Blake Morrison, the master of life writing, returns to Blackheath Halls, having appeared many times before, including memorably with the Hosepipe Band. In conversation with Suzi Feay, Blake will discuss two remarkable recent works: his delightful literary compendium On Memoir and his deeply moving poetry collection Afterburn.
Ranging from AI to Ethics to Politics and Sex, On Memoir is an A-Z exploration of narrative non-fiction, its challenges and charms, and its power to move and change us. Gleaned from a lifetime as a passionate reader of others’ lives and an unflinchingly honest chronicler of his own, Morrison’s guide is a trove of thoughtful literary exploration, amusing observations, and fascinating finds.
In Afterburn, Morrison returns to poetry, his first calling. The collection includes two extraordinary sequences, one about his sister, the other about Elizabeth Bishop, exploring memory and the small intimacies that bind us to others under time’s lengthening shadow. Playful and charming, sometimes rakishly so, Afterburn nevertheless reveals an open and vulnerable heart.
There will be an opportunity for audience questions following the conversation, with copies of both books available for purchase.
This promises to be a special evening with one of our most beloved literary voices.