BookBound 2020 Programme of Events
27 April – 3 May
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BookBound 2020 | 27 April - 3 May Programme of Events
All festival events will be available to view for free on the BookBound 2020 YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and watch.
We would be grateful if our viewers would consider donating whatever they can spare to our chosen charity Mind, for better mental health.
Visit: justgiving.com/bookbound2020
New Zealand viewers can make their donations to Changing Minds.
MON 10.30 am Storytime with Jasbinder Bilan 27 April Asha and the Spirit Bird 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
2.30pm Storytime with Ernesto Cisneros Efrén Divided 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
5.30 pm Nikesh Shukla | Monique Roffey Writing Lessons Hosted by Tessa McWatt
7.15 pm Max Porter | Will Harris Lyricism and London Hosted by Jamie Trower
9.15 pm Samantha Harvey | Georgie Codd Shapeless Fears Hosted by Sarah Allely
TUES 10.30 am Storytime with Esther Kent 28 April Molly’s Circus 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 2-5)
2.30 pm Storytime with Annabelle Sami Llama Out Loud 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
5.30 pm Horatio Clare | Sam Mills Inside Minds Hosted by Georgina Lawton
7.15 pm Sarah Perry | Abi Palmer Snakes, Crows and Paddling Pools Hosted by Dan Richards
9.15 pm Emma Byrne | Freya Daly Sadgrove Language, Woman! Hosted by Georgie Codd
WEDS 10.30 am Storytime with Guy Bass 29 April Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 7-9)
2.30 pm Story Reading with Samuel Pollen The Year I Didn’t Eat 15-min event for young adult viewers
5.30 pm Clare Pooley | CJ Flood Authentic Authors Hosted by Octavia Bright
7.15 pm Daniel Mallory Ortberg | Rijula Das Challenging Conversations Hosted by Amber Massie-Blomfield
9.15 pm Kim Sherwood | Eleanor Wasserberg Fiction and History, Now Hosted by Dan Richards
THURS 10.30 am Storytime with Judith Eagle 30 April The Pear Affair 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
2.30 pm Storytime with William Goldsmith Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
5.30 pm Paul McVeigh | Alex Wheatle | Rhiannon L Cosslett A Touch of Class Group conversation
7.15 pm Robert Webb | Cathy Rentzenbrink Matters of the Heart Hosted by Georgie Codd
9.15 pm Emma Glass | Margarita García Robayo Novel(la) Ideas Hosted by Susan Rudy
FRI 2.30 pm Storytime with Patience Agbabi 1 May The Infinite 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12)
5.30 pm Stanley Donwood | Caleb Femi What the Artist Saw Hosted by Dan Richards
7.15 pm Winnie M Li | Daniel Mella Real Live Fiction Hosted by Jamie Trower
9.15 pm Pip Adam | Guy Gunaratne Uncomfortable Truths Hosted by Azadeh Moaveni
SAT 3.30 pm Philip Hoare | Dan Richards 2 May Writing the Fathoms Hosted by Malú Ansaldo
5.30 pm Michelle Paver | Richard Lambert Dark Beasts Hosted by Georgie Codd
7.15 pm David Lammy | Maya Goodfellow Migration, Britain and Beyond the Pandemic Hosted by Malachi McIntosh
9.15 pm Paul Mendez | Niven Govinden In Place of Pages Hosted by Octavia Bright
SUN 3.30 pm Jennifer Wong | Soniah Kamal 3 May Relocation, Relocation, Relocation Hosted by Romesh Gunesekera
5.30 pm Intisar Khanani | Holly Bourne Teenage Dreams Hosted by CJ Flood
7.15 pm Lola Olufemi | Renée | Becky Manawatu Crimes of the Feminist Activist Group conversation
Mon 27 April | 10.30 am BST / 5.30 am EDT / 9.30 pm NZST
Jasbinder Bilan storytime session for younger viewers (rec. for ages 9-12) Asha and the Spirit Bird
Costa Children’s Book Award winner Jasbinder Bilan reads the opening chapter of her prize-winning novel, Asha and the Spirit Bird. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Asha and her best friend Jeevan risk a dangerous journey to find her father, all the while guided by a mysterious spirit bird. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speaker: Mr. B’s Emporium (Bath), Toppings (Bath)
Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan
Mon 27 April | 2.30 pm BST / 9.30 am EDT / Tues 28 April | 1.30 am NZST
Ernesto Cisneros storytime session for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) Efrén Divided
Ernesto Cisneros reads an extract from his debut novel, Efrén Divided, the story of a young boy on the search for his mother after her deportation from their home back to Mexico. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Recommended bookshop: Hive (online)
Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Mon 27 April | 5.30pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Tues 28 April | 4.30 am NZST
Nikesh Shukla & Monique Roffey hosted by author Tessa McWatt Writing Lessons
