The Marlborough LitFest choice for this year’s Big Town Read is Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Cleave’s book is a historical novel set in London and Malta during the Second World War and based on the experiences of the author’s grandparents – in particular the real-life love letters between them.
Chris Cleave is best known for his debut novel Incendiary, which is narrated by a woman who lost her husband and child in a terror attack, and also for his novel Gold, which was published on the eve of London 2012 Olympics.
Gold recounts the story of three cyclists preparing for the Olympic Games. Chris will be appearing during Marlborough LitFest at 5pm on Sunday, 30 September in Marlborough Town Hall.
The Big Town Read works in partnership with The Reading Agency and with the support of local libraries. The aim is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to read for pleasure and empowerment.
Genevieve Clarke, LitFest’s Programme Manager said: “We’re all about encouraging people to share their enjoyment of reading, so it’s a pleasure to be involved with the annual Big Town Read. Chris Cleave will be a perfect fit as he loves to debate with his audience.”
Free copies of the novel will be available from Marlborough Library during the summer. In previous years, readers have returned their copies to the Library for others to read after them.
Big Town Read’s visiting author event has proved very popular with audiences – particularly local book groups who enjoy the group discussion and the ability to have a Q&A session with the author. Previous Big Town Read authors have included Laline Paull, Sathnam Sanghera, Jackie Kay, Rachel Joyce and Elizabeth Buchan.
Kay Newman of Marlborough LitFest believes The Big Town Read is a really special event: “It gives everyone the rare chance to read a book well in advance, with friends, and then come together to the LitFest and talk to the author. Chris Cleave will be a brilliant Big Town Read author. He is charming, fun, and just loves talking to people about his work.”
Once the LitFest Box Office opens on 11 July, tickets for the Chris Cleave event will be available at £10 each through the LitFest website – or from The White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough or through Pound Arts Tel: 01249 701628 / 01249 712618.