literature – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk A blog from a lifestyle journo covering culture, food and style in London and beyond. Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:50:47 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cropped-logo_2017-32x32.jpg literature – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk 32 32 Five Dope Tracks is a curation of dope music, five tracks at a time. Check out the monthly playlist each month on Spotify. literature – The Cultural Exposé clean episodic literature – The Cultural Exposé megerecooper@gmail.com megerecooper@gmail.com (literature – The Cultural Exposé) The Five Dope Tracks music podcast literature – The Cultural Exposé http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/five_dope_tracks_podcast_cover.jpg http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk Currently reading: The Sellout by Paul Beatty http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/currently-reading-the-sellout-by-paul-beatty/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/currently-reading-the-sellout-by-paul-beatty/#comments Thu, 28 Apr 2016 07:00:03 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=11445 When I heard Paul Beatty, author of The White Boy Shuffle, was releasing his new book this year, I was elated. It was a fantastic read, so here’s to hoping The Sellout is just a hilarious, provocative and thought-provoking. The Guardian seems to think so. What books are you getting through this year? 

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When I heard Paul Beatty, author of The White Boy Shuffle, was releasing his new book this year, I was elated. It was a fantastic read, so here’s to hoping The Sellout is just a hilarious, provocative and thought-provoking. The Guardian seems to think so.

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What books are you getting through this year? 

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What we’ve been up to… Stylist Book Club presents: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/what-weve-been-up-to-stylist-book-club-presents-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/what-weve-been-up-to-stylist-book-club-presents-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/#comments Fri, 30 May 2014 10:00:09 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=9016 When life gives you the opportunity to connect with one of the most remarkable writers of our time, you don’t waiver. Which is probably why just over a month ago, tickets for this exclusive event with the award-winning Chimamanda Adichie sold out within hours (while around 500 people tried their luck with the waiting list, […]

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When life gives you the opportunity to connect with one of the most remarkable writers of our time, you don’t waiver. Which is probably why just over a month ago, tickets for this exclusive event with the award-winning Chimamanda Adichie sold out within hours (while around 500 people tried their luck with the waiting list, according to organisers). Those fortunate enough to snag a ticket were sent a copy of her latest novel Americanah to read ahead of the glamorous evening at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel on 29th May.

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Adichie’s third novel  – which won the US National Book Critics Circle award earlier this year –  uses love to masterfully explores race, immigration and identity  and it’s just as beautiful and charming as its author. When the 36-year-old appeared on the stage with Stylist publishing director Glenda Marchant, we cheered, instagrammed and tweeted our delight. She read a short excerpt from the book and was interviewed by Marchant, before the audience got the chance to ask questions about everything from her writing process to her thoughts on Beyoncé, who sampled the author for her single Flawless. But many people simply wanted to thank Adichie, particularly one man who shared how the book helped him understand how to become a better father to his daughter.

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The night was capped with Adichie signing books and taking pictures with her fans, proving that with all the right elements (stunning venue, wine, canapés) book clubs can be pretty fabulous: but landing a phenomenal author doesn’t hurt either, so well done Stylist!

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Below are some of my favourite quotes from Adichie on the night:

On writing Americanah
“I know I wanted a love story. But I’m also suspicious of excessive happiness”

On the book’s lead character
“People have said they didn’t like Ifemelu. But what does it mean to be likeable? And how much does that deny you of who you are?”

On the representation of women in the novel
“Strong women are not remarkable to me – they’re normal”

On exploring mental health in the book and admitting to suffer from depression 
“(Depression) is something (Africans) don’t have the language to talk about”

On Barack Obama
“There’s a thoughtfulness to him. There’s a liberal backlash I find it difficult to understand and I find it unfair. I find that anger has to do with a certain liberal entitlement”

On Beyoncé sampling Chimamanda’s Tedx Talk for her single Flawless
“Feminism is a party that isn’t exclusive. People should be allowed to define it for themselves”

Advice for aspiring writers
“Read, read, read. I’m not sure one can be a good writer without being a good reader. Read books you don’t like, at least one chapter. If you’re going to build a desk, it’s good to see what other carpenters have done”

“Tell your truth. We live in a world now that’s forcing you to conform”

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Somewhere you should go… LSE Space For Thought Literary Festival 2012 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-lse-space-for-thought-literary-festival-2012/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-lse-space-for-thought-literary-festival-2012/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=3255 One of my favourite things about the capital is the great selection of free things to do. Seriously –  they are everywhere,  from museums, live music and sport to even educational events and the chance to take part in lively discussions. So for those interested in the latter, you’ll be glad to hear the London […]

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One of my favourite things about the capital is the great selection of free things to do. Seriously –  they are everywhere,  from museums, live music and sport to even educational events and the chance to take part in lively discussions. So for those interested in the latter, you’ll be glad to hear the London School of Economics  is organising its acclaimed literary festival for a fourth year running.

