Whilst there’s a lot that lockdown has prevented us from doing, reading is certainly not on that list. If you’re looking for something new to read, this book launch might be just what you need. The online book launch of Very Much Alive: Stories of Resilience features author readings and musical performances to be enjoyed all from the comfort of your favourite reading spot.
10 April. Free (book can be purchased with your ticket). Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/very-much-alive-book-launch-tickets-141610736525?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
Blake Bailey on Philip Roth with Matthew Klam
Appointed by Philip Roth himself and granted complete access to his personal archive, Blake Bailey has spent years interviewing Roth’s friends, colleagues and Roth himself. With numerous awards under his belt – including an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters as well as the National Book Critics Circle Award, alongside being shortlisted for the Pulitzer – it’s clear why Roth trusted Bailey to tell his story. If you’re interested in learning more about the life and work of Philip Roth, join this online event from Politics and Prose.
8 April. Free (book can be purchased with your ticket). Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pp-live-blake-bailey-philip-roth-with-matthew-klam-tickets-146667292821?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
Holding Court with Alison Weir and Lucy Jago
For historical book fans, join Alison Weir and Lucy Jago as they talk about their novels. Jago’s A Net for Small Fishes has been described as one of the most gripping novels of the last year and is based on a true story. Alison Weir is the biggest-selling female historian in the UK and her series Six Tudor Queens earned her a spot on the Sunday Times-bestseller list.
8 April. Tickets from £5 (books can be purchased with your ticket at a discounted price). Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holding-court-with-alison-weir-and-lucy-jago-tickets-147834082721?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
The British Library: A Virtual Walk through the World’s Collective Memory
For everyone who misses getting to the library, this walk through of the British Library might fill the bookshelf shaped hole. Standing strong as the principal copyright library means it receives a copy of everything that’s published in both the UK and Ireland. What’s more, the library also serves as a museum, with some of the world’s most high-profile written documents on display including Shakespeare’s first folio and Jane Austen’s handwritten manuscripts. Alongside the tour, there will be a special guest to answer any burning questions.
6 April. Tickets form £10. Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-british-library-a-virtual-walk-through-the-worlds-collective-memory-tickets-145675325821?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
Taking Stock: The Societal Impact of the 2020 Election
In the lead up to the release of the new book A Return to Normalcy: The 2020 Election That (Almost) Broke America, panelists for this event will be examining what 2020 taught us about the people who run for office in a highly polarised American and how such deep divisions might impact on the future. Panelists include Alan Abramowitz, a professor of Political Science at Emory University; David Byler, data analyst and political columnist for The Washington Post and Madelaine Pisani, a senate campaigns reporter for the National Journal.
8 April. Free. Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taking-stock-the-societal-impact-of-the-2020-election-tickets-146434901733?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
The Art of Fiction Writing with Marti Leimback
If any of the events from the week have got you inspired to try writing yourself, this talk from New York Times besseller Marti Leimbach is just what you need. Leimbach will share her thoughts on the literary habits you need as a writer, the art of writing fiction, as well as giving an insight into the life of a successful writer.
10 April. Tickets from £5. Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-fiction-writing-with-marti-leimbach-tickets-148199425471?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
Virtual Tour – A Room of Ones Own: Virginia Woolf in London
Virginia Woolf had a home in London for almost all of her life, and this tour explores all the places Woolf called home in the city. In particular, the tour will take you to her four Bloomsbury homes, hearing about some of the books she wrote whilst living in Bloomsbury.
9 April. Tickets from £6. Online event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-tour-a-room-of-ones-own-virginia-woolf-in-london-tickets-140263705519?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
Charlotte Cohen