Authors Nikesh Shukla and Monique Roffey are connected not only by their own commitment to writing creatively, but by careers teaching students how to write creatively. What is the impact of the lockdown on their work? Tune in as they unpack lessons taught and learnt. Chaired by novelist, essayist, and professor of creative writing, Tessa McWatt. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Paper Based (Trinidad), Storysmith (Bristol), Newham Bookshop (London), Daunt Books (London)
Brown Baby: A Memoir of Race, Family and Home by Nikesh Shukla The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey Shame on Me: An Anatomy of Race and Belonging by Tessa McWatt
Mon 27 April | 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Tues 28 April | 6.15 am NZST
Max Porter & Will Harris hosted by poet Jamie Trower Lyricism and London
Where does prose end and poetry begin? Man Booker Prize-nominated Max Porter and poet Will Harris both experiment with these boundaries in their work. There’s also a tone to their voices that some consider distinctly 'London'. Join them with chair, New Zealand poet Jamie Trower, as they discuss their distinct approaches to writing. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Point Reye’s Books (California), Readings (Australia), The English Bookshop (Sweden), Burley Fisher (London), Storysmith (Bristol), Lighthouse (Edinburgh), Unity Books (NZ)
Lanny by Max Porter RENDANG by Will Harris A Sign of Light by Jamie Trower
Mon 27 April | 9.15pm BST / 4.15 pm EDT / Tues 28 April | 8.15 am NZST
Samantha Harvey & Georgie Codd hosted by podcaster Sarah Allely Shapeless Fears
In the wake of her cousin’s death, Samantha Harvey endured a year of extreme sleep deprivation awash with anxiety; her heart ‘a tough lump of meat, flooded by fear.’ Georgie Codd’s fearful obsession with the sea, and the unknown, sparked a four-year, panic-laced mission to conquer anxiety altogether. Their recently- published memoirs are the basis of t his conversation. Hosted by journalist Sarah Allely, whose 2019 podcast explores the links between nature and recovery. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Brick Lane Bookshop (London), Corsham Bookshop (Wiltshire), Gleebooks (Sydney), Better Read Than Dead (Newtown, NSW), Gulliver’s (Wimborne)
The Shapeless Unease by Samantha Harvey We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd Brain on Nature by Sarah Allely
Tues 28 April | 10.30 am BST / 5.30 am EDT / 9.30 pm NZST
Esther Kent storytime session for younger viewers (re. age 2-5) Molly’s Circus
Debut author Esther Kent reads her beautiful picture book Molly’s Circus to inject adventure and imagination into little people’s days. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Hive (online)
Molly’s Circus by Esther Kent
Tues 28 April | 2.30 pm BST / 9.30 am EDT / Weds 29 April | 1.30 am NZST
Annabelle Sami storytime session for younger viewers Llama Out Loud
Annabelle Sami reads from her hilarious second novel, Llama Out Loud. Find out what happens when quiet Yasmin accidently brings home Levi, a loud, sassy toy llama. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Round Table Books (London)
Llama Out Loud by Annabelle Sami
Tues 28 April | 5.30 pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Weds 29 April | 4.30 am NZST
Horatio Clare & Sam Mills hosted by author Georgina Lawton Inside Minds
Broadcaster and writer Horatio Clare took on the challenge of a 250-mile walk in Germany in order to find some closeness with his subject: the composer J.S. Bach. The subject for Sam Mills’ memoir was much nearer to home: the father she cares for, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. Join Sam and Horatio as they discuss their memoirs with the journalist and soon-to-be-published author, Georgina Lawton. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Kirkdale Bookshop (London), Clapham Books (London), Livraria Lello (Porto), Bookish (Crickhowell), The Book Case (Hebden Bridge)
Something of his Art by Horatio Clare Fragments of my Father by Sam Mills Raceless by Georgina Lawton
Tues 28 April | 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Weds 29 April | 6.15 am NZST
Sarah Perry & Abi Palmer hosted by author Dan Richards Snakes, Crows and Paddling Pools
Abi Palmer is an artist and essayist whose recent memoir, Sanatorium, interweaves poetry and meditations on the body to create a mesmerising, mercurial debut. Sarah Perry’s gothic masterpiece, The Essex Serpent was an international bestseller. Her follow up, Melmoth, was hailed as ‘one of the great literary achievements of our young century.’ (The Observer). BookBound 2020 is delighted to have these two phenomenal writers with us to talk through subjects as far-ranging as female agency, recovery, black humour and paddling pools. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Book Hive (Norwich), Review Bookshop (London), The Arnolfini Bookshop (Bristol)
Melmoth by Sarah Perry Sanatorium by Abi Palmer Outpost by Dan Richards
Tues 28 April | 9.15 pm BST / 4.15 pm EDT / Weds 29 April | 8.15 am NZST
Emma Byrne & Freya Daly Sadgrove hosted by author Georgie Codd Language, Woman!
