The Kilburn Literary Festival - Festival of Books

Violinist will play as the Festival of Books is opened by Festival Organiser Maria Brennan.

Vanora Bennett, winner of the Orwell Prize and award winning journalist, will read from her latest paperback, Midnight In St. Petersburg. Fleeing the anarchy of pre-revolutionary Russia, Inna Feldman finds refuge with a family of violin makers, and is instantly welcomed into their bohemian world, but change is in the air. Her latest book The White Russian is about Russian émigrés in jazz-age Paris.

‘Historical fiction at its best’ – The Times

Alan Monaghan – prize winning author of the The Soldier’s Song, which tells the story of an Irish soldier who fought for the British Army in the First World War – and then returned to an Ireland in turmoil, will be reading extracts from his work.

‘A beautifully written, objective tale of one man’s war…The Soldier’s Song is a view of a changing world gone mad, and will stay with me for a long time.’ – Daily Mail

Alan Monaghan – discussion with Shevaun Wilder from The Irish Literary Society, Ireland’s forgotten sacrifices in The Great War.

The afternoon will be interspersed with readings from the Irish First World War poet – Francis Ledwidge.

How To Make A Book is a fun activity for children as they learn to make their own book to take home.
Vicky de Lacy will read from her Chickadeedee series

Budding authors can take part in our Speed Event – 5 minutes to talk to an author, agent, editor or publisher. Book-in on arrival.

Geraldine Cooke – Publisher and Literary Agent will be running a Creative Writing Corner and aspiring writers will join local authors Jill Goldman and Michael Hobbs as they read their work. Visitors will be encouraged to develop their own writing.

Local bookshops and publishers will be on hand to chat throughout the afternoon and visitors can relax in the comfy sofas of this newly refurbished landmark.

The Sanctuary café will be open throughout the event.