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The toughest seat in town this week might be the Dan Brown trial, but for those of us who enjoy a bit more literary value and a bit less sensationalism, there are quite a few other big names appearing around London over the next few days...
Events Around London:
Tonight, American novelist Jay McInerney makes an appearance in London to celebrate the release of his novel The Good Life, an early example of what is sure to become an entire genre: the September 11th novel. Waterstone's Picadilly. 7pm. 203-206 Picadilly. £3, redeemable against a purchase.
Also tonight, writers Helen Dunmore, Anna Enquist and Michel Faber join forces to discuss the pros, cons, and complications involved in writing historical figures for today's audiences. The talk is part of the "Stop the Clock" series, in which writers have been gathering discuss the perception of time in literature. 7:45pm. South Bank Centre. £8.50.
Also tonight, Roy Hattersley stops by the British Library to discuss his new book, The Edwardians, much of which focuses on the literature of the period. 6:30pm. 96 Euston Road. FREE.
Tomorrow (the 15th), Robert McCrum talks with Malcom Gladwell (pictured) about his bestselling Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. The event appears to be sold out, but we thought it worth menntioning anyway, just in case you know of a way to snag a ticket. 7pm. South Bank Centre. £7.
On Thursday (the 16th), John Hartley Williams reflects on the influence of Shelley on Williams' own writing, as part of the new "Under the Influence" series at the London Review Bookshop. 7pm. 14 Bury Place. £10 (£5 for subscribers). Tickets must be purchased through The Poetry Society by calling 020 7420 9895.
New Releases:
On the Spur of Speed, by J.E. Fender
The Day I Wasn't There, by Helene Cixous
One Summer, by Rachel Billington
Sacrifices, by Michael Fishwick
Red: An Alphabet, by Allan Sealy
The Match, by Romesh Gunesekera
Other News:
The Commonwelath Writers' Prize will be announced today. Check out the shortlist here.