Renowned draughtsman and illustrator Aubrey Beardsley shocked and thrilled audiences with his decadent monochrome drawings. This important collection, started by Rainforth Armitage Walker and continued by W. G. Good, comprises all the major works in the artist’s canon and is the most comprehensive collection of Beardsley’s printed works ever assembled. Exploring the outlandish, the comical,... Continue Reading →
Review: Naughty Boy, Eddy Brimson
In 2019 author and comedian Eddy Brimson’s play Naughty Boy made its debut at the Edinburgh Festival. Now almost two years later, Brimson has released a novella of the same name, an extended version of his critically-acclaimed play. Naughty Boy focuses on Joe, who tells his story from the canteen of a mental health unit.... Continue Reading →
Review: The Last Goodbye, Fiona Lucas
It’s been almost three years since Anna’s husband Spencer died in a tragic accident and she’s still finding it difficult to come to terms with his death and move on with her life. After a particularly disastrous New Year’s Eve she dials Spencer’s old phone number just to hear his voicemail but to her surprise... Continue Reading →
Review: While Paris Slept, Ruth Druart
In 1944 young Jewish mother is forced onto a train bound to Auschwitz when in a moment of desperation she hands over her most valuable possession to a stranger, a decision she’ll live with for the rest of her life. In 1953 Jean Luc is living in America with his wife Charlotte and young son,... Continue Reading →
Review: The Crow Folk, by Mark Stay
A compelling tale of witchcraft, demons and um…bellringing, The Crow Folk is the latest novel from author Mark Stay and the first in The Witches of Woodville series. Set in 1940s rural Kent, The Crow Folk tells the story of 17 year old Faye Bright who lives with her father following Her mother's death when... Continue Reading →
News: Michael Morpurgo shows cast of Private Peaceful the village that inspired his novel
Yesterday, Monday 19 October, renowned author, poet and playwright, Michael Morpurgo gave the company of the West End transfer of Private Peaceful a walking tour of his village, Iddesleigh in North Devon, where he was inspired to write his book, followed by an impromptu performance from the cast on the village green. Private Peaceful will... Continue Reading →
News: Aké Festival, Africa’s leading international arts and book festival goes digital
Africa’s leading arts and book event Aké Festival will return Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 October with a free programme of 65 inspiring talks, workshops, panel discussions and performances from the most exciting voices across Africa and the African Diaspora. Due to the global coronavirus crisis, Aké Festival will go digital for 2020. This online... Continue Reading →
The art of self-sabotage
In recent years I’ve read a number of self-help books, but I’ve rarely felt that they’ve had a positive impact on me and my life. Sometimes I’ve found it hard to connect with it or the exercises difficult to keep up with, while at other times I’ve put down a book feeling worse than when... Continue Reading →
Review: Cheer the F**k Up, Jack Rooke
Writer, comedian and campaigner Jack Rooke has certainly made a name for himself in recent years, what with his hit Edinburgh shows, Good Grief and Happy Hour, and BBC 3 television series Happy Man, which have focused on grief and mental health. And now Rooke brings his experiences to the literary world with his new... Continue Reading →
Review: Silent Night, Nell Pattison
The second book in the Paige Northwood series, Silent Night is a chilling mystery which begins when students at a school for the deaf go on an overnight trip to the snowy woods with their teachers. By the time morning comes a teacher’s body is found in the woods and a student is missing. As... Continue Reading →