Clapham Book Festival 2022

The days are shortening, the light slants low across the Common and the leaves fall. It’s nearly October, which must mean Clapham’s quirky book festival is around the corner. This year’s edition has something for everyone. There are literary walks – can you guess which Harry Potter character gets his name from a road in Clapham on J.K.Rowling’s route to work? Or which fictional Clapham pater familias nearly caused a rift between an Oscar-winning director and his famous star? The first walk takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 9th October, starting from Omnibus Theatre and it’s already filling up, so get your tickets now. The second is on the morning of the Showcase Day, Saturday October 15th. This is followed by three live author events at the theatre.

Twice winner of the CWA Historical Dagger, Abir Mukherjee has also won the Wilbur Smith Award for Adventure Writing. He’ll be discussing ‘The Shadows of Men’ the latest installment in his Wyndham and Bannerjee series, set in 1920s India, with Julie Anderson, local crime writer, at 3pm. Then Dame Jenni Murray, broadcaster, writer and campaigner, discusses remarkable women in history, Woman’s Hour and much more with novelist and Clapham resident Elizabeth Buchan at 5pm. The day is rounded off at 7pm with eminent and much decorated historian, Sir Antony Beevor, discussing his latest new book ‘Russia: Revolution and Civil War 1917 – 1921’ and Russia in general, with Cambridge historian, Dr Piers Brendon. A particularly pertinent topic right now. Read our interview with Sir Antony. 

And the festival doesn’t end there. Following the success of 2021’s hybrid edition with Zoom events and discussions, presented with Time & Leisure, which is media partner for the event, two local writers will be appearing online. On Monday 17th October at 7pm West Camel, nominee for The Guardian’s ‘Not the Booker’ prize and for the Polari debut prize will be discussing his new book, ‘Fall’ set in Deptford. Then on the evening of 22nd November, Shafik Meghji, award-winning travel writer, journalist and author will be talking about his book ‘Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia’ and South America.

Tickets for all events can be found at Clapham Book Festival Tickets Autumn 2022 – Payhip