Celebrating Virago Modern Classics - Daunt Books Spring Festival

Daunt Books’ inaugural Spring Festival promises a programme to dazzle and delight lovers of literature. Celebrating Virago Classics offers a unique insight into acclaimed female writers' perspectives and experiences as readers. Deborah Levy, whose recent novel Swimming Home was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize, the award-winning Maggie O’Farrell, and the novelist and Financial Times columnist Susie Boyt will each share the Modern Classics novel that most inspires them with an intimate audience. Chairing the event is Lennie Goodings who is head of Virago, a publishing house noted for the support and success it gives female writers.

With an impressive collation of titles to draw from, the Virago Classics to be discussed include those written by Angela Carter, Elizabeth Taylor, Molly Keane and Muriel Spark. The contemporary writers will discuss how these novels continue to move them and influence their own writing. With a slight twist on the trend for authors talking about their own work, or academics discussing that of others, this event offers a refreshing reflection on how a favourite book can shape both readers and writers.

Check out the full Spring Festival programme. Events run throughout Thursday 27th and Friday 28th and are scheduled to encourage a cultural lunch hour treat, or school-run detour.