Saving the Story, London Review Bookshop

Save the Story is dedicated to reworking literature for a younger audience - but unlike the plethora of abridged or simplified classics; these tales don’t patronise young readers. Instead, each tale is given a creative resurrection, courtesy of our finest contemporary writers.

The intiative’s founder Alessandro Baricco will discuss Save the Story and his own creation: a child-friendly Don Juan. Tackling literature’s lustiest lothario, this was no mean feat. Celebrated writer and fellow story contributor Jonathan Coe will join him and present his adaptation of Swift’s classic Gulliver’s Travels. A novelist renowned for satirical humour, Coe’s authorial voice draws out the political themes that underpin Gulliver’s hare-brained journey.

This project makes for a fascinating topic due to the breadth of classic tales, from King Lear to Gilgamesh, and the impressive selection of contemporary writers, including Umberto Eco, Ali Smith and Dave Eggers.

Note: though the books are aimed at children, this talk is for adults.