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 →
News: Peter James’ bestseller Looking Good Dead to make stage premiere
Following the news this week that his latest Roy Grace novel, Find Them Dead, has gone straight to No.1 in the UK Book charts, Peter James and producer Joshua Andrews are delighted to announce the World Premiere stage production of the Peter James novel Looking Good Dead. The production will open at the Glasgow Theatre... Continue Reading →
News: Actress Phina Oruche announces second children’s book tackling racism
Phina Oruche (Anthony and Taken Down, BBC; Footballers’ Wives, ITV) has turned her hand to a different kind of storytelling during the Covid-19 lockdown. The result is a series of children’s books aimed at inspiring and educating her young son. The second book in the series, Jacopo Jacopo on Lockdown, explores the difficult and timely... Continue Reading →
News: Trailer released for virtual production of Birdsong
The first trailer has been released for the virtual production of the fully cast, abridged virtual production of Rachel Wagstaff’s highly acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s best-selling novel BIRDSONG, streamed online on 1 July 2020, the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Told using video technology, live performance, sound design and music, all weaved... Continue Reading →