Lit Preview: Jewish Book Week 2012

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 145 months ago
Lit Preview: Jewish Book Week 2012


The Queen isn't the only one celebrating a diamond jubilee this year. Jewish Book Week also notches up 60 years and refreshes itself with a new venue, Kings Place.

Over 100 speakers pack the events programme of panel discussions, meet the author sessions, workshops and spoken-word performances. We like the look of:

Jonathan Safran-Foer: with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close hitting cinemas now, the novelist talks about a new version of The Haggadah, the the story of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt on Saturday 25 February at 7.30pm (£9.50).

The launch of Jewish London: Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky's new book is a guide to the heritage and culture of London’s historic and current Jewish community and the launch event includes a film screening of an east end film on Sunday 19 February at 11am (£6.50).

Fagin the Jew: Yep, Dickens is everywhere this year... an esteemed panel take a look at the Jewishness of this iconic character on Sunday 19 February at 3.30pm (£9.50).

Lady of Fleet Street: the first biography of 19th century newspaper editor Rachel Sassoon Beer is discussed on Sunday 19 February at 6.30pm (£9.50).

The Golem: if The Artist gave you a taste for silent film, watch this 1920 classic with live musical accompaniment on Sunday 19 February at 8pm (£9.50).

Ron Arad: listen to the man who put the massive silicon curtain in the Roundhouse last year talk about his passion for design on Wednesday 22 February at 7pm (£9.50).

Etgar Keret: the surreal short story master talks to journalist Tim Samuels, interspersed with readings of his work on Thursday 23 February at 7pm (£9.50).

David Schneider's Olympic comedy: the actor and comedian (if you're not familiar with Alan Partridge, remember the train driver at the end of Mission Impossible?) presents his made up history of the Jews and the Olympics on Thursday 23 February at 8.30pm (£14.50 - £9.50 if you buy online).

Jay Rayner chats and plays jazz piano: he promises to be 'enthusiastic' if not exactly note perfect, talking about the music that has shaped his life on Sunday 26 February at 8.30pm (£9.50).

But there's so much more - consult the full programme here.

In addition, entry to the book fair is free as always and look out for artist Willow Winston's book themed art installations as you wander about. If you miss out on any tasty sessions — some of the biggies are sold out already — talks will be available as free podcasts via iTunes after the event.

Jewish Book Week 2012 runs from Saturday 18-Sunday 26 February at Kings Place, 90 York Way N1 9AG

Last Updated 16 February 2012