Robots, potty-mouth, the art of the self-roast, mental health, and how to behave badly in public are just a few of the topics that might crop up in conversation for these two explosive writers. Join New Zealand poet and performer Freya Daly Sadgrove in less-than-polite conversation with the science writer Emma Byrne, who is a bonafide expert on swearing. Hosted by author Georgie Codd. Note: this conversation will cover a broad range of topics, with references to suicide, child abuse and traumatic events among them. Viewer discretion is advised.
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Unity Books (NZ), Primrose Hill Books (London), Cogito Books (Hexham), Jaffé and Neale (Oxon)
Head Girl by Freya Daly Sadgrove Swearing is Good for You by Emma Byrne We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Weds 29 April | 10.30 am BST / 5.30 am EDT / 9.30 pm NZST
Guy Bass storytime session for younger viewers (rec. age 7-9) Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon
Guy Bass entertains us all with a chapter from his latest novel, Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon. Drawing along beside him is the man who gave a face (and body) to Skeleton Keys himself, illustrator Pete Williamson. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: The Oundle Bookshop (Peterborough)
Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon by Guy Bass
Weds 29 April | 2.30 pm BST / 9.30 am EDT / Thurs 30 April | 1.30 am NZST
Samuel Pollen author session for young adult viewers The Year I Didn’t Eat
Samuel Pollen reads from his poignant debut novel, The Year I Didn’t Eat, an unforgettable, uplifting story of one boy's battle with anorexia. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Hive (online)
The Year I Didn’t Eat by Samuel Pollen
Weds 29 April | 5.30 pm BST / 12. 30 pm EDT / Thurs 30 April | 4.30 am NZST
Clare Pooley & CJ Flood hosted by podcaster Octavia Bright Authentic Authors
Clare Pooley, author of The Sober Diaries and the recently published novel The Authenticity Project, gets real with Beautiful Hangover blogger CJ (Chelsey) Flood, who hasn’t had a drink since publishing her second YA novel in 2016. Join them as they discuss their latest, life-writing-fuelled projects, spanning city streets and Arctic tundra. Chaired by the writer, academic and Literary Friction co-host Octavia Bright. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Nomad (London), Mainstreet Trading Company (Scottish Borders), Mrs Dalloway’s (California), Pages Hackney (London), Toppings (Bath), Shakespeare & Co (Paris)
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley Infinite Sky by CJ Flood Literary Friction by Octavia Bright and Carrie Plitt
Weds 29 April | 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Thurs 30 April | 6.15 am NZST
Daniel M Ortberg & Rijula Das hosted by author Amber Massie-Blomfield Challenging Conversations
Acclaimed American author, Daniel M Ortberg, is Slate’s Dear Prudence columnist, and a leading writer on issues of gender, identity and what it means to transition. He’ll be speaking with New Zealand-based author, Rijula Das, whose academic work focuses on the connections between public space and sexual violence. A Death in Shonagachhi, her powerful debut novel, is rooted of this research. Chaired by international theatre producer and author, Amber Massie-Blomfield. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Books are Magic (Brooklyn), Pegasus Books (Oakland), Seagull Books (Calcutta), Pages Cheshire Street (London), Golden Hare Books (Edinburgh)
Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel M Ortberg A Death in Shonagachhi by Rijula Das Twenty Theatres to See Before You Die by Amber Massie-Blomfield
Weds 29 April | 9:15 pm BST / 4.15 pm EDT / Thurs 30 April | 8.15 am NZST
Kim Sherwood & Eleanor Wasserberg hosted by author Dan Richards Fiction and History, Now
Art, war and witness are key themes and concerns for Kim Sherwood and Eleanor Wasserberg in their novels Testament and The Light at the End of the Day. Join these two compelling storytellers as they rove from Russia and Hungary to England, past and present, in what promises to be a gripping conversation about family histories, personal identity and the ongoing grief, loss and trauma of the Holocaust. Chaired by Dan Richards. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Mr. B’s (Bath), The Book Hive (Norwich), Barter Books (Alnwick), Toppings (Ely)
Testament by Kim Sherwood The Light at the End of the Day by Eleanor Wasserberg Outpost by Dan Richards
