Thursday 25th April 7pm (doors 6:30) David's Bookshop
Making History with Richard Cohen
Who writes the past?
And how do the biases of storytellers - whether Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare or Simon Schama - influence our ideas about history today? Epic, authoritative and entertaining, Making History delves into the lives of those who have charted human history - professional historians, witnesses, novelists, journalists and propagandists - to discover the agendas that informed their world views, and which in so many ways have informed ours. From the origins of history-writing through to television and the digital age, Making History abounds in captivating figures brought to vivid life, from Thucydides and Tacitus to Voltaire and Gibbon, from Winston Churchill to Mary Beard. Rich in character, complex truths and surprising anecdotes, the result is a unique exploration of both the aims and craft of history-making that will lead us to think anew about our past and ourselves.
Wednesday 15th May, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ David's Bookshop
An Evening with John Connolly for The Instruments of Darkness
We are delighted to announce an event with John Connolly for his new Charlie Parker Thriller, The Instruments of Darkness. John Connolly has over 30 published works, including the popular Charlie Parker series. He has won the Edgar, Anthony, Shamus, and Macavity awards in the US, a CWA Dagger in the UK, and an Irish Book Award.
In Maine, Colleen Clark stands accused of the worst crime a mother can commit: the abduction and possible murder of her child. Everyone - ambitious politicians in an election season, hardened police, ordinary folk - has an opinion on the case, and most believe she is guilty. But most is not all.
Defending Colleen is the lawyer Moxie Castin, and working alongside him is the private investigator Charlie Parker, who senses the tale has another twist, one involving a husband too eager to accept his wife's guilt, a disgraced psychic seeking redemption, and an old crooked house deep in the Maine woods, a house that should never have been built.
Tuesday 21st May, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ David's Bookshop
An Evening with Benjamina Ebuehi for I'll Bring Dessert
With tasters! Being the designated 'dessert person' is often met with panic, but Benji is here to show you that not only is it fun, but it's simple to create desserts with wow-factor all year round no matter the day, season or occasion. Chapters cover Something Fruity, Something Chocolatey, Something Creamy, Something Nutty and Something on the Side and each includes a mix of hot and cold desserts, vegan and gluten free recipes (or simple swaps), and recipes that can be made in advance or on the day with tips on how to transport or finish assembling later.
Benjamina writes a food column for The Guardian here, with some incredibly delicious recipes and we can't wait to host her at the bookshop.
Wednesday 22nd May, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ David's Bookshop
An Evening with Letitia Clark for Wild Figs and Fennel: A Year in an Italian Kitchen
Tasting and a demo!
Indulge in a year of Italian culinary bliss.
Wild Figs & Fennel is not just a collection of seasonal recipes; it's a passport to the Mediterranean, a charming journey into the ease and pleasure that defines Italian life. Chef and food writer Letitia Clark brings together simple Italian flavours and lighter, modern interpretations with an aim to put the best of each seasons ingredients at centre stage.
From refreshing summer salads to steaming bowls of wintery pasta, you’ll find classics such as Sausage Lasagne with Ricotta, Pecorino and Fennel and Orange Blossom and Honey Amaretti alongside more creative combinations of Lemon Ricotta Souffle Pancakes, Pumpkin Gnocchi Fried in Sage Butter and Ricotta, Lemon and Herb-Stuffed Courgette Flowers. The occasional addition of meat and fish enhances rather than dominates, making these dishes fit seamlessly into a modern way of eating.
Whether you’re looking for a supper for one or cooking for a hungry crowd, Letitia's vibrant and accessible recipes will guide you through the year, drawing inspiration from Italy’s beautiful seasonal produce along the way.
Wednesday 12th June, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ Central Methodist Church
An Evening with Alison Weir
We are thrilled to welcome bestselling author and historian Alison Weir back to David's for a talk on her new novel Mary I: Queen of Sorrows.
Alison Weir is a bestselling historical novelist of Tudor fiction, and the leading female historian in the United Kingdom. She has published more than thirty books, including many leading works of non-fiction, and has sold over three million copies worldwide. Alison is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces. Alison Weir’s new Tudor novel, a tale full of drama and tragedy, tells the story of how a princess with such promise, loved by all who knew her, becomes the infamous Bloody Mary.
DATE CHANGE: Tuesday 18th June, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ David's Bookshop
Baking with Pride: An Evening with GBBO's Janusz Domagala
Tasting and author talk! Join us for a joyous celebration of Pride and baking with GBBO standout star, Janusz Domagala. The 100 recipes include cakes, cookies, buns, cheesecake, tarts, brownies, meringues, cupcakes and lots more. Whether you want to show yourself some self-love, throw a brunch for friends, or host a huge Pride party with a show-stopping cake there's something here for you.
Wednesday 19th June, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ Central Methodist Church
Shirley Ballas for Murder on the Dance Floor
Join us for a night of sequins, sparkles and solving crime, with Strictly legend Shirley Ballas! Taking place at Letchworth's Central Methodist Church, Shirley is here to celebrate the paperback publication of her latest novel Murder on the Dance Floor.
Murder on the Dance Floor is a backstage pass to a world where the most ambitious will stop at nothing to win. Two amateur detectives on the case, one second chance romance, sex, lies and backstabbing and a whole lot of deadly ambition...
Tuesday 9th July, 7pm (doors 6:30) @ David's Bookshop
An Evening with Julia Armfield for Private Rites
The bestselling author of Our Wives Under the Sea returns with a stunning, unsettling novel following three sisters navigating queer love and faith at the end of the world.
It’s been raining for a long time now, for so long that the lands have reshaped themselves and the cities have retreated to higher storeys. Old places have been lost. Arcane rituals and religions have crept back into practice.
Sisters Isla, Irene and Agnes have not spoken in some time when their estranged father dies. A famous architect revered for making the new world navigable, he had long cut himself off from public life. They find themselves uncertain of how to grieve his passing when everything around them seems to be ending anyway.
As the sisters come together to clear the grand glass house that is the pinnacle of his legacy, they begin to sense that the magnetic influence of their father lives on through it. Soon it becomes clear that others have also taken an interest in both his estate and in them, and that perhaps their inheritance may not be theirs alone.
Thursday 11th July, 6:30pm (doors 6pm) @ David's Bookshop
An Evening with Melissa Hemsley for Real Healthy
Delicious, wholesome, life-friendly recipes to help you eat well, every day.
‘Real Healthy is my kind of cooking – nourishing, easy, full-flavoured and veg-packed meals for real life. With shortcuts, simple batch cooking, time-saving traybakes and packed lunches you’ll actually look forward to(!), I hope this book helps busy people and families navigate the tricky problem of how to cut back on ultra-processed foods.’ - Melissa Hemsley
Melissa has long been an advocate for making wholesome, healthy food at home and is passionate about providing solutions for people who are scared by the headlines, and keen to make cost- and timeeffective changes that help un-process their everyday diet. With 90 recipes such as One-Pot Lazy Lasagne, Cherry Almond Granola, Take-To-Work White Bean Chicken Chilli, as well as ‘build your own’ recipes for UPF-free soups, sandwiches and smoothies. She also offers handy hints for freezing food, and maintaining a well-stocked, useable, and UPF-free store cupboard.
This is not a diet book nor a demonisation of ultra-processed foods. Melissa is not suggesting that completely cutting out UPFs is necessary or even possible (they are an essential option for some people), instead Real Healthy is a cookbook hoping to provide solutions for those looking to readdress the balance of what’s on their plates.