BookBound 2020 | was 27 April - 3 May
Programme of Events
All BookBound 2020 events are staying online for good, for book-lovers across the globe to access. Watch for free on the BookBound 2020 YouTube channel. Click here to access all BookBound 2020 videos.
We are keeping our donations page active, and would be grateful if all viewers would consider donating £1 / $1 US, or whatever they can spare, to our chosen charity: Mind, for better mental health. Visit www.justgiving.com/bookbound2020
New Zealand viewers can make their donations to Changing Minds
Below is the original programme from festival week.
NB: the following times are British Summer Time (BST)
| Mon 27 April | 10.30am | Storytime with Jasbinder Bilan
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) |
|
| 5.30pm | Nikesh Shukla | Monique Roffey
Writing Lessons Hosted by Tessa McWatt |
|
| 7.15pm | 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 28 April | 10.30am | Storytime with Esther Kent
Molly’s Circus 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 2-5) |
| 2.30pm | Storytime with Annabelle Sami
Llama Out Loud 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) |
|
| 5.30pm | Horatio Clare | Sam Mills
Inside Minds Hosted by Georgina Lawton |
|
| 7.15pm | Sarah Perry | Abi Palmer
Snakes, Crows and Paddling Pools Hosted by Dan Richards |
|
| 9.15pm | Emma Byrne | Freya Daly Sadgrove
Language, Woman! Hosted by Georgie Codd |
|
| Weds 29 April | 10.30am | Storytime with Guy Bass
Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 7-9) |
| 2.30pm | Author session with Samuel Pollen
The Year I Didn’t Eat 15-min event for young adult viewers |
|
| 5.30pm | Clare Pooley | CJ Flood
Authentic Authors Hosted by Octavia Bright |
|
| 7.15pm | Daniel Mallory Ortberg | Rijula Das
Challenging Conversations Hosted by Amber Massie-Blomfield |
|
| 9.15pm | Kim Sherwood | Eleanor Wasserberg
Fiction and History, Now Hosted by Dan Richards |
|
| Thurs 30 April | 10.30am | Storytime with Judith Eagle
The Pear Affair 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) |
| 2.30pm | Storytime with William Goldsmith
Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) |
|
| 5.30pm | Paul McVeigh | Alex Wheatle | Rhiannon L Cosslett
A Touch of Class Group conversation |
|
| 7.15pm | Robert Webb | Cathy Rentzenbrink
Matters of the Heart Hosted by Georgie Codd |
|
| 9.15pm | Emma Glass | Margarita García Robayo
Novel(la) Ideas Hosted by Susan Rudy |
|
| Fri 1 May | 2.30pm | Storytime with Patience Agbabi
The Infinite 15-min event for younger viewers (rec. age 9-12) |
| 5.30pm | Stanley Donwood | Caleb Femi
What the Artist Saw Hosted by Dan Richards |
|
| 7.15pm | Winnie M Li | Daniel Mella
Real Live Fiction Hosted by Jamie Trower |
|
| 9.15pm | Pip Adam | Guy Gunaratne
Uncomfortable Truths Hosted by Azadeh Moaveni |
|
| Sat 2 May | 3.30pm | Philip Hoare | Dan Richards
Writing the Fathoms Hosted by Malú Ansaldo |
| 5.30pm | Michelle Paver | Richard Lambert
Dark Beasts Hosted by Georgie Codd |
|
| 7.15pm | David Lammy | Maya Goodfellow
Migration, Britain and Beyond the Pandemic Hosted by Malachi McIntosh |
|
| 9.15pm | Paul Mendez | Niven Govinden
In Place of Pages Hosted by Octavia Bright |
|
| Sun 3 May | 3.30pm | Jennifer Wong | Soniah Kamal
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation Hosted by Romesh Gunesekera |
| 5.30pm | Holly Bourne | Intisar Khanani
Teenage Dreams Hosted by CJ Flood |
|
| 7.15pm | Lola Olufemi | Becky Manawatu | Renée
Crimes of the Feminist Activist Group conversation |
Mon 27 April | 10:30am BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speaker: Mr. B’s Emporium (Bath), Toppings (Bath)
Purchase links
Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan
Mon 27 April | 2:30pm BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Recommended bookshop: Hive (online)
Purchase links
Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
Mon 27 April | 5:30pm BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Paper Based (Trinidad), Storysmith (Bristol), Newham Bookshop (London), Daunt Books (London)
Purchase links
Brown Baby: A Memoir of Race, Family and Home by Nikesh ShuklaThe Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey
Shame on Me: An Anatomy of Race and Belonging by Tessa McWatt
Mon 27 April | 7.15pm BST
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 tine 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)
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)
Mon 27 April | 9.15pm BST
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 this 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), Topping & Co (Bath), Gleebooks (Sydney), Better Read Than Dead (Newtown, NSW), Gulliver’s (Wimborne)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Brick Lane Bookshop (London), Corsham Bookshop (Wiltshire), Topping & Co (Bath), Gleebooks (Sydney), Better Read Than Dead (Newtown, NSW), Gulliver’s (Wimborne)
Purchase links
The Shapeless Unease by Samantha HarveyWe Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Brain on Nature by Sarah Allely
Tue 28 April | 10.30am BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Hive (online)
Purchase links
Molly’s Circus by Esther Kent
Tue 28 April | 2.30pm BST
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 accidentally brings home Levi, a loud, sassy toy llama.