Thurs 30 April | 10.30 am BST / 5.30 am EDT / 9.30 pm NZST
Judith Eagle storytime session for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) The Pear Affair
Judith Eagle reads the opening chapter of her latest novel The Pear Affair and introduces the audience to Nell Magnificent and her awful, but filthy- rich parents before a trip to Paris that turns Nell’s life upside down. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Tales on Moon Lane (London)
The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle
Thurs 30 April | 2.30 pm BST / 9.30 am EDT / Fri 1 May | 1.30 am NZST William Goldsmith storytime session for younger viewers Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective
William Goldsmith reads from his new children’s novel, Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective. Meet Colin Kinsley, pizza delivery boy and aspiring detective as he joins a league of the world’s first ‘caterer-detectives’ and gets sucked into the world of art theft and gangsters. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Barter Books, Alnwick
Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective by William Goldsmith
Thurs 30 April | 5.30 pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Fri 1 May | 4.30 am NZST Paul McVeigh, Alex Wheatle & Rhiannon L Cosslett A Touch of Class
BookBound 2020 is thrilled to be bringing together Paul McVeigh, Alex Wheatle and Rhiannon L Cosslett, whose approaches to writing span genres, backgrounds and audiences. Why did we link them? Their common interests in matters of class and publishing. Tune in to hear this unique trio discuss their latest projects: Common People: An Anthology of Working Class Writers (McVeigh), acclaimed YA novel Home Girl (Wheatle), and compelling debut The Tyranny of Lost Things (Cosslett). Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: No Alibis (Belfast), Gay’s the Word (London), The Owl Bookshop (London), Kenilworth Books (Warwickshire), Dulwich Bookshop (London)
Common People: An Anthology of Working Class Writers Ed. Kit de Wall The Tyranny of Lost Things by Rhiannon L Cosslett Home Girl by Alex Wheatle
Thurs 30 April | 7:15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Fri 1 May | 6.15 am NZST Robert Webb & Cathy Rentzenbrink hosted by author Georgie Codd Matters of the Heart
Comedian and writer Robert Webb – best known for his roles on Peep Show and as one half of That Mitchell and Webb Look – has followed his #1 bestselling memoir How Not To Be A Boy with the recently-published novel Come Again. His conversation partner is the journalist, podcaster and author Cathy Rentzenbrink, whose memoir A Manual for Heartache is a beautiful exploration of love, loss and finding joy. Tune in for a live discussion about grief, humour and novel-writing, hosted by Georgie Codd. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: West End Lane Books (London), Falmouth Bookseller (Cornwall), Hunting Raven (Frome)
Come Again by Robert Webb A Manual for Heartache by Cathy Rentzenbrink We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Thurs 30 April | 9:15 pm BST / 5.15 pm EDT / Fri 1 May | 8.15 am NZST
Emma Glass & Margarita García Robayo hosted by Prof. Susan Rudy Novel(la) Ideas
Emma Glass is the author of the acclaimed debut novella Peach. Colombian writer Margarita García Robayo is the author of numerous works of fiction and non-fiction. Listen in as these two novella maestros, alert to the power of poetry and pith, discuss ideas and experiences, sharing details about their new projects: Rest and Be Thankful (Glass) and Holiday Heart (García Robayo). Hosted by Professor Susan Rudy, an academic specialising in women’s experimental writing. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Burley Fisher Books (London), Review Bookshop (London), Westend Lane Books (London)
Rest and Be Thankful by Emma Glass Fish Soup by Margarita García Robayo
Fri 1 May | 2.30 pm BST / 9.30 am EDT / Sat 2 May | 1.30 am NZST Patience Agbabi storytime session for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) The Infinite
Performer and poet Patience Agbabi reads from her debut children’s novel, The Infinite, a story of time-travel, detectives and palindromes. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Hive (online)
The Infinite by Patience Agbabi
Fri 1 May | 5.30 pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Sat 2 May | 4.30 am NZST
Stanley Donwood & Caleb Femi hosted by author Dan Richards What the Artist Saw
