and to give voice to the absurdities of exile, identity, and ambition. Through her sharp satire, she turns survival into an art form and hardship into comedy and poignant counterpoint.
You can follow her work and updates on upcoming releases at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.