Reading Group Meet-the-Author Evening
| March 19, 2012 | ||
| 7:30 pm | to | 10:30 pm |
Do you belong to a Reading Group in or around Bognor? Why not get reading novels written by three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong local connections with West Sussex, then come along to Bognor Library in March to join us for an fun and friendly evening of readings, conversation, and a chance to discuss your questions about the books.
DATE: 19th March 2012
TIME: 7.30pm
PLACE: Bognor Library
TICKET DETAILS: here
Gabrielle Kimm’s debut novel, His Last Duchess, was published by Little, Brown in 2010 and was long-listed for the RNA Novel of the Year. Her second novel, The Courtesan’s Lover, shortlisted for the Impress Prize, was released in November 2011. Gabrielle lives and works in Sussex. As well as her writing, she is also an English teacher, and has taught in a number of local schools. The Courtesan’s Lover – this passionate story resounds with historic truth and makes for a vibrant journey around the Naples of the past - (Italia! magazine)
Isabel Ashdown’s debut novel Glasshopper was twice named in the press as one of the best books of 2009. Her second novel, Hurry Up and Wait, was published by Myriad in June 2011. Isabel grew up in East Wittering, and the Sussex Coast continues to be an important influence in much of her writing. Her prize-winning entry to the Mail on Sunday Novel Competition was described by judges Fay Weldon and John Mortimer as ‘magnificent’ (Glasshopper, 2009).
Jane Rusbridge, winner of the Philip Lebrun Prize, is published by Bloomsbury. Her first novel, The Devil’s Music, was nominated for the 2011 International IMPAC Literary Award. Her second, Rook, is set in Bosham and published in August 2012. The Rusbridge family has farmed in the local area for generations and Jane gains much of her inspiration for setting and atmosphere from the Wittering seascapes. ‘A highly original, fresh, new talent of rare quality’ – The Lady
Books will be available to buy at the special event price of £5, signed by the authors.
Local Book Group Visit
| February 7, 2012 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 10:00 pm |
Joining local book group to discuss The Devil’s Music with readers.
Private meeting.
Details to be confirmed
Sea Glass: The Story behind a Christmas Giveaway
Sea-glass is something we have probably all picked up at one time or another, if we’ve spent any time on a beach. I’ll pick up any pieces I spot on a walk along Wittering beach and, whenever I sit on the shingle, I’ll be raking my fingers through the pebbles, searching. After years of living near the sea with children, the collection of such ‘treasures’ along the shoreline has left me with an assortment of bottles filled sea-glass in various sizes and shapes, misty colours in shades of green, white and brown, as well as my favourite, the cobalt blue.
What is it that we find alluring about the chips of coloured glass? For me it’s the texture and colour, the connection with the sea and the mystery of where and what have they come from, these broken fragments rolled on the ocean’s bed for who knows how many years, smoothed and frosted by the motion of waves against sand and pebbles until they are in some way whole again. Sea glass invites the beachcomber to pause, to hold each piece up to the light and wonder at its origins, the story behind its journey. Sea-glass is rare, but not too rare, and it’s free. I’m sure I’m not alone in preferring sea-glass to diamonds.
Designer Harriet McAlonan and I came across each other on twitter – I can’t remember how, but I’m guessing it was through our shared passion for the sea. Browsing the Sea Sparkle website, filled with beautiful bracelets, necklaces and earrings fashioned in silver with sea glass collected from Devon and Cornwall’s beaches, I bought some of Harriet’s delicate jewellery for myself and my daughters.
When Harriet read The Devil’s Music, she was inspired to make her own version of a bracelet the mother, Helen, receives at the end of the novel. The bracelet arrives in an envelope from Crete in a padded Jiffy envelope, and is in the form of a Celtic shield knot, which Helen takes as a clue it is a gift made by the son she has not seen since he was nine years old. I was delighted when Harriet sent me a picture of a similar bracelet she’d made, inspired by the knot work described in the novel. So, although Harriet’s bracelet is not yet available for sale, she and I have teamed together to offer a special Christmas Giveaway: Harriet’s Get Knotted necklace comes with a FREE signed copy of The Devil’s Music – for all those who, like us, love the sea.
Meet the Chichester Book Club Authors:
| March 19, 2012 | ||
| 7:30 pm | to | 10:30 pm |
Come and meet Chichester Book Club authors Jane Rusbridge, Gabrielle Kimm and Isabel Ashdown at Bognor Library on March 19th, at 7.30pm.
Gabrielle Kimm, His Last Duchess, was published by Little, Brown in 2010 and long-listed for the RNA Novel of the Year. Her second novel, The Courtesan’s Lover , shortlisted for the Impress Prize, was released in November 2011. Gabrielle lives and works in Sussex. As well as her writing, she is also an English teacher, and has taught in a number of local schools.
His Last Duchess (Sphere) is ‘ full of fascinating period detail and simmering with tension’ – Lancashire Evening Post.
Isabel Ashdown’s debut novel Glasshopper was twice named in the press as one of the best books of 2009. Her second novel, Hurry Up and Wait, was published by Myriad in June 2011. Isabel grew up in East Wittering, and the Sussex Coast continues to be an important influence in much of her writing.
Her prize-winning entry to the Mail on Sunday Novel Competition was described by judges Fay Weldon and John Mortimer as ‘magnificent’ (Glasshopper, 2009).
Jane Rusbridge’s first novel, The Devil’s Music (Bloomsbury, 2009) was nominated for the 2011 International IMPAC Literary Award. Her second, Rook (2012) is set in Bosham and explores the mystery surrounding Harold II burial place. The Rusbridge family has farmed in the local area for generations and Jane gains much of her inspiration for setting and atmosphere from the Wittering seascapes.
‘a highly original, fresh, new talent of rare quality’ – The Lady
Christmas Open House with local artists and authors
| December 3, 2011 | ||
| 2:00 pm | to | 6:00 pm |
| 2:00 pm | to | 6:00 pm |
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