Robert Macfarlane described cult graphic designer and long-time Radiohead collaborator Stanley Donwood’s Bad Island as ‘a mute future archive, discovered in the remnants of a civilisation.’ Likewise Caleb Femi’s forthcoming poetry collection Poor is itself a kind of archive—a tribute in photography and poetry to the South London he grew up in. Join these two versatile artists as they talk about their work within the converging worlds of music, art and language. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: City Books (Brighton), Mr. B’s (Bath), Red Lion Books (Colchester)
Bad Island by Stanley Donwood Poor by Caleb Femi Outpost by Dan Richards
Fri 1 May | 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Sat 2 May | 6.15 am NZST
Winnie M Li & Daniel Mella hosted by poet Jamie Trower Real Live Fiction
What are the boundaries between real life events and their fictional versions? Winnie M Li’s powerful first novel Dark Chapter, a fictionalised retelling of her own rape, won the Not The Booker Prize. She talks with the internationally-acclaimed Uruguayan author Daniel Mella, whose latest novel, Older Brother, was created as a response to the death of Mella’s brother. Their conversation is hosted by the poet Jamie Trower. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: News From Nowhere (Liverpool), Newham Bookshop (London), Lautréamont Libreria (Montevideo), Unity Books (NZ)
Dark Chapter by Winnie M. Li Older Brother by Daniel Mella A Sign of Light by Jamie Trower
Fri 1 May | 9.15 pm BST / 4.15 pm EDT / Sat 2 May | 8.15 am NZST
Pip Adam & Guy Gunaratne hosted by Azadeh Moaveni Uncomfortable Truths
‘We may be able to provide a private place to tell uncomfortable truths’, novelist and human rights journalist, Guy Gunaratne, said of writers in his keynote at the Ubad Readers and Writers Festival last year. The celebrated New Zealand author and podcaster, Pip Adam, whose own award-winning fictions are uncomfortably truthful, partners Guy in conversation for BookBound 2020. Tune in for an honest, hemisphere-straddling conversation about writing, life and the truths in-between. Hosted by journalist and academic Azadeh Moaveni, whose latest book, Guest House for Young Widows, explores the role of women inside the Islamic State. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Unity Books (NZ), Big Green Bookshop (London), Vic Books (NZ)
In Our Mad and Furious City by Guy Gunaratne The New Animals by Pip Adam Guest House for Young Widows by Azadeh Moaveni
Sat 2 May | 3.30 pm BST / 10.30 am EDT / Sun 3 May | 2.30 am NZST Dan Richards & Philip Hoare hosted by producer Malú Ansaldo Writing the Fathoms
Dan Richards and Philip Hoare share a fascination for wilderness and wildness. In Outpost and RisingTideFallingStar, they travel far off lands and mysterious seas to better understand the human imagination and tell stories of artists, writers and explorers similarly drawn to the ends of the earth. Here they will discuss creativity, the natural world, and the changing role of ‘travel writing’ in the 21st century. Chaired by the Head of Performing Arts at the Roundhouse, London, Malú Ansaldo. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: October Books (Southampton), BookStop (Tavistock), Lighthouse Books (Edinburgh), Eterna Cadencia (Buenos Aires), Libreria Ultima Spiaggia (Camogli)
RisingTideFallingStar by Philip Hoare Outpost by Dan Richards
Sat 2 May | 5.30 pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Sun 3 May | 4.30 am NZST
Michelle Paver & Richard Lambert hosted by author Georgie Codd Dark Beasts
Join global bestselling YA sensation Michelle Paver, author of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, in conversation with award-winning short-story writer, poet, and debut YA novelist Richard Lambert as they discuss boyhood quests, grief, and the haunting powers of wolves. Chaired by Georgie Codd, whose recently- published We Swim to the Shark has its own share of beasts and fears. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: The Aldeburgh Bookshop (Norfolk), Book Hive (Norwich), Broadway Bookshop (London), Review Bookshop (London)
The Wolf Road by Richard Lambert Viper’s Daughter by Michelle Paver We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Sat 2 May | 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Sun 3 May | 6.15 am NZST David Lammy & Maya Goodfellow hosted by editor Malachi McIntosh Migration, Britain and Beyond the Pandemic
