Cambridge Literature Festival is running from 18th-23rd of March, with a whole host of events on more than just books. The festival brings together experts, writers, journalists and academics to look at a variety of topics, from politics to lifestyle, so there is something for everyone. Check out our top recommendations:
If you are going for the books….
The Good Immigrant was a 'must read' of 2016, and three writers who contributed to this amazing compilation on race in modern Britain will be discussing these issues in person.
Darren Chetty, Vera Chok & Coco Khan –The Good Immigrant| Friday 21st April 6.30-7.30pm | Old Divinity School | £10/£7
Shafak is the most widely read female writer in Turkey, and her book The Three Daughters of Eve released earlier this year has cemented her popularity in the UK. Here she discusses the book, and country, that saddles and negotiates two vastly different cultures.
Elif Shafak – Three Daughters of Eve |Saturday 22nd April 1-2pm | Palmerston Room | £10/£7
If politics is your thing….
The election of President Drumpf was something many people felt could never happen and the reality of it left many reeling. In 'USA 100 Days On'a panel of experts discuss the repercussions of Drumpf's first 100 days.
Sarah Churchwell, Erica Wagner & Andrew Preston– USA: 100 Days On| Saturday 22nd April 10-11am | Palmerston Room | £10/£7
The New Statesman Debate 'This house believes that we are living through a new 1930s' is likely to explore a raft of current events from Brexit to Drumpf, questioning whether the spread of nationalism and resurgence of fascist attitudes may mean history is repeating itself. This will be the political centrepiece of the festival so not one to miss!
New Statesman Debate – This house believes that we are living through a new 1930s | Saturday 22nd April 2.30-4pm | Union Chamber | £12/£7
'Brexit: What Next?' is a panel addressing a question which many of us are asking. Experts will look at the process of leaving the EU and what the future might look like.
David Goodhart, Chris West & Julian Huppert – Brexit: What Next? | Sunday 23rd April 10-11am | Palmerston Room | £10/£7
For a lifestyle fix….
You would have to be living under a rock to have missed the 'hygge' trend at the end of 2016. Worry not because Louisa Thomsen Brits is here to help us understand the concept and show us how to establish a feeling of homeliness, comfort and belonging, concepts she explores in her Book of Hygge.
Louisa Thomsen Brits – The Book of Hygge|Saturday 22nd April 11.30am-12.30pm | Palmerston Room | £10/£7
For the activists….
'Prejudice and Pride' is a celebratory event to mark the 50th Anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK with a panel including cookery writer, campaigner and columnist Jack Monroe, writer Andrew Solomon & journalist Paul Flynn looking at what has changed in 50 years.
Jack Monroe, Andrew Solomon & Paul Flynn –Prejudice and Pride| Saturday 22nd April 8.30-9.30pm Union Chamber £12/£7
If you are still in the spirit of protest after the Women's March on Washington, join Catherine Mayer, co-founder of the Women's Equality Party, and Jess Phillips, Labour MP and chair of the Women's Parliamentary Party, for 'Women on the March'.
Jess Phillips & Catherine Mayer |Sunday 23rd April 11.30am-12.30pm | Union Chamber | £12/£7
Many people would argue that we don't need 'Women's Prizes' any more, however when we look at representation in non-fiction, we see that influential subjects of politics and economics are still male-dominated. The Virago and The New Statesman hope to put an end to this with their new Women's Prize for Politics and Economics. Publishers, editors and the first winner come together to look at why women need to claim their place in these subjects.
Virago & the New Statesman – Where AreAll the Women? |Sunday 23rd April 4-5pm | Old Divinity School | £10/£7
If you love YA or children's literature…
If you are bored of princesses trapped in towers and damsels in distress then check out the Carnegie Medal nominated YA novel Lorali by performance poet and novelist Laura Dockrill, a dark and exciting mermaid fantasy you can really dive into. A must for teens and YA fans!
Laura Dockrill –Mermaid Tales | Sunday 23rd April 2.30-3.30pm | Old Divinity School | £6 | Age 12+
Best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson needs no introduction! Join her as she remembers her own favourite children's books and offers a sneak-peek of her newest novel. You absolutely can't miss this.
Jacqueline Wilson | Saturday 22nd April 10-11am | Union Chamber | £8 | Age 9+
What a variety. I am glad to see this much variety in the discussions of literature as opposed to unashamed self-promotion.