We're rather excited about the Peckham Literary Festival - it's packing some absolute corkers into a little less than a fortnight and everything's free. We're already looking up a suitable tome to take along to the Firestation Book Swap, which usually happens in Windsor but occasionally goes on tour. The last time it ventured within the M25 it sold out the London Review Bookshop so get your name down now. Publisher Scott Pack hosts, with authors Cathy Rogers and DJ Connell, whose book Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar is one of our favourite reads this year. Oh, and there's also likely to be cake.
Neither Am I will bring a form of mayhem to the Review Bookshop and regale the audience with tales of Booker glory, unconscious lust, fake murderers, fear of people and sausages (we're not sure if this is fear of sausages or just tales of sausages), with the help of actual, real live Booker winner Howard Jacobson. More storytelling comes from the comedy writers, actors and novelists who usually sell out the Good Ship in Kilburn with their Tall Tales, or if you prefer a hint of India try Sally Pomme Clayton and Sophie Herxheimer telling the story of Rama and Sita.
Betty Trask winner and Booker shortlisted Tibor Fischer reads some of his favourite bits of his work, backed up by new novelist Grant Gillespie. Travis Elborough, whose London Quiz book we like, is talking about the seaside and Nikesh Shukla reads from his new book Coconut Unlimited. (We're hoping to be treated to some beatboxing.)
Helen Adie and Kate Miller host a participatory night of poetry at the Montpelier pub (submit your Peckham haiku now!), the East Dulwich Writers Group read extracts from their latest anthology, and there's bellydancing plus stories from 1001 Nights. Seriously, what more do you people need?
The Peckham Literary Festival runs 17th-26th November at the Review Bookshop and Persepolis. All events are free but it'll help if you let them know you're coming - booking instructions can be found on the website.
