Forgotten Fiction Book Club: Sleepless Nights

A series of fleeting images and memories ... united by the high intelligence and beauty of Hardwick's prose'—Sally Rooney

Forgotten Fiction is a monthly book club where we travel back in time to rediscover 'lost' literary gems of the 20th Century. Hosted by me, each session is curated around a specific theme and features carefully chosen books to provide the basis for our discussion, which is always light-hearted, informal and fun.

July's club, themed 'Life Writing', will discuss Elizabeth Hardwick's Sleepless Nights, a unique collage of fiction and memoir, letters and essays, portraits and dreams. Originally published in 1979, this handsome new Faber edition comes with an introduction from the brilliant author of the Women’s Prize-winning novel, A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing, Eimear McBride

Numbers strictly limited, please book promptly to avoid disappointment. Tickets are £8/£6 (students) and include a gin cocktail

Celebrating Lee Miller

A habitué of the smoky cabarets, opium dens and Surrealist parties of 1930s Paris, Lee Miller was one of the most beautiful and fascinating women of the twentieth century. 

Whitney Scharer has brought Miller’s story to life in her electric debut novel, The Age of Light. After starting her career as a fashion model, Lee Miller came to occupy a unique position in the avant-garde of the inter-war years. She worked, and had an affair, with the photographer Man Ray before becoming an acclaimed war photographer and one of the first people to photograph the concentration camp at Dachau when it was liberated.

I will be joining Whitney Scharer to discuss her dazzling new novel about Miller as well as the fascination she continues to exert, and her role in the often-macho Surrealist movement

An Evening of Historical Romps

Imogen Hermes Gowar's historical romp, The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock was only published a fortnight ago but is already riding high in the bestseller list.

I'll be talking about the book with Imogen at Waterstones Gower Street on Monday 5th March. Over a glass of wine, we'll also discuss the irresistible appeal of historical romps. Drinks are served from 6.30pm. Tickets available via the link below. All tickets, hallelujah, include wine.