Joy of Influence: Five Journalists on the Novel that Changed their Lives, King's College London

Andrew Marr, Paul Morley, Paul Mason, Gaby Wood and India Knight discuss the novel that has influenced them in a series of literary talks at King's College London.

Focussing on the overlap between classic fiction and quality non-fiction The Joy of Influence pairs up a series of esteemed journalists with equally accomplished novelists to discuss the way in which a particular book has shaped their literary landscape. This is an insightful way to not only hear some of our most eminent writers across the field of fiction and reportage, but also to join in reflecting upon a curated selection of timeless novels. 

The Talks

Monday 22nd September

Political journalist Andrew Marr will be in conversation with LRB editor Mary-Kay Wilmers. The pair will discuss the continued relevance of Tolstoy's whopping historical masterpiece, War and Peace. 

Tuesday 23rd September

Music writer and rock 'n' roll expert Paul Morley will ruminate on the style and flair of Nabokov's prose in Pale Fire with award-winning novelist and essayist Adam Thirwell.

Friday 26th September

Channel 4 Economics Editor Paul Mason will reveal the ways in which complex Modernist novel Gravity's Rainbow has shaped has been influential with Booker-winning writer Anne Enwright. 

Monday 29th September

Telegraph Books Editor Gaby Wood will reflect upon Italian travel tale, Calvino's The Castle of Crossed Destinies. She will be interviewed by satirical novelist Jonathan Coe.

Friday 3rd October

Journalist cum novelist India Knight will end the series with an insight into the romantic and caustic class comedy, Mitford's The Pursuit of Love. Scottish writer and Esquire Editor Andrew O'Hagan will join her in conversation.