PASSPORT, SUNGLASSES, Robert Harris. There was a time in my twenties when those were pretty much all I needed for a good holiday.
From Fatherland to Conclave (better than the film, for my money), the Cicero trilogy to his often overlooked non-fiction thriller on the Hitler diaries hoax, Harris always knows how to tell a tale.
So I’m thrilled that, hot on the heels of a Patrick Radden Keefe signing queue that spilled down Balham High Road, Denise has somehow wangled for Robert Harris to come to Backstory to sign copies of his latest, Agrippa.
It’s not until October, but it’s well worth snapping up your spot in the queue now. This is a signing rather than an event, but a great opportunity to meet the man himself — or snap up a present dedicated to the history buff in your life.
And that’s far from the only attraction coming soon to a bookshop near you. Here’s a round-up of everything we’ve got lined up for the next couple of months. It’s always worth booking in advance if you can, as our events often sell out.
This Tuesday, 2nd June Jem Calder in conversation with Naomi May — I Want You To Be Happy
Award-winning writer Jem Calder talks to journalist Naomi May about his novel, a funny and excruciating story of trying to find connection in today’s London.
Next Saturday, 9th June, 9.15am Soph’s Plant Kitchen x Backstory Run
Celebrate the launch of Soph’s Plant Kitchen 30 in 30 with a 30-minute run from Backstory led by Sophie
9th June SOLD OUT Sarah O’Connor — We Are Not Machines
The FT journalist explores how AI is transforming work. Will it become lonelier, less creative and less human, or better, safer and more enjoyable?
10th June SELLING FAST Tim Wigmore in conversation with Nathan Johns — Test Cricket: A History
The author of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year charts the history of the sport
16th June George E Osborn — Power Play: Video Games, Politics and The Battle for Global Influence
How gaming is used by autocrats, populists and extremists to influence the world beyond the computer screen.
17th June Chloe Michelle Howarth and Sian Hughes, Heap Earth Upon It and No Such Thing as Monday
Journalist Sarah Shaffi talks to Howarth and Booker-longlisted Hughes about their novels, which both explore family secrets and generational trauma.
23rd June SOLD OUT Helen Lewis in conversation with Rachel Parris — The Genius Myth
The Atlantic staff writer talks with comedian Rachel Parris about the distorting idea of ‘genius’
24th June Soumaya Keynes in conversation with Ed Conway — How To Win A Trade War
The FT columnist talks with Sky’s Economics and Data Editor Ed Conway about the mess Trump is making of the international trade system
29th June Owain Mulligan — The Accidental Soldier
Who knew that the diary of a British solider in Iraq could be so funny? I loved this book and can’t wait to interview Owain about the book and his experiences in the Army.
30th June Fitzcarraldo Editions and Backstory present: Holly Pester — Cafés
Join us to celebrate a new collection, published by Fitzcarraldo, by one of today’s most exciting poets
7th July Alasdair Gill in conversation with Octavia Bright — Knives and Spoons: A Chef’s Story of Kitchens, Addictions and Mayhem
A raw and honest look at the chaotic, and often toxic, world of professional kitchens.
13th July Tuppence Middleton — Scorpions
Actor Tuppence Middleton joins us to talk about her visceral, raw and darkly humorous memoir about living with obsessive compulsive disorder
14th July Sudi Pigott in conversation with Ben Tish — Consider the Anchovy
The Balham local and food writer talks to chef and writer Ben Tish about her passionate manifesto celebrating anchovies
21st July Rupal Patel and Jack Leslie — Money: The Inside Story
Who better to explain how the economy runs than the Bank of England? Two of the Bank’s economists join us to unpack how money really works — and what happens when it doesn’t.
28th July Antonia Hodgson in conversation with Georgia Summers — The Raven Scholar
The author of one of Backstory’s favourite fantasy novels of recent times (don’t get Darby or Savannah started…) joins fellow author Georgia Summers to chat all things fantasy
So yes… just a few things on the horizon.
I very much hope to see you soon at one or more of these events.
In the meantime, happy reading!
Tom
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