By Sophie Dickinson and Erin Evett
Book Launch: Children of Gods and Fighting Men with Shauna Lawless
1 September, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Waterstones Belfast
If you love mythology, this event will definitely be for you! Join author Shauna Lawless in Belfast, as she launches her new novel Children of Gods and Fighting Men. She shines a fresh light on Irish mythology and the event will feature local music and rich Irish traditions. This first instalment of Lawless’ trilogy promises to be a masterfully written blend of fantasy, history, and politics. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
Still Born – An Evening with Guadalupe Nettel
1 September, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Bristol Stanfords
Acclaimed Mexican novelist Guadalupe Nettel joins Bristol Stanfords to discuss her fourth novel, Still Born. Still Born explores one of life's most consequential decisions - whether to have children or not - with Nettel's signature charm and intelligence. It covers the story of Alina and Laura, both career-driven women in their thirties, neither of whom have based their future around the prospect of a family. Laura has taken the drastic decision to be sterilised, but as time goes by, Alina becomes drawn toward motherhood. When complications arise in Alina’s pregnancy, and Laura becomes attached to her neighbour's son, both women are forced to reckon with the complexity of their emotions. Nettel explores ambivalent motherhood with a delicate hand, carefully dissecting the contradictions that make up the life of women. She will be in conversation with writer and journalist Sian Norris. For more information and tickets, click here.
Bridgerton Event
4 September, 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Waterstones Covent Garden
If you loved Juila Quinn’s Bridgerton series, this immersive event held in Waterstones Covent Garden will be the perfect day out for you. They will be hosting a variety of activities, such as a costume competition, a truth confession jar, a treasure hunt and much more! If you want to immerse yourself in one of your favourite novels/Netflix series, then look no further. The winner of the costume competition will also be announced the Diamond of the Season on Waterstones’ social media. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
Book Launch: Epic Annette with Anne Weber & Tess Lewis
6 September, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Goethe-Institut London
In coordination with Institut Francais, the new English translation of the prose poem Epic Annette by Anne Weber will be unveiled. It won the German Book Prize in 2020 and has been translated into multiple languages. Author Anne Weber, translator Tess Lewis and publisher Susie Nicklin will be discussing the title in front of a live audience. It focuses on the true story of Annette Beaumanoir, a medical student who, at nineteen, joined the French Resistance and saved the lives of two Jewish children in Paris, hours before their planned departure to a concentration camp. Don’t miss out on learning about this captivating tale of a courageous heroine in an epic poem comparable to Homer. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
The Manningtree Witches – An Evening with Sherborne Literary Society
14 September, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Sherborne School
Join A.K. Blakemore for a discussion about her award-winning debut novel The Manningtree Witches at Sherborne School. If you are interested in the history of witchcraft and the infamous English witch trials, this event will definitely be for you. It focuses on the patriarchal society and how the fear and mistrust of men led to the condemnation and slaughtering of many women whose innocent voices were silenced. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
Lessons – Ian McEwan: In Conversation
14 September, 7:30 p.m.
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
Join Ian McEwan for his special event at the Southbank Centre as he discusses his new novel Lessons. This epic story is a powerful meditation on history and humanity, told through the prism of one man's lifetime. Lessons spans the past seventy years, from the end of the Second World War through to the crises of the Cold War, finishing up in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Roland, McEwan’s protagonist, is often found fighting against history and seeking solace for lost opportunities through varying means – music, literature, politics, family, friends, sex and love. McEwan will be in conversation with Alex Clark as he celebrates the publication of Lessons and reflects on his critically acclaimed career. This event is in partnership with Penguin Live and Southbank Centre. For more information and tickets, click here.
The SWWJ Writers’ Conference 2022
16 September, 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Antonin Artaud Building, Brunel University London
The Society of Women Writers and Journalists, in partnership with Brunel University London, are offering a conference packed with helpful advice and thought provoking sessions. Their impressive line-up includes poet Benjamin Zephaniah and sessions on how to promote your writing for publishing. Tickets include lunch and refreshments. For more information and tickets, click here.