The BIG READ for Brighton & Hove returns as part of the Brighton Festival 2019 and at 29 years old, S.K. Perry is the youngest writer ever chosen for City Reads.
CITY Reads is the longest running ‘big read’ in the UK conceived to spread a love of books and ideas to the widest possible audience throughout Brighton & Hove, with a healthy reach into the South East region.
The concept is simple: over three weeks (April 23 – May 12, 2019) one book is selected for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with in a series of special events, workshops and performances.
The project culminates with a live event at Brighton Festival featuring the chosen author, S.K.Perry, and her book Let Me Be Like Water.
Sarah Hutchings – Artistic Director of City Reads said: “Let Me Be Like Water is an exquisite, lyrical meditation on grief and romantic loss. As soon as I started reading it I was struck by the grace and strength of Sarah’s writing. She writes about Brighton with heart and passion, using the city’s glorious imperfections to remind us all why we are drawn here. It was a joy to read. We are delighted to be welcoming Sarah to Brighton & Hove in May to discuss this dazzling, poignant novel with readers across the City.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
Having impulsively escaped to Brighton following the death of her boyfriend Sam, songwriter Holly is now in a state of limbo. The solitude she had so craved in London leaves her feeling stranded and alone in her grief. It is when she meets Frank, a retired gay magician that the tide begins to turn. Frank has experienced his own heartbreak and offers Holly companionship and solace.
Gradually, as she is introduced to his eclectic group of friends, all with their own stories, she starts to heal. Let Me Be Like Water is a book simultaneously about nothing and everything: about the humdrum yet extraordinariness of everyday life; of lost and new connections; of loneliness and friendship.
From its launch on World Book Night (April 23) to the final event at the Brighton Festival on May 12, when S.K.Perry will be in conversation with Bridget Minamore, there will be a wide range of activities on offer, aimed at encouraging residents across the city (and beyond) to get reading and start talking.
HIGHLIGHTS include: the return of the free World Book Night Book Swap at Jubilee Library (April 23), a special literary salon: ’Amongst Friends’, hosted by writer Heidi James (May 2), a pop-up City Reads Supper Club at award-winning Starfish and Coffee (May 8) and of course S.K. Perry, live at Brighton Festival for the City Reads finale on Sunday, May 12.
Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said: “We’re pleased to include City Reads as part of our Festival programme again this year – building on our strong relationship with Collected Works CIC through projects such as Young City Reads and Adopt an Author.
“We look forward to S.K. Perry’s appearance at the Festival in May and would encourage readers to dive into her inspiring novel over the next few months.”
Nikki Griffiths, Managing Director, Melville House UK said: “We are excited and thrilled that S.K. Perry’s beautifully moving debut novel Let Me Be Like Water has been chosen for this year’s City Reads. Set in Brighton, it tells the story of Holly who is trying to start her life over after her boyfriend dies. It explores grief and loneliness, the importance of friendship and the passage of time. Sarah gives feeling and life not just to her characters, but to the structure and form of the novel and the vivid descriptive atmosphere Brighton’s coastal setting allows. I hope it resonates with Brighton readers and that they take Holly into their hearts.”
The full City Reads programme will be announced on February 22.
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