Taking place from Wednesday, February 29th  until Saturday, March 3rd, this year’s theme “Relating Cultures”  offers students and the general public a chance to take part in sessions on a wide range of topics from the use of chavs in literature, the portrayal of terrorism in films, workshops on how to get that novel you’ve been beavering away at published, to the life and work of Charles Dickens, the importance of poetry in people’s lives and more,  with events running all week throughout the day.

There are even events for children to inspire them to pick up a pen and get creative (or maybe just keep them occupied so you can have some peace and quiet).

Expect a fantastic line-up of speakers made up of varied authors, publishers and experts in their respective fields too.  So whether you have an interest in literature, social sciences or just the world around you, you’ll find something that’s worthwhile, pocket-friendly and will leave you with plenty of  food for thought.  All events are open to all, but a ticket is required which are available from the LSE website.  (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

For more info visit www.lse.ac.uk

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Somewhere you should go…Literary Death Match http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-literary-death-match/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-literary-death-match/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:00:49 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=1610 I couldn’t help but imagine scorned authors body-slamming and knocking each other out with volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica when I read this title.  But you’ll be relieved to  know that the Literary Death Match is a much more civilised affair (oh, you groan?)  and quite an amazing one at that.  The September 14th event, which […]

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I couldn’t help but imagine scorned authors body-slamming and knocking each other out with volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica when I read this title.  But you’ll be relieved to  know that the Literary Death Match is a much more civilised affair (oh, you groan?)  and quite an amazing one at that.  The September 14th event, which is a massive hit in the US – and regularly touches down  on these shores – will see competing wordsmiths deliver their best literary works in the hopes of being crowned the ultimate champ.

Author and journalist Neil Forsyth,  flash-fiction author extraordinaire  Femi Martin, writer Ben Brooks and poet/columnist/model Tiffany Anne Tondut will going head-to-head on the night, and such is the prestige of LDM, that  Turner Prize judge and writer Miranda Sawyer and trained actress and author Julie Mayhew will be among the judges on the panel.

Competition aside, this is likely to be an inspirational and thought-provoking evening, where weapons of mass destruction come in the form of sharp vocabulary and witty turns of phrases delivered by some of the best of the best in the game; it’s firmly in the diary.

 
[stextbox id=”custom”]Concrete @ Pizza East, Lower Ground Floor, 56 Shoreditch High Street E1 6JJ
Tube: Shoreditch High Street (Overground)
Further info: www.literarydeathmatch.com

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Somewhere you should go…THE (W)riters’ Library, W Hotel Leicester Square http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-the-writers-library-w-hotel-leicester-square/ http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/somewhere-you-should-go-the-writers-library-w-hotel-leicester-square/#comments Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:00:21 +0000 http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/?p=759 As if the swish W Hotel in Leicester Square couldn’t get any cooler, they’ve now installed a library inspired by some of the world’s greatest authors, open to both guests and the public. Curated by journo Damian Barr, The W(riters) Library consists of 100 books chosen by celebrity wordsmiths including by Bret Easton Ellis, David […]

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As if the swish W Hotel in Leicester Square couldn’t get any cooler, they’ve now installed a library inspired by some of the world’s greatest authors, open to both guests and the public. Curated by journo Damian Barr, The W(riters) Library consists of 100 books chosen by celebrity wordsmiths including by Bret Easton Ellis, David Nicholls, Hephzibah Anderson, Geoff Dyer, Ned Beauman, Alex Preston, Naomi Alderman, Sloane Crosley, Jake Arnott and Craig Taylor.  There’s classics, graphic novels – even some Dr Suess! – among the book selections, and to make it all the more special, each author has included a handwritten witty introduction in their chosen books, explaining why they love it.  Could this be the sweet taste of literary heaven? Uhhhh, yea?  (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

W London – Leicester Square is located at 10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6Q. A stay at W London – Leicester Square starts from £335 per double room per night, including taxes and charges.  To book call 0800 325 25252 or visit www.wlondon.co.uk.


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