Description
Join the Backstory Fiction book club!
Each month, we read a different novel. A paperback copy of the book will be sent out about a month in advance, giving you plenty of time to read it.
Then we will all join the author on Zoom to discuss the book. It's a bit like any other book club, with the added advantage of quizzing the author herself.
So far we've been joined by authors including Caleb Azumah Neslon, Andrew O'Hagan and Rachel Yoder. See below for our upcoming line-up.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
We will meet monthly, usually on Tuesday evenings (UK time). More events will be added soon.
APRIL - Sophie Mackintosh, Cursed Bread
Tuesday 16th April, 8pm UK time
Spring, 1951. Four people meet in a small French town: the baker and his wife; the ambassador and his wife. Two belong to the town, two are outsiders. Some time later, strange things start happening. Horses drop dead in the fields. Children grow wild and unbiddable. Ghosts are sighted after dark. Someone is playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse – but who is the predator and who their prey?
MAY - Michael Magee, Close to Home
Tuesday 14th May, 8pm UK time
Sean is back. Back in Belfast and back into old habits. Back on the mad all-nighters, the borrowed tenners and missing rent, the casual jobs that always fall through.
Back in these scarred streets, where the promised prosperity of peacetime has never arrived. Back among his brothers, his ma, and all the things they never talk about. Until one night Sean finds himself at a party – dog-tired, surrounded by jeering strangers, his back against the wall – and he makes a big mistake.
THE FORMAT
We meet for a 60-minute Zoom each month, with roughly:
- 20 minutes discussing the book in small breakout groups, to replicate the feel of a traditional book group
- 20 minutes author interview by a member of the Backstory team
- 20 minutes Q&A with the author
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can't I see the Zoom link in my email inbox?
Our emails to Hotmail, Microsoft and Btinternet accounts are often sent to 'junk' or 'spam' folders. We are working on a fix. In the meantime, please use an alternative email if you have one. If not, please check your junk folder!
What does the price include?
A paperback copy of the book and attendance at the book club event with the author of the book.
How much is delivery?
Local members can pick up the book for free each month from our shop in Balham. Just choose the 'pick up' option.
UK delivery is free, EU delivery is £6.95 a month and rest-of-world delivery is £9.95 a month.
When will I get my book?
Books are normally sent out about four weeks in advance of each meeting. If you subscribe closer to the meeting, your book will be sent out ASAP.
What if I just want to come to one meeting?
You can! Just choose the option for that meeting only, rather than buying a subscription. You can only make one-off purchases for the next meeting, so if you want to come to a future meeting, check back a month beforehand to book.
How long does my subscription last?
You can cancel anytime. Books are sent out a month in advance of the meeting; we cannot cancel a book that is already on its way, but will stop any subsequent books.
What if I've already got the book?
If you wouldn't like a second copy yourself, please feel free to give it to a friend or family member, or donate it to charity. Whatever you choose, you are still welcome to come to the discussion, of course. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to cancel individual copies as the administration would get far too complicated! We hope you understand.
What if I'm already a member of the non-fiction book club?
We are giving non-fiction book club members the option to join any one-off fiction book club session for just £5 (without the book) or for the price of the book (if you would like a copy). Just email us your request at books@backstory.london
The same arrangement applies for our fiction book club members looking to join one-off sessions of the non-fiction club.
I have another question
Please feel free to email books@backstory.london