Authors attending include Shaun Bythell, Jon McGregor, Polly Samson, Holly McNish, Brian Bilston, Alison Weir and Val McDermid. Abigail Dean will be discussing her debut novel Girl A and Kate Summerscale will be talking about her latest book, The Haunting of Alma Fielding. Costa Book winner for 2020, Monique Roffey will be in conversation.
If Gothic fiction is your (tote) bag then you won’t want to miss the panel with Stuart Turton, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water, Sarah Ward, who’s latest book is The Quickening and Catriona Ward (I reviewed her latest novel The Last House on Needless Street here)
Book Festival season is upon us and as the world starts to slowly peep out from behind Covid bunkers people are thinking about attending their favourite events. If you still aren’t sure about venturing out but like the sound of sitting in on book talks then the Derby Literature Festival may be for you.
If you are close by don’t miss the Family Days in the Park which include an animal book trail, wild and wonderful art and a free collage activity. Other family activities include the Fairy Tale Puppet Theatre and a children’s poetry writing workshop.
There are such an array of events and speakers that there is bound to be one to please all the family.
In person events include Helen Mort: Never leave the dog behind (£7 but well behaved dogs go free) and fans of the inimitable Victoria Wood may be keen to hear Jasper Rees, author of her authorised biography speak.
A digital pass that allows access to all virtual events after the festival has finished is £20. This allows you to access events until Saturday 10 July so you’ll be able to dip in and out at your leisure.
If politics is your thing you may be interested in talks with John Sopel, the BBC North American correspondent or James Naughtie.
A mixture of in person, live-streamed events recorded and virtual events, the festival runs from 27 May to 5 June with 60 events taking place over those 10 days.
Further information on pricing and how to book can be found on the Derby Book Festival website here.