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Round Table Books (London)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Round Table Books (London)
Purchase links
Llama Out Loud by Annabelle Sami
Tue 28 April | 5.30pm BST
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.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Kirkdale Bookshop (London), Clapham Books (London), Livraria Lello (Porto), Bookish (Crickhowell), The Book Case (Hebden Bridge)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Kirkdale Bookshop (London), Clapham Books (London), Livraria Lello (Porto), Bookish (Crickhowell), The Book Case (Hebden Bridge)
Purchase links
Something of his Art by Horatio ClareFragments of my Father by Sam Mills
Raceless by Georgina Lawton
Tue 28 April | 7.15pm BST
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.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Book Hive (Norwich), Review Bookshop (London), The Arnolfini Bookshop (Bristol)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Book Hive (Norwich), Review Bookshop (London), The Arnolfini Bookshop (Bristol)
Tue 28 April | 9.15pm BST
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.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Unity Books (NZ), Primrose Hill Books (London), Cogito Books (Hexham), Jaffé and Neale (Oxon)
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.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Unity Books (NZ), Primrose Hill Books (London), Cogito Books (Hexham), Jaffé and Neale (Oxon)
Purchase links
Head Girl by Freya Daly SadgroveSwearing is Good for You by Emma Byrne
We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Wed 29 April | 10.30am BST
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. Illustrator Pete Williamson will also be joining him to teach viewers how to draw their very own Skeleton Keys.
In collaboration with Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker The Oundle Bookshop (Peterborough)
In collaboration with Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker The Oundle Bookshop (Peterborough)
Purchase links
Skeleton Keys: The Haunting of Luna Moon by Guy Bass
Wed 29 April | 2.30pm BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Hive (online)
Purchase links
The Year I Didn’t Eat by Samuel Pollen
Wed 29 April | 5.30pm BST
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.
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Nomad (London), Mainstreet Trading Company (Scottish Borders), Mrs Dalloway’s (California), Pages Hackney (London), Toppings (Bath), Shakespeare & Co (Paris)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Nomad (London), Mainstreet Trading Company (Scottish Borders), Mrs Dalloway’s (California), Pages Hackney (London), Toppings (Bath), Shakespeare & Co (Paris)
Purchase links
The Authenticity projects by Clare PooleyInfinite Sky by CJ Flood
Literary Friction by Octavia Bright and Carrie Plitt
Wed 29 April | 7.15pm BST
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), Pages Cheshire Street (London), Golden Hare Books (Edinburgh), Seagull Books (Calcutta)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Books are Magic (Brooklyn), Pegasus Books (Oakland), Pages Cheshire Street (London), Golden Hare Books (Edinburgh), Seagull Books (Calcutta)
Purchase links
Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel M OrtbergA Death in Shonagachhi by Rijula Das
Twenty Theatres to See Before You Die by Amber Massie-Blomfield
Wed 29 April | 9.15pm BST
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)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Mr. B’s (Bath), The Book Hive (Norwich), Barter Books (Alnwick), Toppings (Ely)
Purchase links
Testament by Kim SherwoodThe Light at the End of the Day by Eleanor Wasserberg
Outpost by Dan Richards
Thurs 30 April | 10.30am BST
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Tales on Moon Lane (London)
Purchase links
The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle
Thurs 30 April | 2.30pm BST
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
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: Barter Books, Alnwick
Purchase links
Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective by William Goldsmith
Thurs 30 April | 5.30pm BST
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)
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)
Purchase links
Common People: An Anthology of Working Class Writers Ed. Kit de WallThe Tyranny of Lost Things by Rhiannon L Cosslett
Home Girl by Alex Wheatle
Thurs 30 April | 7.15pm BST
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)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: West End Lane Books (London), Falmouth Bookseller (Cornwall), Hunting Raven (Frome)
Purchase links
Come Again by Robert WebbA Manual for Heartache by Cathy Rentzenbrink
We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Thurs 30 April | 9.15pm BST
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.
