Daunt Books Festival 2018

Books are back on the agenda at the Daunt Books Festival 2018: bibliophiles are invited to the bookseller’s flagship store for a programme of author-led talks. Some of the best contemporary writers share thoughts on their books over the two days.

They say literature is the mirror of society – in keeping with this idea the talks focus on 2018’s big topics, ranging from Brexit to post–truth and poems for the soul. Whether you’re into fact or fiction, this is a firm literary favourite.

Here are our highlights:

Fall Out: A Year of Political Mayhem with Tim Shipman (15 March, 8.30pm)

Tim Shipman, political editor of the Sunday Times, talks about the past year of political meltdown. Starting after the referendum, his entertaining new book Fall Out: A Year of Political Mayhem chronicles the madness featuring a whole host of familiar figures.

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A Cycle of Seasons with Ali Smith (16 March, 7pm)

Ali Smith, described as ‘Scotland’s Nobel laureate-in-waiting’, speaks about her newest novel Winter, the second book in her seasonal Quartet. The prize-winning writer examines the present day through a story rooted in art, love and laughter.

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Mayhem with Sigrid Rausing (15 March, 12pm)

A true tale of drug addiction in one of Britain’s wealthiest families, Mayhem is a powerful memoir recounting the reasons for the tragic death of Eva Rausing. The story, which was closely followed by the tabloids, is told by Sigrid Rausing who offers her personal perspective on her family’s struggle. Listen to her speak about her book and the controversy surrounding it.

Click here to see the full programme of talks.