How do immigrants fare in a pandemic? What questions do politicians and policy-makers need to start asking about migration? What should we expect in, and from Britain, post-Covid? Former barrister and newly- appointed shadow cabinet minister, David Lammy, and writer-academic, Maya Goodfellow come together to discuss their work, and the politics of migration before, during, and after Covid- 19. Chaired by the editor and publishing director of Wasafiri magazine, Malachi McIntosh. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: New Beacon Books (London), Brattle Bookshop (Boston, MA), Waterstone’s Birmingham
Hostile Environment: How Immigrants Became Scapegoats by Maya Goodfellow Tribes: How our Need to Belong can Make or Break Society by David Lammy Wasafiri Magazine Ed. Malachi McIntosh
Sat 2 May | 9.15 pm BST / 4.15 pm EDT / Sun 3 May | 8.15 am NZST
Paul Mendez & Niven Govinden hosted by Octavia Brght In Place of Pages
Authors Paul Mendez and Niven Govinden were all set to discuss their latest novels at the Pages Hackney bookshop this May. In the wake of that cancellation, we are delighted to be introducing them to the BookBound 2020 audience, hosted by the brilliant Octavia Bright, creator of Literary Friction podcast. Tune in for a conversation covering queerness, creative writing and the LGBTQI+ experience in relation to Paul’s stunning debut Rainbow Milk, and Niven’s fierce fourth novel This Brutal House. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours
Bookshops championed by speakers: Pages Hackney (London), Gay’s the Word (London), Housmans (London), Category Is (Glasgow), Desperate Literature (Madrid), Bookseller Crow (London), Halls Bookshop (Kent)
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez This Brutal House by Niven Govinden
Sun 3 May | 3.3o pm BST / 10.30 am EDT / Mon 4 May | 2.30 am NZST Jennifer Wong & Soniah Kamal hosted by author Romesh Gunesekera Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
UK-based poet Jennifer Wong was born and raised in Hong Kong. US-based novelist, Soniah Kamal, was born in Pakistan, and grew up between England and Saudi Arabia. In very different, yet equally masterful ways, their work digs into subjects of place and belonging: through the poetry of Wong’s bold collection Letters Home and Kamal’s smart re- imagining of Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan, Unmarriageable. Their conversation is hosted by the Sri-Lankan born, London-based author Romesh Gunesekera, whose books have attracted critical acclaim across the globe. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Chener Books (London), London Review Bookshop, Jane Austen Books (Ohio), Lark & Owl Booksellers (Texas), Charis Books and More (Georgia, US)
Unmarriageable: Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan by Soniah Kamal Letters Home by Jennifer Wong Suncatcher by Romesh Gunesekera
Sun 3 May | 5.30 pm BST / 12.30 pm EDT / Mon 4 May | 4.30 am NZST
Intisar Khanani & Holly Bourne hosted by author C.J. Flood Teenage Dreams
BookBound 2020 is excited to link authors across the Atlantic in this event, for a fascinating discussion about the world of writing for young adults (YA). Best-selling British author Holly Bourne will be in conversation with US-based YA novelist Intisar Khanani about all things teen – from their decisions to write for this age group, to the importance of an authentic YA voice, and just how they access that headspace when they write. Their chat will be hosted by fellow YA author and memoir writer CJ Flood. Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Joseph Beth Bookstore (Ohio), Bloom and Curll (Bristol), Big Green Bookshop (London)
Thorn by Intisar Khanani All the Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne Infinite Sky by CJ Flood
Sun 3 May| 7.15 pm BST / 2.15 pm EDT / Mon 4 May | 6.15 am NZST Lola Olufemi, Renée & Becky Manawatu Crimes of the Feminist Activist
From New Zealand’s remote West Coast, novelist and journalist Becky Manawatu (Ngāi Tahu) speaks with black feminist writer, organiser and researcher Lola Olufemi, in London. They are joined by the 90- year-old New Zealand literary legend, Renée (Ngāti Kahungunu), who describes herself as ‘a lesbian feminist with socialist working-class ideals’ and whose first crime novel The Wild Card was published earlier this year. Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Unity Books (NZ), The Women’s Bookshop (NZ), New Beacon Books (London), The Feminist Library (London)
Feminism Interrupted by Lola Olufemi Auē by Becky Manawatu The Wild Card by Renée