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours
Bookshops championed by speakers: Burley Fisher Books (London), Review Bookshop (London), Westend Lane Books (London)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours
Bookshops championed by speakers: Burley Fisher Books (London), Review Bookshop (London), Westend Lane Books (London)
Fri 1 May | 2.30pm BST
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: New Beacon Books, London
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshop championed by speaker: New Beacon Books, London
Purchase links
The Infinite by Patience Agbabi
Fri 1 May | 5.30pm BST
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)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: City Books (Brighton), Mr. B’s (Bath), Red Lion Books (Colchester)
Fri 1 May | 7.15pm BST
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), Unity Books (NZ), Lautréamont Libreria (Montevideo)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: News From Nowhere (Liverpool), Newham Bookshop (London), Unity Books (NZ), Lautréamont Libreria (Montevideo)
Purchase links
Dark Chapter by Winnie M. LiOlder Brother by Daniel Mella
A Sign of Light by Jamie Trower
Fri 1 May | 9.15pm BST
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. Chaired by journalist and academic Azadeh Moaveni, whose latest book 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)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Unity Books (NZ), Big Green Bookshop (London), Vic Books (NZ)
Purchase links
In Our Mad and Furious City by Guy GunaratneThe New Animals by Pip Adam
Guest House for Young Widows: Among the Women of ISIS by Azadeh Moaveni
Sat 2 May | 3.30pm BST
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)
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)
Sat 2 May | 5.30pm BST
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), Hackney Pirates (London), Review Bookshop (London)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: The Aldeburgh Bookshop (Norfolk), Book Hive (Norwich), Broadway Bookshop (London), Hackney Pirates (London), Review Bookshop (London)
Purchase links
The Wolf Road by Richard LambertViper’s Daughter by Michelle Paver
We Swim to the Shark by Georgie Codd
Sat 2 May | 7.15pm BST
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
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: New Beacon Books (London), Brattle Bookshop (Boston, MA), Waterstone’s Birmingham
Purchase links
Hostile Environment: How Immigrants Became Scapegoats by Maya GoodfellowTribes: How our Need to Belong can Make or Break Society by David Lammy
Wasafiri Magazine Ed. Malachi McIntosh
Sat 2 May | 9.15pm BST
Paul Mendez & Niven Govinden hosted by Octavia Bright
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 writer Octavia, 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)
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)
Sun 3 May | 3.30pm BST
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)
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)
Purchase links
Unmarriageable: Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan by Soniah KamalLetters Home by Jennifer Wong
Suncatcher by Romesh Gunesekera
Sun 3 May | 5.30pm BST
Holly Bourne | Intisar Khanani hosted by author C.J. Flood
Teenage Dreams
After mastering the self-published market, Intisar Khanani's first published YA novel Thorn was released earlier this month. She'll be talking to a special guest about writing for a YA audience - from the importance of an authentic voice, to dealing with the big issues and how to access teen language properly when you're no longer in high school! The conversation will be lead by YA author and writer C.J Flood.
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours
Bookshops championed by speakers: Joseph Beth Bookstore (Ohio), Big Green Books (London), Bloom and Curll (Bristol)
Live. Subtitles available after 24 hours
Bookshops championed by speakers: Joseph Beth Bookstore (Ohio), Big Green Books (London), Bloom and Curll (Bristol)
Purchase links
Thorn by Intisar KhananiAll the Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne
Infinite Sky by CJ Flood
Sun 3 May | 7.15pm BST
Lola Olufemi & Becky Manawatu with Renée
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)
Pre-recorded. Subtitles available.
Bookshops championed by speakers: Unity Books (NZ), The Women’s Bookshop (NZ), New Beacon Books (London), The Feminist Library (London)